Written Answers Nos. 83-102
83. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she is taking to address teacher shortages in schools in north County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34720/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
As with other sectors, recruitment challenges exist in some schools including in Dublin and surrounding counties. To address teacher supply issues, the Government has implemented several measures that have led to:
• An increase of 20% in Initial Teacher Education graduates (student teachers) between 2018 and 2023, and a 30% increase in the number registered with the Teaching Council since 2017,
• The Teaching Council reported 94,928 teachers registered in the 2016/17 school year increasing to 122,743 teachers registered in 2023/24. Currently, the Teacher Council have reported that there are over 126,000 on the register representing a 33% increase in the number of teachers registered between 2017 and now.
• Recent data showed there were over 79,000 qualified teachers employed in Ireland with over 43,000 at primary level including special schools and over 36,000 in post-primary schools.
I am committed to addressing teacher supply and recently announced new measures including to help teachers gain permanent roles more quickly. Additionally, the Teaching Council is to streamline the registration process for eligible teachers who qualified outside of Ireland, allowing them to apply for registration and complete their induction requirements within the country.
Measures introduced in recent budgets included:
• Budget 2025 introduced a €2,000 bursary to increase the number of qualified STEM teachers in post-primary schools payable in the final two years of their undergraduate programme, in exchange for a two-year teaching commitment.
• Budget 2024 introduced a PME fee refund scheme: a €2,000 bursary for teachers graduating with a Professional Master of Education (PME) in 2024, aimed at encouraging newly qualified teachers to take up roles in primary and post-primary schools, and
• An expansion of upskilling programmes under Budget 2024 and continued in 2025, offering free courses to teachers in high-demand subjects to reduce out-of-field teaching. New programmes in Irish, French, politics & society, and computer science will commence in 2025 and complement existing programmes in maths, physics, and Spanish.
In addition, other key initiatives introduced include:
• Commencement of workforce planning for teachers. A new project, supported by UNESCO and the EU Commission, will create a strategic plan for managing Ireland’s teaching workforce. The project aims to consider the sustainability of the teaching profession in Ireland, with a focus on the factors that impact teacher supply. This two-year project will involve consultations with key stakeholders to develop recommendations.
• Development of the Teaching Transforms campaign, which promotes the teaching profession and encourage students to follow a career in teaching. The campaigns use digital, radio and video media, and have been developed to coincide with the CAO closing date and change of mind deadline in recent years
These measures reflect the commitment to ongoing investment in the education system to address teacher supply and are designed to ensure a steady flow of qualified teachers into the profession.
Teaching is an attractive career choice:
• With 3,700 newly qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council in 2024 and over 126,000 now on the register.
• First preference data from the CAO published for February this year showed increases in primary first preferences of 9% and in post-primary of 5%.
• Teacher’s pay has increased significantly in recent years with a new entrants’ current rate of €44,435 for primary and €45,829 for post-primary teachers. The new public service pay agreement means further increases to €46,000, which represents an over 46% increase on the 2013 salary. The new pay deal will mean that teachers’ salary will increase to a maximum of €85,000 per year which compares well internationally.
My Department frequently consults and engages closely with stakeholders on issues such as teacher supply through industrial relations forums, sectoral meetings, and direct discussions with teacher unions. I am considering further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.
84. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the teacher allocation in a primary school (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34757/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally. At primary level, teachers are allocated to schools at an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils, the lowest level ever seen at primary level. DEIS Urban Band 1 schools receive an average allocation of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.
The school referred to by the Deputy is to have a teaching post suppressed in September due to falling enrolments.
The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2025/26 school year are set out in Circular 0011/2025. These arrangements contain an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Information and application forms are available in Circular 0011/2025. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. The Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.).
85. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school (details supplied) will be provided a third temporary autism class for the 2025-2026 academic year only, creating junior, middle and senior autism classes for one year only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34781/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
The NCSE advice that they are providing support and advice to the school regarding what supports are available to them to support the students already enrolled in the school's special classes.
This year the NCSE focused on medium and larger primary schools with available accommodation and no existing special class to open a new special class for the 2025/26 school year. This will ensure that classes can open quickly as existing accommodation can be reconfigured in a more streamlined and efficient manner but also that new provision is established in as many schools as possible. This provides parents more options when deciding which schools to apply to and ensures that provision continues to grow in a diverse number of schools across regions.?This should also help in reducing the distances that some children are travelling to access a special class place.
However, as in other years where schools have no available accommodation, particularly at post-primary level and there is known demand in a local area, my department will continue to provide additional classroom accommodation to provide necessary places.
86. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the redesignation of special schools that cater for children with mild general learning disabilities; the impact this may have on their current students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34799/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the extra capacity that will be provided by redesignating schools for children with mild general learning disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34800/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
The government is committed to the provision of additional special school places for children with more complex educational needs. Over 300 new special school places are being provided for the coming 2025/2026 school year. Five new special schools are being established in addition to the eleven new special schools opened over the last few years. Special school capacity is also being expanded across a number of special schools.
It’s important to note that it is not the intention to exclude children who require a special school place from accessing certain special school settings, but rather allow children with complex educational needs apply to their local special school. Currently, there are instances whereby children with complex needs cannot apply for admission to their local special school simply because they don’t meet the narrow designation of that special school. In that regard, along with providing additional special school capacity, my department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) consider that it is necessary to look at the profile of our existing special schools.
This is not a new departure. The NCSE report that over half of mild general learning disability (MGLD) special schools have diversified to allow children with more complex needs in their communities who require a special school setting enrol in their local special school. I wish to thank schools who have worked with us to broaden their designation and my department will continue to support schools in this endeavour so that more special schools can better support children with complex needs in their local community.
There are approximately 30 of our 129 special schools that were originally designated as schools for children with a MGLD. The establishment of these special schools predated the significant expansion in the range of supports offered in mainstream schools through additional special education teaching and special needs assistant resources and through the rapid expansion in special class provision.
It is noted that many of the children enrolling in MGLD special school do so around the transition point from primary to post-primary. The new senior cycle level 1 and level 2 programmes offers a new curriculum pathway for students with special educational needs at post-primary level now also.
88. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current capacity for special education places in County Offaly; how this compares to the potential places within the county from September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34801/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these three are in County Offaly, two at primary and one at post primary level. This will add to the 108 special classes currently in operation in the county. Of these 77 are at primary and 31 are at post primary level. There is also one special school in County Offaly with approximately 42 students enrolled.
My department and the NCSE are engaging with schools and school management bodies in relation to the provision of future special classes and are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
89. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on proposals to provide new accommodation for a school in County Offaly (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34804/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved for delivery to Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning design process. This stage of the process allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. The Design Team are currently working on the Stage 2b report for submission to the Department. As soon as this report is received, reviewed, and approved, the project will progress to tender stage and onwards to construction in due course.
At this stage, it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for completion of the project. LOETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
The current status of all projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
90. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the project to deliver two modular units for St. John’s Special School in Dungarvan; to confirm precisely when her Department’s modular accommodation unit was tasked with progressing the project; if she will commit to ensuring the units are in place by September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34844/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the deputy refers will be provided with two special needs classrooms under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. Kerrigan Sheanon Newman Project Management (KSN) has been appointed, from the Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project and oversee all elements of construction.
The contractor is expected to commence mobilising on site on Tuesday 24 June.
The modular units are manufactured. The Department is engaging with the school and patron on the practical arrangements in relation to the provision of the modular units, including fit-out and it is expected that this will be finalised shortly.
The Project Managers and the modular supplier are working very proactively to have the modular unit in place as early as possible in Q4 2025. This will mean that some interim/transition arrangements will be required from 1 September until the modular unit is ready for occupation. The precise length of time for these interim/transition arrangements will become clearer over the summer period as the on-site works progress and the modular unit is set up on site, linked to services, commissioned and certified.
91. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total funding allocated to schools in each county, by funding scheme, for each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [34845/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs funding from my Department is not allocated or recorded on a county basis, I am therefore not in a position to readily provide details on the amounts paid to schools at a county level over the period requested by the Deputy.
92. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she is taking to ensure fairness and parity for school secretaries and caretakers; if she will engage with their trade union (details supplied) to seek a resolution to the long-standing issues affecting these workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34846/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department recognises the vitally important role of Secretaries and Caretakers within school communities, as a key link between students, parents, school leaders and other staff, ensuring that both the administrative and the caretaking needs of the school are met. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable.
The Department of Education and Youth is not the direct employer of former grant funded school secretaries, but rather has been providing a payroll service for this cohort of secretaries with effect from 1st September 2023. The provision of this payroll service is part of a package agreed with Fórsa, the trade union representing school secretaries, following a series of engagements at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in 2022. This was implemented under Circular 0036/2022. The agreement provided both pay stability and additional employment benefits for secretaries, who signed up for the package, such as: a pay scale aligned with that of Grade III/CO in ETBs, improved annual leave entitlements, improved maternity provisions, and paid sick leave in excess of the statutory requirement. It also made some provision for incremental credit, recognising previous relevant experience in their current or previous employing school. In addition, it was agreed that pay increases under future national agreements will be passed onto secretaries and this has happened with each pay increase since the implementation of the agreement.
