Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
79. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 28 April 2021, the status of the development of proposals by the oversight group for the promised basic income guarantee pilot scheme for artists; when she expects the proposals to be finalised; when she expects to implement the pilot scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33291/21]
View answer95. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the oversight group which is assessing the pilot for the artist basic income guarantee scheme. [33103/21]
View answer123. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the steps taken to pursue a basic minimum income for members of the artistic and cultural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33295/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 95 and 123 together.
I was delighted that as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan launched on June 1st, I secured a commitment from Government for a Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme for artists. The Government recognises that bold steps are necessary for our invaluable and much treasured arts community to come back stronger than ever before.
I have established an Oversight Group with the remit of addressing the outstanding recommendations of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce report Life Worth Living. The Oversight Group held its first meeting on May 27th and is being chaired by my Department and joined by representatives of the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Public Expenditure and Reform as well as Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Directors of the Arts Council and Screen Ireland are also members and as well as a representative of the County and City Managers Association.
I have asked the Oversight Group to prioritise the examination of Recommendation 1 of the Life Worth Living report, and to examine the manner in which a Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme for artists could be delivered. The Oversight Group is expected to report to me by the end of July.
The work of the Oversight Group will be independent of the work of the Low Pay Commission which has been tasked by, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to examine the Programme for Government commitment to pilot a Universal Basic Income within the lifetime of this Government commitment.
