John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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475. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the review of the artist’s social welfare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38365/18]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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502. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications received for the artist's social welfare pilot scheme; the number of persons in receipt of welfare payments in respect of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38715/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 502 together.

A pilot initiative to assist self-employed visual artists and writers who apply to my Department for jobseeker's allowance was launched in June 2017. Under this initiative self-employed professional artists and writers who are in receipt of a jobseeker's allowance are not subject to the activation process for 12 months. Applicants for the pilot scheme must satisfy all of the other qualifying conditions of the scheme.

My Department’s records show that a total of 76 people have registered for the scheme since it commenced in June 2017. There are currently 54 artists and writers who are availing of the pilot arrangements.

It is planned that a review of this scheme will commence shortly.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy at this time.