419. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on his plans to support the night-time economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51597/26]

Following the publication of the Night-Time Economy Task Force Report in 2021, a high-level Night-Time Economy (NTE) Implementation Group was established by my Department. The group consists of representatives from key departments, agencies, and stakeholders and is chaired by my Department. The group continues to meet regularly to oversee the progression and implementation of the actions in the NTE Taskforce Report.

Significant progress has been made across the original 36 actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, with some actions now completed. The work of the Implementation Group to date has made valuable impacts in bringing the benefits of a vibrant NTE into public discourse as well as affecting policy development across Government. This year, the Implementation Group established five thematic subgroups covering the areas of:

• safety

• licensing, planning and regulation

• late night transport, tourism, experience economy, retail and events

• night-time culture

• economic and NTE data

I have allocated €3 million in 2026 towards the implementation of a range of measures to support the Night-Time Economy, this included an allocation of €1 million to support 60 venues under the Grassroots Venue Support Scheme, €423k supporting 47 museums and galleries under the ‘After Hours at the Museum’ scheme, €190k towards Culture Night Late and the continued funding support for 9 Night-Time Advisors in Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny, Longford Town, Sligo Town, Drogheda and Buncrana, Co. Donegal.

The Night-Time Economy pilots are a priority project for the Department. Last year, we commissioned Communiqué International to conduct an independent review of the 9 Night-Time Economy pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the Advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, the future roll-out of the pilots and whether a further roll-out is warranted and what needs to be put in place to make this model effective.

I have now examined the findings in the Report from the review, and I have met with my officials in relation to the recommendations outlined in the Report. Discussions have now commenced between my Department and local government in relation to the outcomes of the review and the future roll-out of this important project.

My Department will continue to work with the relevant departments and agencies to examine further opportunities to develop and sustain a vibrant, diverse, safe and inclusive night-life across the country.