I am aware of the Disabled Artists and Disabled Academics (DADA) campaign and have met with them on multiple occasions to discuss their concerns. A further meeting involving myself, Minister Roderic O’Gorman T.D. and representatives of DADA is scheduled for 27 July.
My Department has responsibility for the development and implementation of disability policy, and this is currently delivered via two whole of government national disability strategies, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities.
My colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has established a Pilot Scheme titled ‘Basic Income for the Arts’.
It is important to stress that a payment under the pilot is not a social protection or income support payment. Rather it is a payment in recognition of the valuable contribution of the arts community and an incentive to encourage people to remain employed in the arts rather than seeking employment elsewhere.
It is also important to note that both of the Department of Social Protection's primary means tested social assistance payments (disability allowance and blind pension) have been structured to support recipients to avail of opportunities to pursue employment, be that self-employment or insurable employment.
When an individual commences employment, they can avail of an income disregard of €140 per week. In addition, 50% of earnings between €140 and €375, are also disregarded for the purpose of the means test.
Income from the pilot scheme will be treated as income from self-employment, and as a result these disregards will apply.
The conditions underpinning this scheme is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
