Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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55. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he has taken to engage with the Department of Social Protection to ensure artists with disabilities are able to avail of Arts Council funding and the new basic income scheme without fear of losing their medical cards or disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64385/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I was delighted to have secured an allocation for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot as part of Budget 2026. While the detail of the future scheme will need to be agreed by Government, this is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.

Eligibility criteria and parameters for a successor scheme have not been finalised. Stakeholder consultation and engagement with other relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Social Protection, on the design of the new scheme will continue to determine details such as the duration, eligibility and selection method, the details of which have not yet been decided. Once the parameters of the scheme have been agreed by Government I intend to publish them.

In July the Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary launched a public consultation for a new Pathways to Work 2026-2030 national employment strategy. In this context, the Arts Council have engaged with the Department in regard to challenges artists with disabilities in receipt of welfare supports face if they apply for, and receive funding from, the Arts Council or other grant providers.

I have asked the Arts Council to make direct contact and provide the Deputy with further information in relation to this. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from the Council within the next ten working days.