The agreement which was given effect under Circular 36/2022 did not grant public servant status to school secretaries and therefore this cohort do not have access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The granting of such status is not a matter that this department can decide unilaterally, and proposals in this regard will need to be considered in detail by this department and the Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
At present, work is ongoing to review results of a comprehensive survey which will enable my officials to confirm their understanding of the current working patterns as well as terms and conditions of work for school caretakers. The Department is committed to ensuring that school caretakers will be afforded the opportunity to avail of a similar package offered to school secretaries, taking into account the differences in role, in the near future.
As is established process, requested changes to the terms and conditions agreed for these secretaries under Circular 0036/2022 must be considered under industrial relations processes, including engagement between this Department and the union representing the staff concerned, and discussion between this Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, as the granting or otherwise of public servant status is not within the scope of this Department.
93. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has undertaken a cost analysis of providing school secretaries and caretakers with public sector pay and conditions; if so, to detail the estimated cost; whether she considers that the social cost of not granting pay parity is greater in the long term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34847/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school secretary and caretaker are at the heart of the school and are the key interface between students, parents, school leaders and other staff. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable. In supporting these vital school staff members, we also support the school community as a whole.
Since September 2023 my department has been providing a payroll service for former grant funded school secretaries. This happened on foot of an Agreement reached in 2022, under the auspices of the WRC, that secretaries would move to a centralised pay roll managed by the Department and receive new terms and conditions of employment. These included a pay scale aligned with that of Grade III/CO in ETBs, improved annual leave entitlements, improved maternity provisions and paid sick leave in excess of the statutory requirement.
I acknowledge that Forsa are looking to further improve terms and conditions for secretaries and caretakers and recognise that for them, public service status and access to a public service pension is understandably an important objective. The full, comprehensive cost of pension parity requires detailed analysis and information has been provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to assist in this regard.
The Department is committed to ensuring that school caretakers will be afforded the opportunity to avail of a similar package in the near future. As there are obvious differences between the roles of school secretaries and school caretakers, a detailed survey was undertaken to inform my officials understanding of the current working patterns as well as terms and conditions of work for school caretakers, and the analysis of the survey results is nearing completion.
The issue of public service status is complex and needs to have regard to the state of the public finances and the repercussive effects of any such proposals for other grant-funded groups of non-public servants. For those reasons, any proposals must be considered in detail by my own officials and those in Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation as the granting or otherwise of public servant status is not within the scope of this Department.
94. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of concerns (details supplied) in relation to imminent changes to the senior cycle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34849/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSenior Cycle Redevelopment is about recognising and meeting the promise of education. It is about enabling students to navigate the dynamic and ever-changing world around them by helping them to develop their talents, their skills, and their understanding. It has the potential to reduce pressure on students by moving away from a single final examination. The equivalent of additional assessment components are already in place in 28 of the 40 Established Leaving Certificate subjects. The majority of those existing components already have weightings at, or above, 40%. Such components also make it possible to recognise a much broader range of skills in our students that cannot be assessed in written examinations.
Senior Cycle Redevelopment is already well underway in our schools. Students began to experience its benefits from September 2022 when changes were made to the Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programmes. A revised Transition Year Programme Statement is now in place and we see record levels of Transition Year participation. Also, in the school year which has just concluded students have been able to access modules at Levels 1 and 2 in Senior Cycle for the first time.
The DEIS programme is a key policy of Government to provide equity of opportunity to young people at risk of educational disadvantage to achieve their potential through education. My department invests over €180 million annually in supporting schools in the DEIS programme
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a new DEIS Plus Scheme to support schools with the highest level of educational disadvantage to improve educational outcomes, particularly in literacy and numeracy. I am committed to delivering a new DEIS Plan this year to outline my department’s overall approach to tackle educational disadvantage, and the DEIS Plus scheme will be an important part of that plan.
In December last year, my department issued €12 million in funding to schools under the Science Implementation Grant. This included a targeted uplift for DEIS schools of an additional 10% on top of their base payment. This means DEIS schools received an additional 10% on top of the base payment for their enrolment band which was in line with previous applications of a DEIS uplift in Departmental funding models, including the grant for ICT infrastructure. The grant is intended to support schools as they rollout the revised Leaving Certificate Science subjects.
