Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
616. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to support those currently on the basic income for the arts scheme which is due to end in February 2026 whereas the permanent scheme is due to start in September 2026 leaving a gap of seven months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14741/26]
View answerI was delighted to launch the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts on Tuesday 10th February following Government agreement at Cabinet. I am grateful to my Cabinet colleagues for their support for the BIA, an initiative which I believe sets Ireland apart in how we support our artists.
The focus of the BIA successor scheme is to support professional Irish based artists. I will publish detailed Guidelines for the scheme in April, however the parameters are broadly as follows:
• 2,000 artists will receive a payment of €325 per week for 3 years;
• Artists must be resident in the Republic of Ireland when applying and their artistic practice must be based in Ireland;
• Participants of the pilot scheme can apply, once they meet the eligibility criteria of the new scheme;
• Applications will open in May with payments starting by year end;
• Guidelines will be published in April setting out detailed eligibility criteria for the new scheme and how to apply.
The period of the Pilot scheme was initially 2022 - 2025, which I then extended for a further 6 months to February 2026, to allow work to begin on the successor scheme. The timelines for the ending of the pilot scheme have been consistently communicated to allow participants to plan accordingly. The BIA is not a social welfare scheme and therefore eligibility does not confer an entitlement to receive the payment.
Applicants will need to demonstrate they are eligible under the new schemes guidelines, therefore, while eligible pilot participants may apply, eligibility for the pilot does not automatically mean an artist is eligible for future rounds of the scheme.
The BIA research has consistently demonstrated both the positive impact of the payment and I look forward to rolling out the successor scheme in the coming months. The BIA will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and to retain their talent in the arts sector.
