The initiative will allow teenagers to access live music, stage performances, and movie screenings using a downloadable digital card on their phones.Magnific
16-year-olds across Ireland are in line for a €100 digital voucher to spend on gigs, cinema trips, and theatre shows under a major new government scheme.
Expected to be officially unveiled in next month’s Budget, the scheme could be expanded to include 17-year-olds in future budgets if the initial rollout proves a hit with teens.
Driven by Minister for Arts, Media and Culture Patrick O’Donovan, the initiative will allow teenagers to access live music, stage performances, and movie screenings using a downloadable digital card on their phones.
Projected to cost between €7 million and €8 million, the initiative aims to boost youth engagement in Ireland’s cultural sector following a sharp post-pandemic decline in live event attendance among young adults.
How it compares to Europe
The move aligns Ireland with several European counterparts that already operate youth culture schemes, though typically with higher stipends ranging from €300 to €500:
Spain: Transactions operate like a standard prepaid debit card, reimbursing venues instantly at the point of sale. Spain also funds a separate loneliness-reduction scheme that caps cinema tickets at €2 for over-65s on Tuesdays.
France: Cultural venues process claims through a central online portal, receiving state reimbursements every two to three weeks.
Minister O’Donovan is reportedly hammering out the finer details of the allocation with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers ahead of the final budget negotiations.
Beyond tickets for shows, officials are considering whether the voucher could cover interactive elements like creative workshops and classes. Meanwhile, several Government backbenchers are pushing to have sports venues included under the umbrella.
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*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.