Departmental Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019

Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Questions (662)

Catherine Martin

Question:

662. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the creation of a national night-time culture steering committee in her Department; the membership of the committee; the expected frequency of meetings; the envisaged ongoing relationship with the pilot night-time culture groups in Dublin and Cork; the need for the inclusion of balanced input from rural and smaller urban centres; the terms of reference of the work of the committee; the expected policy and legislative remit of the committee; the need for public consultation; and the expected timeline of the committee’s work. [42193/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

On April 17th, I held a symposium to investigate the possibility of creative nightlife and cultural activity after hours as an alternative and complementary option to Ireland's existing rich night time experience.  The issues which have been surfaced through this process are primarily impacting on creative and cultural activity in larger urban centres.  My Department has been working with key partners to develop an approach to support a sustainable and forward looking infrastructure to develop and sustain creativity and cultural events at night time.  The composition of the pilot groups is being finalised and will comprise members with local interests in entertainment, culture, business, the arts, policing, creative workers and officials from the relevant local authority.

With respect to the National Committee, it is my intention this will allow issues which require a response at national level to be brought promptly to the attention of the relevant  Government Department or agency, who will have responsibility for any policy or legislative response.  The pilots will operate for a defined period before being subject to review.