Jennifer Horgan: We need to look at arts vouchers for teens through an equality lens

Little Johnny in Christians or in Blackrock College does not need a voucher to go to the cinema for a few weeks on the trot, but little Johnny attending a Deis school might need a great deal more than that

The Kabin Crew Juniors performing at the Rap A Mile event on Grand Parade for Culture Night in Cork City: The Government could put the millions into long-term initiatives and creative hubs like the Kabin in Knocknaheeny, a musical home for dozens of teenagers on Cork’s northside. Pictures: Darragh Kane

I appreciate the Government’s proposal to offer €100 vouchers to teenagers so they can access the arts. I just wish it could be more meaningful, more reflective of reality.

The measure, encouraging teenagers to visit theatres and cinemas, must be looked at through an equality lens. Why? Because to do otherwise is to ignore the reality of teenagers’ lives.