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

My entire approach to the pilot scheme is that, by its nature, it is a research project. I do not intend it to be exclusive, but rather as inclusive as possible. It is a three-year research project to determine the impact of a basic income on artists and arts workers. As part of that research, we will need to determine what impact a basic income will have on the entire life cycle of artists from the point when they begin their careers to the point they retire. On that basis, it is critical that we include emerging artists. I do not wish to exclude emerging artists. It is critical that they are included in order that we know how this will impact those at the start of the journey up until they become a practising artist.

On supports, earlier today I am glad to say that I announced a new music and entertainment business assistance scheme. It is part of a suite of measures. The grant will be paid for six months from January until June. It is a scheme that is simpler and easier to access. It is for self-employed performers, sole traders and businesses in the music industry.

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