Irish teenagers to receive €100 voucher for culture and music events in Budget 2027

The government is to give a €100 voucher to all 16-year-olds to spend on arts, cultural and music venues next year.

Depending on how effective it is, could also be rolled out for 17-year-olds in next year's budget.

The initiative is similar to one piloted in Italy in 2016, where €500 was given to young people for similar activities.

The specifics are being worked on by Minister for Arts, Media and Culture Patrick O'Donovan while awaiting his department's budget allocation with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers in the coming days.

The voucher is likely to be redeemable by means of a downloadable card.

It is understood the initiative could cost between €7 and €8 million and would allow 16-year-olds entry to cinemas, theatres and music venues.

The Programme for Government set out in 2025 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.

Some TDs have also sought for sporting venues to be included.

Minister O'Donovan has considered whether the card might also apply to participatory activities like workshops, classes and community-based cultural experiences.