Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In addition to what I mentioned earlier, Aosdána, which was established in 1981, is a unique State initiative which honours artists whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland. Membership of Aosdána, which is by peer nomination and election, is limited to 250 living artists who have produced a distinguished body of work. Members of Aosdána may avail under certain conditions of the Cnuas, a stipend which is designed to enable them to devote their energies fully to their work. A defined contribution pension scheme, to which the Arts Council also contributes, is in place for all members of Aosdána.

With regard to State pensions, I understand that artists can avail of such pensions subject to the standard eligibility conditions. Where a person does not meet the qualifying conditions for a contributory State pension, I understand that he or she may apply for the means-tested, non-contributory State pension.

There is merit in Deputy Ó Snodaigh's proposal to support artists who are off sick or unable to work due to illness. As the economy improves, that merits consideration.

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