Naoise Ó Cearúil TD presses for certainty on Basic Income for the Arts successor scheme
Published on: 14 July 2025
Naoise Ó Cearúil TD presses for certainty on Basic Income for the Arts successor scheme
In the Dáil today, Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil engaged directly with the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, on the future of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme, which has supported 2,000 artists since its inception.
Speaking during oral questions to the Minister, Deputy Ó Cearúil highlighted the early evidence pointing to the scheme’s transformative impact:
“Artists report producing more work, enjoying better well-being and feeling more financially secure. The scheme has made a real difference to their lives.”
The pilot has been extended by six months to allow for further evaluation, and Deputy Ó Cearúil pressed the Minister about his plans for a successor scheme and whether he could confirm that Budget 2026 will include ring-fenced funding for its continuation.
In response, Minister O’Donovan reaffirmed his commitment to using the evidence from the pilot to inform government decision-making. He noted that Cabinet had approved the extension to February 2026 and that stakeholder consultation would now begin. He added:
“I plan to bring proposals for permanent intervention to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026, using the evidence arising from the research programme and stakeholder engagement.”
Deputy Ó Cearúil welcomed the Minister’s update but emphasised the importance of transparency and inclusivity in the development of any successor scheme:
“Will the full cost-benefit analysis and findings be published? And would you agree that this scheme is more than an income support, it’s a statement about the value we place on culture and creativity in our society?”
He also stressed the need for inclusive co-design:
“Any future scheme must be co-designed with artists, including those with disabilities and from minority backgrounds, to ensure it's inclusive and accessible from the start.”
The Deputy expressed concern about the uncertainty still facing many artists:
“These artists have structured their lives around this scheme. We must avoid a cliff edge and provide clarity.”
He concluded by referencing international parallels:
“Other countries like Finland and Germany have embedded similar schemes in long-term cultural and economic planning. Has your department engaged with international counterparts on this?”
Minister O’Donovan confirmed that the scheme had drawn considerable interest from other EU Member States and noted the importance of Ireland’s economic capacity in enabling such a pilot. He acknowledged the need to avoid a cliff edge and reiterated that the extension to February 2026 was intended to provide certainty to current recipients while evaluation continues.
Deputy Ó Cearúil welcomed the Minister’s assurances but called for urgency:
“We need a permanent, inclusive scheme that gives artists the certainty they deserve.”
-ENDS-
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Naoise Ó Cearúil
