Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2024
928. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the basic income for the arts pilot scheme will reopen for additional applications; and, if so, when it will reopen. [32034/24]
View answerThe Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme was a key policy objective for me. This pilot is a three-year research programme with the intention of providing an evidence base to assess whether or not this type of support works for the arts. The research being collected will inform future Government policy in the arts and has the potential to change the landscape of the arts in Ireland and how we fund it.
The scheme is a pilot, running from 2022 - 2025, and is operating with funding for a maximum of 2,000 recipients of the payment who are receiving payment of €325 per week. 1,000 Control Group members are also participating in the research. As analysis of the results of participant surveys involves a comparison of averages between the two groups, it is intended that participants selected in 2022 remain on the scheme for the full three years. I do not intend to invite new applications for the or during the pilot phase.
