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

Some of the statistics quoted by Deputy Ó Snodaigh are on foot of the research for the basic income for the arts pilot scheme. This shows its value. As I have said, the research element of it was of equal importance as the actual payment itself because we are gathering information on the real lived experience of artists. As I said at the conference, it seems that the issues that affect society seem to hit our artists even harder. This information will help inform future policy initiatives to support our artists.

It is also important to recognise the increases in resources for the arts sector in recent years. There were record allocations for the Arts Council, for Culture Ireland, for Screen Ireland, for Creative Ireland, and indeed that once-in-a-generation basic income for the arts pilot scheme. Everything I have done since I became Minister is in consultation with the arts community to help inform what is needed and to respond to that. This is how I will continue.

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