Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
45. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the development of the night-time economy taskforce; if the taskforce will advance the appointment of a night-time culture mayor for Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17280/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the development of the night-time economy taskforce; if the taskforce will advance the appointment of a night-time culture mayor for Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17279/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
The establishment of a Night time Economy Taskforce is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and my Department is leading on this commitment. The aim of the proposed Taskforce is to look at innovative approaches to supporting and developing a vibrant, diverse night time culture and economy in Ireland and it is intended that key Departments, Agencies and relevant groups will be represented on this Taskforce at senior level.
The Taskforce will build on the work carried out by my Department in this area which included a symposium to investigate the possibility of creative nightlife and cultural activity after hours and the establishment of pilot projects in both Cork and Dublin to provide more detailed insights into the specific issues facing the development of a night time culture and to seek wider public views.
The Taskforce will examine progress on these measures to date and also examine more complex issues including issues around licensing laws and regulations governing our night-time culture at national and local level. Part of the role of the Taskforce will also be to examine the establishment of Night-time Culture Mayors in Cork and Dublin, a role that some other European cities have already established.
We know that many businesses and creative practitioners which depend on the night-time economy are suffering huge losses due to the necessary restrictions caused by COVID-19 and the work of this Taskforce is even more important in this context. The support and cooperation of key Departments and agencies and local authorities will be vital to the success of this initiative and my Department is currently writing to these Departments and agencies to seek nominations to the Taskforce.
The Taskforce will also consult with and inform the various interest groups who have been involved in the development of this initiative, as the work progresses.