Oide will continue to provide a comprehensive range of professional learning experiences to support teachers and school leaders, building on the work done to date with over 29,000 school leaders and teachers receiving professional learning this school year. Over 5,000 teachers attended webinar sessions on sample examination papers in recent weeks. Teachers are preparing and planning to implement the new and revised subjects in the coming months.
I believe that there is now a robust and fair package of supports in place to ensure schools and teachers are fully equipped to deliver on this ambitious programme.
This package of supports commits to increased resourcing by establishing additional posts of responsibility and expanding subject grants. It commits to the formation of several working groups including one to examine workload in schools and a task force on A.I.
Pausing Senior Cycle Redevelopment would not be in the interest of meeting that promise and that is why, as I confirmed in April, in May when publishing the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Support Measures and again earlier this month following Union ballots, the programme for redevelopment will proceed. It is important to provide students entering fifth year in September and their parents with this clarity and certainty. It is also important to note that whilst the membership of the trade union referred to by the Deputy voting against the published package of Support Measures; their rejection related to those elements that would form part of a collective agreement and not the introduction of new and revised elements of the curriculum. Finally, I would remind the Deputy that the membership of the other trade union in our post-primary schools voting in favour of the published package.
95. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the number of special education classes currently available at second level schools in Dublin Bay north; the projections for the number of special classes expected to be required in the area for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 school years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34851/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware the vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
Budget 2025 secured funding for up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools, and an additional 300 special school places for the 2025/26 school year. This will deliver 2,700 new places for children. It is expected that this level of new provision will continue to be required over the coming years.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised that there are 18 special classes at post-primary level in Dublin Bay North. The vast majority of these classes are autism classes and have a teacher/student ration of 1:6.
Demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. My department has over recent years continuously communicated to all post-primary schools of the need to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school.
My department and the NCSE continue to engage with schools and school management bodies in relation to the provision of future special classes and are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
96. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the planned special school in the existing section of a school (details supplied); the expected opening date; the number of classrooms to be provided and the projected student capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34852/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware five new special schools will be established for the next school year, two in County Dublin and one each in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary. This will bring to 129 the number of NCSE supported special schools in the country.
The new special school in Belmayne will be located in Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School Campus and will operate under the patronage of Dublin Education and Training Board (DETB). The school will initially enrol 30 students and will grow and expand over time. The school's admission process for the 2025/26 school year will conclude shortly and parents will be notified if their children have been offered a place in the coming weeks. Recruitment of staff is also currently underway for the upcoming school year.
My department and the NCSE are engaging with schools and school management bodies in relation to the provision of future provision and are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
97. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide the list of museums, universities and archives in Britain contacted by the advisory committee on the restitution and repatriation of cultural heritage in An Chomhairle Oidhreachta, requesting the return of archived material taken from Ireland, since its establishment in 2023. [34590/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2023, my predecessor - the then Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media - established an Advisory Committee on the Restitution and Repatriation of Cultural Heritage to advise the Government on issues relating to the restitution of historically and culturally sensitive objects in Ireland.
The Advisory Committee comprises independent experts in this field, including representatives from the National Cultural Institutions, key Government Departments, the Heritage Council, as well as the wider museum, claimant and academic sectors. Further information about the membership of the Advisory Committee may be found here; www.gov.ie/en/press-release/aaf3e-minister-martin-announces-the-first-meeting-of-new-advisory-committee-on-the-restitution-of-cultural-heritage/.
The Advisory Committee is tasked with developing policy advice and national guidelines on the restitution of cultural heritage objects in Ireland that may have been illegally or unethically elicited, or traded. It will also address matters pertaining to items of Irish origin in international collections and how best to repatriate these, if necessary and when appropriate. This approach is grounded in the research and evidence of best practice internationally. The Advisory Committee will also provide guidance on related matters, including provenance research, to cultural institutions and other bodies that have responsibility for managing historic collections. The Committee is not engaged directly with museums, universities and archives in Britain on any specific cases.
Progress is well underway on this work and I look forward to the outcome of this process.
98. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the basic income for the arts will be considered in Budget 2026; if the pilot scheme will be extended beyond 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will ensure that a successor scheme to the basic income for the arts pilot scheme will be introduced in 2026 in view of its value to artists across different disciplines and the need to support the artistic community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34716/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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.
100. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the basic income for the arts (BIA) scheme will be continued in Budget 2026; if he plans to make the BIA scheme permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34717/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
