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

I am well aware of the challenges facing artists, and many other people, in accessing affordable accommodation in Ireland. Improving housing supply and improving affordability is a priority of the Government as set out in the Government’s housing policy Housing for All as led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This multi-annual, multibillion euro plan aims to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs.

Support for the arts and professional arts practice has been a key priority for me as Minister. Last Monday, 27 May, I hosted the status of the artist in Ireland conference for artists and arts sector organisations. At the conference, I was glad to be able report that one year into the basic income for the arts, BIA, scheme pilot, research suggests that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact on almost all indicators. This research has now been published and is providing for the first time a firm evidence base for future interventions to support the sector. It demonstrates both the challenges facing artists and also the positive impact of the basic income support, including on making ends meet, on well-being and on arts practice.

Last Monday's conference also included panel discussion around issues facing artists and the sector generally. Artist workspaces and housing needs in particular were discussion topics. I am very conscious of the pressures that artists and creatives face in finding suitable workspaces and affordable places to live. In a that context, I hope to announce very soon the opening of a new capital scheme by my Department where local authorities will be invited to apply for funding towards projects that provide artists’ workspaces in their towns and cities. Last June, I announced investment of €3 million towards a €9 million funding initiative with Dublin City Council that will see 60 artists provided with workspaces. On foot of ongoing engagement with the National Campaign for the Arts, NCFA, I anticipate that housing challenges facing those in the arts sector will feature prominently in the NCFA pre-budget submission this year. This will be considered in the context of the budget Estimates process for 2025 and the in the context of the Government's broader Housing for All policy.

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