Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
309. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that funding received as part of the basic income for the arts pilot scheme is not taken into consideration when means testing for social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5608/22]
View answerThe Arts and Culture Taskforce recommended the introduction of a pilot basic income scheme for artists. This was reflected in the National Economic Recovery Plan. Budget 2022 included an announcement of €25 million to pilot a new Basic Income Guarantee scheme for artists.
My colleague the Minister for Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has lead responsibility for this initiative and the matter is being progressed by Minister Martin and her Department.
Any issues regarding the interaction between the new pilot payment and existing payments from my Department will fall to be addressed in due course as work on the proposed pilot is progressed.
