Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2025
101. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of people receiving the basic income for the arts, by county; and the total cost of the scheme, in tabular form. [34740/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the pilot basic income scheme for the arts will be made a permanent payment scheme through an annual budget allocation. [34741/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
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 last week I announced that Cabinet had agreed to my proposal to an extension of six months to allow for further evaluation of the pilot data. This will also 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.
The current scheme costs just under €35m per year to provide the payment to 2,000 recipients. The cost of the 6-month extension is €16.7m. The net overall cost to of the pilot to the Exchequer is likely to be less given the high number of BIA recipients who were previously on social welfare supports prior to the BIA, and a Cost Benefit Analysis currently underway should bring further clarity to the overall costs.
The following table provides details of the geographic location of those who were selected and those who currently remain on the scheme, receiving the payment.
|
County |
Selected in 2022 |
Currently receiving BIA payment in June 2025 |
|
Carlow |
16 |
16 |
|
Cavan |
21 |
21 |
|
Clare |
54 |
54 |
|
Cork |
211 |
203 |
|
Donegal |
55 |
54 |
|
Dublin |
181 |
180 |
|
Galway |
149 |
145 |
|
Kerry |
53 |
51 |
|
Kildare |
83 |
83 |
|
Kilkenny |
28 |
28 |
|
Laois |
25 |
25 |
|
Leitrim |
23 |
23 |
|
Limerick |
59 |
59 |
|
Longford |
9 |
9 |
|
Louth |
32 |
32 |
|
Mayo |
47 |
47 |
|
Meath |
59 |
58 |
|
Monaghan |
14 |
14 |
|
Offaly |
16 |
15 |
|
Roscommon |
17 |
17 |
|
Sligo |
30 |
29 |
|
Tipperary |
32 |
31 |
|
Waterford |
33 |
33 |
|
Westmeath |
22 |
22 |
|
Wexford |
56 |
56 |
|
Wicklow |
87 |
87 |
|
Dublin 1 |
20 |
20 |
|
Dublin 2 |
12 |
11 |
|
Dublin 3 |
41 |
41 |
|
Dublin 4 |
21 |
21 |
|
Dublin 5 |
25 |
24 |
|
Dublin 6 |
48 |
48 |
|
Dublin 6W |
25 |
25 |
|
Dublin 7 |
54 |
53 |
|
Dublin 8 |
80 |
78 |
|
Dublin 9 |
33 |
32 |
|
Dublin 10 |
4 |
4 |
|
Dublin 11 |
18 |
17 |
|
Dublin 12 |
52 |
51 |
|
Dublin 13 |
16 |
16 |
|
Dublin 14 |
21 |
21 |
|
Dublin 15 |
22 |
21 |
|
Dublin 16 |
16 |
16 |
|
Dublin 17 |
3 |
3 |
|
Dublin 18 |
38 |
38 |
|
Dublin 20 |
6 |
6 |
|
Dublin 22 |
8 |
8 |
|
Dublin 24 |
20 |
20 |
|
Chose not to say |
3 |
3 |
I am aware that there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I have met with the NCFA (National Campaign for the Arts) to discuss the scheme. I intend to bring proposals for a permanent intervention to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026, based on the evidence arising from the research programme and stakeholder engagement.
While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date under the scheme that the BIA it is having a positive impact on participants.
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.
A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and the future of the BIA will be decided when the final results of the research are available.
