Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 18 May 2022, if he has received the reports by the Low Pay Commission and the ESRI on a universal basic income; the timeline for the publication of both reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41447/22]
View answerIn January 2021, I requested the Low Pay Commission to report on the Programme for Government commitment to “examine Universal Basic Income, informed by a review of previous international pilots and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government.” To inform its considerations, the Low Pay Commission asked the ESRI to conduct background technical research on a universal basic income under the terms of the Low Pay Commission – ESRI Research Partnership Agreement.
This research was to examine universal basic income pilots that have taken place in other jurisdictions to identify what was learned and what might be relevant to a pilot in Ireland. This study was also to identify which policy objectives a universal basic income could address as well as its associated risks and financial implications. This research was to conclude with recommendations on how a universal basic income pilot in Ireland might be designed and implemented.
The Low Pay Commission received the ESRI’s report on Universal Basic Income earlier this year. After reviewing the contents of that report, the Low Pay Commission submitted its Universal Basic Income Report to me in July 2022. I, along with my officials, will review the Commission’s report and recommendations over the coming weeks. I will be considering the next steps to take including the publication in due course of the Commission’s report and the accompanying research report.
