Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)

This matter relates to the basic income for those involved in the arts. This is a ground-breaking scheme that threw a lifeline to 2,000 artists in 2022. I wish to get assurances from the Minister of State as to what will happen in August when the three-year lifetime of the scheme expires. Many artists are anxious about what is likely to happen. A review is under way, which is absolutely acceptable and understandable. We must make sure that there is good use of public money. However, there is not much clarity as to the process involved here, when details will be published and when those currently in receipt of the basic income will be told what their future is going to look like. Will they be able to reapply? If so, when will the relevant process open? Those are the questions many of them are asking.

The basic income can be construed as a handout, but it is not. It effectively gives artists, particularly early career artists but also those who have been around a number of years, the opportunity to devote time to their art. Successive reviews of the scheme have demonstrated that those in receipt of the scheme can spend more hours on their art, do not have to hold down other jobs and that there is a return to the arts from the scheme. Of what is spent, about 40% of the basic income goes back into the arts. Ultimately, this is about work. The arts are often seen as fluffy. It is about work and the dignity of those who have a particular talent or creative form and want to give their lives to that. People who have approached me wonder if they will be able to pay their rent after August, continue with the successes they have had over the past three years and be able to plan their artistic career to the end of 2025 and beyond. Failure to renew the scheme would be devastating for many in the sector.

There is a huge appetite for the scheme to be extended. There were 8,200 applications for the scheme in 2022. Less than quarter were successful. The cost of the scheme is a drop in the ocean compared with the amount of money spent in other areas. For €35 million, the State gets quite a good return from supporting artists and ensuring that they can get on with their craft and, ultimately, that we live up to the notion that we are supportive of the arts. The reality has traditionally been the opposite; people needed to have very difficult years before achieving success.

This is not only about income; it also relates to the artistic space. The Minister of State will have heard me speak about that on many occasions in the Seanad. Today, it is about the basic income scheme and ensuring it continues. I would like to hear the detail of the process and what will happen post August.

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