The Deputy will appreciate that the Basic Income for Artists (BIA) scheme was introduced as an alternative income stream for participants and is not intended to be payable concurrently with social welfare supports such as Jobseekers Allowance. Payment is made at a weekly rate of €325 which is significantly higher than the personal rate of Jobseekers Allowance of €220.
Participants on the scheme were strongly advised at application stage that if they were receiving a social welfare payment that they should advise my Department of the payments from the BIA scheme. My Department also provided advice on its website on Gov.ie outlining clearly that successful applicants for the BIA scheme must inform the Department as the payment may affect the person’s current social welfare payment.
The case which was the subject of the letter to which the Deputy refers relates to an overlap where Jobseekers Allowance and Basic Income for Artists were paid concurrently. The Deputy will appreciate that overlapping payments of this nature are not in keeping with either social welfare legislation or the intended aim of the Basic Income for Artists Scheme.
Where overpayments of social welfare benefits occur, there is an onus on my Department to seek to recover any amounts due. Decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements are made by statutorily appointed Deciding Officers. Where a person is dissatisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they have the right to request a review of the decision and they may also appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Due to the number of overpayments raised each year, it is not possible to readily establish how many overpayments have occurred due solely to the participation in the BIA scheme.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
