Subsidised tickets for cultural events could benefit older people and the arts.
That's according to Independent TD for Sligo–Leitrim Marian Harkin, who was reacting to plans by Spain to introduce €2 cinema tickets for those over-65.
Deputy Harkin told Newstalk Breakfast while the Spanish idea has merit, sitting in a cinema may not be the best option.
"[Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez] talks about converting culture into a state policy and combatting a sedentary lifestyle," she said.
"I'm not sure that going to the cinema for a few hours is combatting a sedentary lifestyle.
"I think Irish people might be interested, but there isn't a cinema in every locality and it's not something everybody could access.
"Irish people like to go to a play, a concert, a music event in their local theatre or town hall.
"There might be something that could be done there.
"There's loads of drama festivals around the country; maybe a small grant to those to cover a much-reduced entry price".
'Discretionary spending'
Deputy Harkin said money is the main reason older people may stay home.
"In my view part of the reason, and may be a very substantial part of the reason, that people are not going out - especially those who are fixed incomes - they don't have anything over what we'd call discretionary spending," she said.
"I think if there was any sort of free ticket, or even voucher, it might mean that a person would be able to afford to go out the odd time at least".
Deputy Harkin said this would also help support local artists.
"It coming at a policy objective from both sides," she said.
"In other words: that you're not just subsidising artists, that you are helping to ensure that there will be some sort of a crowd there basically to appreciate their art," she added.
