Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
449. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on an application for the basic income support scheme for artists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49617/26]
View answerI was delighted to accept applications for the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot with just over 10,000 applications received by the deadline. 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.
The deadline for application to the Basic Income for the Arts 2026 - 2029 was 5pm on Tuesday 12th May. Applicants who have made a full application will have an email acknowledgement of each of the following three parts: Application Form, Survey, Proofs of Eligibility. My officials have confirmed that the constituent referred to made a complete application for the scheme before the deadline.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. Over 10,000 applications were received and therefore it will not be possible to provide funding to all eligible applicants.
Participants will be selected using an anonymous random selection process. This is considered the fairest selection process where there is not enough funding to provide the BIA to all eligible applicants. 2,000 applicants will be selected to receive the payment.
Assessment of applications is ongoing and will take place over the summer with payment to 2,000 artists beginning before the end of 2026.
