As I advised Deputy Connolly in September, last year 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.
The Low Pay Commission received the ESRI’s report on Universal Basic Income earlier this year. The Low Pay Commission submitted its report and recommendations on Universal Basic to me in July 2022. Subject to cabinet approval, I intend to publish the Commission’s report on universal basic income and its accompanying research report in November.