Major decision on €325 weekly payment for thousands of Irish in 6-month move amid fresh ‘kicking can down the road' fury
THOUSANDS of Irish people getting a €325 weekly payment have been handed a six-month lifeline - in a move that's been slammed as "kicking the can down the road".
The Basic Income for the Arts is a pilot
The main aim of the payment is to address the job and financial instability faced by many in the creative industry.
There were 2,000 creatives selected to
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan confirmed today the pilot scheme will be extended for a further six months.
The
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He said the six-month extension will allow for both allow time for "the full evaluation of the pilot" and "stakeholder engagement".
"Confirming the plans in a statement today he said: "The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact.
"In order to allow for the preparation of proposals for a new scheme, based on the research and consultation with the sector, I am today announcing a six-month extension of the current scheme.
"I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to be able to bring some certainty to those currently on the scheme."
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He continued: "I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I intend to bring proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026.
"The extension I am announcing today will provide time to finalise the research programme and to undertake stakeholder engagement which will provide the Government with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts.
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"To facilitate this work, I am extending the pilot scheme for those currently participating in the pilot for six months to February 2026.'
However, the move has been met with strong criticism claiming it leaves artists in "limbo" rather than aids them.
The Labour Party blasted Minister O'Donovan and claimed the extension was part of a "drip feed of promises".
Labour's Arts spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue said the TD was "kicking the can down the road" with the new extension.
He fumed: "This scheme has been a tremendous success, with artists across the board stating how it has been instrumental in their ability to work more effectively and more creatively in their vocations.
"Why then has the Minister simply added a 6-month Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads? With no further information as to what the successor scheme will entail, how can the Minister leave artists in limbo?"
'BEGGING BOWL'
He added: "We know there are some adjustments that require addressing for example the criteria for entry, the lack of inclusion of certain artistic forms, and the nebulous appeals process for those who did apply for the scheme in the first place. But will these really be addressed with a six month extension?"
'Ireland has always managed to produce some of the best artistic talent the world has ever known. Our support for our artists must be extended and done so with a clear vision.
'I'm calling on the Minister to stop kicking the can down the road. Artists need security and not have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table.'
'CONSISTENT, POSITIVE IMPACT'
As part of assessing the current benefits the Basic Income for the Arts payment is providing the Department of Finance is preparing a report on the first two years.
The Department detail while research is ongoing, current data highlights a positive impact.
They said: "It is clear from evidence collected to date that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation."
Artists receiving the payment are reported able to produce more work and devote more time to their work.
Those on the scheme have also reported a wellbeing boost and the reduction of anxiety.
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Thousands will continue to receive the payment over the next half a year
Credit: Getty Images
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