Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On a personal level, I have spoken of my support for and have also written about a basic income for artists. Universal basic income is also core to Green Party policy.

Work is being done on this matter. It has gained the support of my colleagues in the Cabinet and the relevant Departments in the oversight group. This work on a basic income for artists is independent of the work of the Low Pay Commission which has been tasked by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to examine the programme for Government commitment to pilot a universal basic income within the Government's lifetime. I intend, therefore, to proceed with the development of proposals for a basic income for artists as a matter of priority. The sector is on its knees. People in it have heard too much talk about valuing our arts and culture and they need to see that we do. Our actions will show it.

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