Skip to main content
Normal View

Tourism Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (250, 251, 252, 253)

Marian Harkin

Question:

250. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a list of the members of the night-time economy task force and their qualifications to serve on this task force will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41738/20]

View answer

Marian Harkin

Question:

251. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of submissions received in respect of the recent public consultation process on the night-time economy task force; the number of contributors of these submissions who have been asked to meet the task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41739/20]

View answer

Marian Harkin

Question:

252. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the further consultations to be undertaken by the night-time economy task force; the activities to be undertaken in the next stages of the work of the night-time economy task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41740/20]

View answer

Marian Harkin

Question:

253. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the intended outcomes of the night-time economy task force work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41741/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 to 253, inclusive, together.

I established the Night-time Economy Taskforce earlier this year on 30 July 2020 as one of the priority actions for my Department. This Taskforce is currently examining all the challenges facing the development of a vibrant night time culture and economy such as regulations, licensing laws, transport, and diversity of cultural activities among other issues so our cities, towns and villages which have already faced so many challenges this year, will be able to find and develop new opportunities.

The list of members of the Taskforce is set out below:

- Hazel Chu, Lord Mayor of Dublin

- Joe Kavanagh, Lord Mayor of Cork

- Clare Brosnan, Department of Justice and Equality

- Deaglán O Briain, Department of Justice and Equality

- Colin O Hehir, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications

- Éanna O Conghaile, Department of Transport

- Mary Byrne, Department of Rural and Community Development

- Colin Ryan, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

- Deborah Dignam, Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation

- Anne Graham, National Transport Authority

- Chief Superintendent McElgunn, An Garda Síochána

- Paul Keely, Fáilte Ireland

- Sunil Sharpe, Give us the Night

- Seán Rainbird, Council of National Cultural Institutions (CNCI)

- Maureen Keneally, Arts Council

- Jenny Sherwin, Local Authority Arts Officer

- AnnMarie Farrelly, County and City Managers Association (CCMA)

- Conor Falvey, Department of the Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

- Sinéad Copeland, Department of the Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

- Deirdre Currivan, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media ( Secretariat)

The Taskforce is co-chaired by Katherine Licken, Secretary General of my Department, and John McCarthy, former Secretary General at the then Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Its membership includes a range of Government Departments, Agencies whose remit covers aspects of the Night-time Economy and who have valuable input to contribute from a legislative and or policy perspective. The Lord Mayor of Dublin and the Lord Mayor of Cork are also members of the Taskforce given the significant experience in developing the Night-time Economy in Dublin and Cork. Give us the Night are also represented on the Taskforce. Give us the Night is an independent volunteer group of professionals operating within the night-time industry and articulates the views of this Sector to the wider Taskforce. I am confident that the Taskforce represents a wide range of policy perspectives on the Night-time Economy and I look forward to the outcome of their work.

As part of their work, I have asked the Taskforce to conduct an intensive stakeholder engagement process with all relevant sectors and interested parties who have a significant role in the night-time economy to ensure that all views and ideas are considered by the Taskforce. Well over 100 stakeholders from community organisations, business and industry, civic society, cultural sector and sporting organisations were invited to submit their views. Some 58 submissions were received as part of this process and the responses are currently being considered by the Taskforce.

As part of this process, the Taskforce has currently invited a number of groups to present their views to the Group over the course of December. They have already heard from the HSE Alcohol and Mental Health Programme, the HSE National Social Inclusion Office, Alcohol Action Ireland and the Purple Flag Initiative. Further presentations from Groups representing the business, tourism and hospitality sectors as well as groups representing a resident's association and events and entertainment industries will also be part of this process. The Taskforce may also invite further groups in to present their views as they develop their work.

The Taskforce will review the results of the consultation process and is also considering the development of a focus group structure to look at some of the findings and see how they can progress the various issues arising. I have asked the Taskforce to report back to me within six months from their first meeting with a series of recommendations on practical measures which will help us develop a vibrant and sustainable night-time economy.

A range of supports and measures from my own Department and across other Departments have already been established for hard hit sectors which contribute to the night-time economy including the arts and creative sectors and the tourism sectors. However, we need even more creative thinking and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the night-time economy and I want every opportunity explored and maximised. I look forward to the outcome of the work of this Taskforce.

Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 218.
Top
Share