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 primary objective of the scheme is to help artists deal with precarious incomes and to prevent talent from leaving the sector for economic reasons. Evaluation of the pilot is and has been continuous, with participants completing a detailed survey every six months. My Department has been undertaking a comprehensive research programme based on this data.
The cost benefit analysis which is currently being undertaken will include a sub-group analysis that will examine the impact on artists with a disability, among other groups. The 6-month extension will provide time for stakeholder engagement which will include engagement with disabled artists' groups among others.
Eligibility for social protection allowances are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection and I have no statutory function in this regard. However, my Department has established a Consultative Committee whose membership includes the Department of Social Protection, the purpose of this group is to share at an interdepartmental level the outcomes of the research on the BIA.
Evaluation of the pilot is and has been continuous, with participants completing a detailed survey every six months. My Department has been undertaking a broad research programme, including:
• two papers based on baseline survey i.e. information about participants lives before they received the first BIA payment;
• two impact assessments have been published to date and my Department is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme, due to be published over the summer months; and
• an interview research paper, written by an independent researcher, was also published recently. This paper collects the experiences of 50 BIA recipients, who have been interviewed by a sociologist.
While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date, under the scheme, by my Department, that it is having a positive impact on participants. This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation.
In terms of ongoing evaluation of the scheme, work has recently begun with an external independent economic consultancy to prepare a full cost-benefit analysis of the BIA.
A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, however I intend to bring proposals for a permanent intervention to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026, using the evidence arising from the research programme and stakeholder engagement.
