Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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1317. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of initial applicants for the basic income for artists payment; the number of initial applicants rejected for the basic income for artists payment; the number of initial applicants rejected for the basic income for artists payment, but were successfully able to appeal their rejection; the number of successful applicants for the basic income for artists payment, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40774/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists, which is why I recently announced that Cabinet has agreed to my proposal to an extension of six months to allow for further evaluation of the pilot data.

The primary objective of the scheme is to help artists deal with precarious incomes and to prevent talent from leaving the sector for economic reasons. 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. 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, produce more pieces of work, experience a boost to their wellbeing 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.

I know that the BIA support is hugely valued by artists in receipt of it, it has also been the subject of much positive commentary at home and in an international context and makes an important statement about the value placed on the arts in Ireland. I met with the National Campaign for the Arts in mid-May and further stakeholder engagement is planned for the coming months.

Over 9,000 applications were made under the scheme with over 8,200 assessed as eligible according to the published guidelines for the scheme. Eligible applications were then included in a randomised anonymous selection process to choose the participants. This process was overseen by EY acting as an independent verifier. Over 8,200 eligible applicants were included in the anonymised randomised selection to select the 2,000 BIA recipients and the control group of 1,000 participants.

Of the over 9,000 applications originally made, 905 applications were deemed ineligible for the scheme and 149 of these applicants appealed that decision. There were 49 appeals where the original decision was overturned (these applicants were deemed eligible following appeal) and 97 where the decision that the applicant was ineligible was upheld following appeal. 3 appeals were withdrawn. The 49 whose original decision was overturned were included in the randomised selection for recipients and control group.

Share of applications by County: