Written answers

Tuesday, 15 February 2022

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Social Welfare Benefits

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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331. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure that the basic income for artists pilot will not negatively impact on disabled artists that receive means-tested payments. [8037/22]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As Minister with responsibility for Arts and Culture, I am very conscious of the value that this sector brings to all Irish citizens. The importance of Irish culture, Irish art and Irish productions as a whole cannot be overstated - it contributes to individual and societal well-being, as well as contributing to Ireland's reputation as a country with a rich cultural history and output.

The intention of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is to research the impact a basic income grant scheme would have on artists and creatives work patterns by providing the opportunity to focus on their practice, and to minimise the loss of skills from the arts as a result of the pandemic and to contribute to the sectors gradual regrowth post pandemic.

Like all income the grant payment will be reckonable for both income tax and social welfare means test purposes. However, the level of tax paid and-or the impact on a social welfare payment will depend on each person's individual circumstances.

The means testing of social welfare payments is a statutory function of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD and I have no statutory role in that regard. Engagement on the pilot scheme has been ongoing between my Department and the Department of Social Protection.

It is important to note that the Basic Income for the Arts scheme is not a social welfare payment, it is a grant payment and is a pilot scheme to research the impact of a basic income for the arts.

I believe that the Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme will bring new life and support to the Arts and Cultural Sector post pandemic and it will provide an important legacy for our artists and creatives.

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