Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)

It is wonderful to hear all the analysis and statistics that are proving what a lot of us believe, which is that we have an economy that values a certain type of work. This type of pilot shows us there is other work that happens in society that should be just as valued and, when it is valued, we all benefit from it. It really is wonderful to hear that. I welcome the six-month extension but, like Deputy Ó Snodaigh, the artists I have spoken to live in this uncertainty right now regarding what will happen. We need some certainty as to what is going to happen.

I would love to hear more detail on the interaction the Minister has had with the Department of Social Protection. The word "pilot" is crucial here. This is a pilot but there are so many other groups in society who would benefit from a basic income. I am thinking of small farmers, for example, carers, lone parents and disabled people. There are lots of ways in which basic income could be applied in different areas. If we want to get the best value out of a pilot, we need to think about that. The Minister needs to connect with all Ministers, particularly the Minister for Social Protection.

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