Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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1103. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the basic income scheme for artists will be extended to include all eligible artists that apply, rather than the limited number of 2000, in the highly successful pilot phase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47467/25]

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 announced an extension of six months to allow for further evaluation of the pilot data.  This is will give sufficient time to engage in stakeholder consultation and to evaluate the data which will provide the evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps. An online public consultation has just closed, and a large number of submissions were received and these are being evaluated at present. A sectoral stakeholder forum will take place on 10 September to discuss the BIA.

My Department has been undertaking a comprehensive research programme based on this data and I recently published a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme.  A cost-benefit analysis paper is also being prepared. It will compare the benefits and costs arising from the BIA in order to determine its net value.

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.  

No decisions on the scale and scope of a successor scheme have yet been made.  A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention in the context of Budget 2026 discussions, based on the evidence arising from the research programme and stakeholder engagement.