Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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396. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the basic income for arts scheme; if she proposes to reopen the scheme for applications; if the scheme is under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42453/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Introducing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme was a key policy objective for me. Since becoming Minister, I have been determined to focus on supporting professional arts practice and demonstrating to artists that they are valued, that their work is appreciated and that the contribution they make to enhancing all of our lives is understood.

While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date under the scheme that it is having a positive impact on participants, and this is heartening to see. The latest data is available at .

This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation. Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, experience a boost to their well-being through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support.

The BIA is a unique opportunity to gather such valuable data on the arts sector, data that we did not have before. In researching impacts on recipients and the ecology of the arts, this pilot scheme has the potential to change the landscape of the arts sector within Ireland and, indeed, change how it is funded.

In Budget 2025, Government made an allocation of €35 million for the Basic Income for the Arts in 2025. This is sufficient to fund the current pilot programme to its conclusion in August 2025 and also provides the Government with flexibility for a successor support.

While a Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, I have made my own views on the importance of retaining and expanding the scheme very clear. The future of the BIA will be decided when the results of the research are available which will provide the Government with the evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts.