Written answer
Youth Services
1594. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress on the Programme for Government commitment to develop a youth culture card. [60478/26]
Comment on this
As outlined in the Programme for Government, my Department is considering the potential introduction of a Youth Culture Card for 16 and 17-year-olds to support greater participation in theatre, music, and other creative arts across Ireland.
This proposal is being approached in a careful and considered manner within the Department and in contacts with relevant parties. The overarching aim is to support increased participation in cultural life among young people, encouraging engagement with the arts and creative industries at a critical stage in their development.
This work is currently at a preliminary desk research stage. As part of this process, officials from my Department have undertaken a series of bilateral meetings with European colleagues where Youth Culture Cards are already operational. We are taking the learnings, best practices, and insights from these international models onboard, particularly regarding technical and administrative design.
In tandem, we are engaging closely with internal stakeholders and drawing on existing youth-focused supports. My Department already actively supports a range of institutions, programmes, and initiatives that create opportunities for young people nationwide. Through the Creative Ireland Programme, the Creative Youth Plan 2023–2027 continues to provide significant creative, cultural, and artistic opportunities for children and young people up to 24 years of age.
Active consideration is being given to the card's scope, rollout model and funding structure. The initial research and engagements will ensure that any proposal brought forward is sustainable, represents value for money, and delivers meaningful impact for young people across the country. Future consideration of a culture card would need to be subject to a full appraisal and considered within the context of the annual Estimates process.