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Social Welfare Code

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2022

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Questions (164, 165)

Pauline Tully

Question:

164. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated additional cost to the State if the stipend for artists and culture workers recently introduced under the basic income programme for artists and culture workers was disregarded from the means test for disability allowance and carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10262/22]

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Pauline Tully

Question:

165. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider disregarding the stipend for artists and culture workers recently introduced under the basic income programme for artists and culture workers from the means test for disability allowance and carer’s allowance given the additional cost of disability highlighted in a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10264/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

The 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.

It is not possible for my Department to provide costings, pending development of detailed proposals. 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.

The cost of disability is significantly broader than income supports and it is clear that it will not be addressed through income support alone. With regard to the research to which the Deputy refers, its findings have implications for many areas of public policy including the delivery of care services, health, housing, education, transport and income supports so this is why a whole-of-Government perspective is needed. With regards to implementing an all-Department response, the Government has referred the report on the Cost of Disability to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which is chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, T.D. This Group has oversight of monitoring the key frameworks for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Ireland and it is in this regard that the Government saw it fitting that this group would be the appropriate monitoring vehicle. It will consider and monitor actions required by the various Government Departments on foot of this report on a bi-annual basis. All Departments have been asked to consider actions that are currently being implementing and any proposed new actions that they will be undertaking in the context of the findings of the Report.

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