John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

67. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost to date of running the basic income for artists scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52244/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. I announced an extension of six months to February 2026 to allow for further assessment of the pilot data and to engage in stakeholder consultation to provide an evidence base for Government to make decisions on next steps.

Consultation is ongoing including a Consultative Committee which draws from across Government. I launched an online public consultation which closed on 5 September, over 17,000 submissions received, of which 97% were in favour of BIA being continued. A sectoral stakeholder forum also took place on 10 September with around 200 attendees from both resource organisations and artists represented.

The cost of Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme is €35m for a full calendar year for 2,000 artists to participate, with each recipient receiving €325 a week for the duration of the scheme. The cost of the 6-month extension is €16.7m to February 2026.

The outturn each year has been as follows (to nearest €,000):

The total expenditure varies due to natural attrition of participants and as administration and other costs fluctuate e.g. external research costs. There are currently 1962 participants on the scheme.

I recently published the findings of an independent cost-benefit analysis (CBA) paper. It shows that the BIA produced over €100m in social and economic benefits. For every €1 invested in the pilot society received a return of €1.39. It also finds that recipients’ arts-related income increased by over €500 per month on average. Audience engagement with the arts generated an estimated €16.9 million in social value over the three pilot years.

The CBA finds the real net fiscal cost of the BIA pilot to be just under €72m over the three years compared with the gross cost of €105m, due to returns in the form of tax revenues of €36m and €6.5m savings in social protection payments.

No decisions on 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 after Budget 2026 discussions, subject to funding being made available.