Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will end as I began by congratulating the Minister on initiating the task force to protect the arts and culture sector during and beyond the Covid-19 crisis. It is important to see the mental health of artists being supported through initiatives such as Minding Creative Minds. I know the Minister has spent a considerable amount of time pursuing mental health resourcing generally in her time in this House. Funding of our artists through upskilling and capacity building is essential for a vibrant and dynamic sector. Having received funding in the past, I know at first hand how vital it can be, not only to assist creative professionals in their endeavours but also to help us better relate to one another through appreciation of our shared culture and art.

With our colleagues in the Green Party, the Minister and I have long campaigned for the introduction of a universal basic income. It is great to see a pilot scheme of this Green Party policy being acted upon by the Government. Can the Minister give a firm timeline of when a UBI will be in place and operational?

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