- Government plans €100 culture card for 16-year-olds
- Initiative expected in next month’s Budget
- Could be rolled out for 17-year-olds in following Budget
- Cost estimated between €7m and €8m
- Similar schemes exist in France, Spain and Italy
The Government is planning to give a free €100 voucher to all 16-year-olds to spend on arts, cultural and music venues next year. The initiative is expected to be unveiled in next month’s Budget and if successful could also be rolled out for all 17-year-olds in next year’s Budget. The final specifics are being worked on by the Minister for Arts Media and Culture Patrick O’Donovan who is to finalise his Department’s budget allocation with the Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers in the coming days.
It is understood the voucher could be redeemable by means of a downloadable card. Other European countries like France Spain and Italy have versions of culture cards already ranging in value from €300 to €500. In January 2025 the Programme for Government committed to an examination of the introduction of a culture card for 16 and 17-year-olds. The Department began the preliminary stages of reaching out to potential stakeholders and partners in relation to the scheme at the start of the year.
It is understood the initiative could cost between €7m and €8m and would allow 16-year-olds entry to cinemas theatres and music venues. Some Government TDs have also sought for sporting venues to be included. Minister O’Donovan has also considered whether the card might also apply to participatory activities like workshops classes and community-based cultural experiences. In France venues are reimbursed by the Government every two to three weeks through a dedicated portal. In Spain venues receive money at the point of sale as transactions on the culture card are akin to a regular prepaid debit card transaction.
