Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
82. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the pilot scheme to be run by her Department and the Department of Social Protection to establish a specific social protection payment for artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20385/17]
View answerIn December, I announced that my Department in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection would devise a mechanism during 2017 to assist self-employed artists who have applied for Jobseeker’s Allowance. I have been in contact with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection on the matter and officials of our two Departments are working on this initiative in consultation with the Arts Council. The scheme will be a pilot scheme and is part of the Creative Ireland Programme launched in December. Details of the pilot scheme will be announced shortly.
