Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
198. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has conducted any assessment on the viability of introducing a universal basic income model including the financial costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe viability of introducing a universal basic income model, including the financial costs of same is not a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
The Low Pay Commission has previously collaborated with the ESRI to examine a universal basic income for Ireland. The Low Pay Commission is the responsibility of Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and, as such, further work undertaken by the Low Pay Commission on Universal Basic Income would be a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
A three-year Basic Income for the Arts Pilot was conducted from September 2022 to August 2025. The evaluation of the pilot and the design of the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot is a matter for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
