Teenagers set to receive €100 culture voucher in Budget

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 believed the voucher could be redeemable by means of a downloadable card.

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

Other European countries like France, Spain and Italy have versions of culture cards already, ranging in value from €300 to €500.