Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. The creation of a universal basic income for artists is a truly groundbreaking move on the Minister's part. Everyone, in his or her time as Minister, seeks to do exactly that, in other words, make a significant change that would impact on the lives of people long after he or she has exited the role. I think of the work President Michael D. Higgins did when he was Minister, including the 1% for arts provision, the establishment of TG4 and various other wonderful things. I congratulate the Minister on having the vision and ambition to make this happen. This will be truly groundbreaking if and when - I always use the word "when" - we make it happen. It is important that she gets the support of her Cabinet colleagues and the Government in general in making it happen.

I would be grateful for an update on where we are at right now. Since the Minister first mentioned the proposition, an extraordinary number of artists have been in touch with me to ask if they would qualify and how they can make their voice heard right now in terms of being able to access the universal basic income when it becomes a reality. Anything the Minister could say this morning to reassure the artists that this will be as encompassing and broadly supportive as possible would be much appreciated.