Young people in towns and cities are looking for sustainable places in which to dance, staggered opening hours and closing times and public transport home. On a number of other nights this week, a campaign group, Give Us The Night, is holding meetings about the recent closures of clubs in Dublin. Hangar which was located in St. Andrew's Lane closed last year and District 8 and the Wright Venue are due to close at the end of the month. No new nightclubs have opened in Dublin in the past ten years.

There were about 350 people at the public meeting. They included nightclub operators and promoters and people who create the culture of the night such as DJs, staff, students and club-goers. The vitality of night-life culture is caught up in this perfect storm of gentrification, planning and licensing. Dublin and all other Irish cities seem to be going in entirely the opposite direction to our European neighbours. Britain has made moves towards retaining and advancing night-life options. It has established a night-time mayor. It values its night-time economy, at around €66 billion per year.

Night-time mayor.

Yes.

Is that a nightmare?

The commonly recognised timeframe in this sector is about 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. but in Dublin we are all out on the street at the same time between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.. Our discussions on a directly elected mayor should include a night mayor.

It sounds like a nightmare.

Is this a conversation we are having here? Does the Senator know the scene himself?

I am intrigued.

I understand Senator Mullen's interest in what Senator Warfield is saying but I think he should be allowed to conclude.

I would welcome an invitation.

There is always an open invitation.

I do not get out much.

I gathered that.

There might have to be a special arrangement made for Senator Mullen. Ar aghaidh leat.

I will leave that to the Cathaoirleach. I am calling for the Minister-----

And probably me.

I am calling for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to discuss licensing and how we can rethink this system and have a mature conversation - we have started on the wrong foot - about how we can rethink the system and not restrict night life. We need to recognise its contribution towards the culture of the island.