Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
570. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider the case of a person (details supplied) who has applied for the basic income for the arts scheme; the steps that can be taken to support their application and ensure that applicants in such circumstances are given full and fair consideration under the scheme. [37717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to accept applications for the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot which closed for applications on Tuesday 12th May. 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.
Thank you for your interest in the scheme on behalf of your constituent. The deadline for application to the BIA 2026 - 2029 was 5pm on Tuesday 12th May. In order to be considered for the scheme, your constituent will need to have made a full application before that deadline.
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.
With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. A high volume of applications was received and therefore it will not be possible to provide funding to all eligible applicants.
