Latest news with #BasicIncomefortheArts
Extra.ie
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Lack of accountability means artist supports are 'a slush fund'
The lack of accountability when it comes to artists' basic income means the scheme has turned into a Government slush fund, a TD has claimed. Carol Nolan was commenting on the response by Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan to queries about the initiative. Mr Donovan said: 'The current pilot scheme costs approximately €35million per year, based on 2,000 recipients receiving €325 weekly. ' The lack of accountability when it comes to artists' basic income means the scheme has turned into a Government slush fund, a TD has claimed. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos The net cost is likely to be less, given the high number of BIA [Basic Income for the Arts] recipients who were previously on social welfare supports prior to the BIA.' Mr O'Donovan also said 'evaluation of the pilot is continuous, as participants complete a survey every six months'. He said: 'My department is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme. A further interview research paper, written by an independent researcher, was published recently. Carol Nolan was commenting on the response by Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan to queries about the initiative. Pic: Collins 'This paper collects the experiences of 50 BIA recipients, who have been interviewed by a sociologist.' Ms Nolan called the response 'almost absurdly laughable'. She said: 'It is clearly stated in the reply provided to me that the evaluation of the pilot is continuous because participants complete a survey every six months.' The Independent TD asked: 'Does the department really think this is what robust evaluation looks like [and] does it believe that a slush fund that has cost €100million to date is going to be criticised by the very same people on the receiving end of that cash?' Ms Nolan accused Fine Gael TD Mr O'Donovan of implementing outdated Green Party ideology, as it was imple – mented by former arts minister Catherine Martin, adding: 'The entire scheme just reeks of that particular form of cultural entitlement to vast sums of public monies that is particularly pervasive in the likes of RTÉ where control of publicly financed spending is way down the list of priorities.'
Extra.ie
22-06-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Backlash at Jack Chambers's purge to fund fast-track infrastructure projects
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers is facing a backlash from Cabinet colleagues over a spending 'purge' to fund an expansion of housing and water infrastructure, has learned. Sources this weekend said ministers are growing increasingly rebellious over Mr Chambers's inter-departmental review of Government spending. One minister told 'It's a purge – there is no other way to describe it. This is all about funding a big-bang style announcement on housing and water in the autumn.' Jack Chambers. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Mr Chambers is heading the new Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, made up of experts from key State agencies, including Uisce Éireann, the ESB, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. His remit will be to break down infrastructure barriers that block the delivery of housing and public projects, and to secure the significant extra funding required. The Central Bank has said an additional €7bn is needed if the Government is to deliver an average of 54,000 new homes a year. The Central Bank of Ireland. Pic: 4H4 PH/Shutterstock Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann has warned it will need €12.3bn over the next five years to upgrade our leaking water infrastructure. In an indication of the scale of the funding challenge, one minister commented that the €13bn Apple tax windfall 'is only a downpayment on what is required'. They told 'The cost is going to be incredible. It's all about gathering up as much as can be found for housing, water, ESB, power and transport; these are the only things that matter. If it ruffles a few feathers, that's unfortunate.' Pic:Referring to mounting public and political dissatisfaction over missed housing targets, the Cabinet source said: 'We are in last throw-of-the-dice country. There is an updated housing plan, a Summer Economic Statement, a budget and a revised National Development Plan. It's like the bad old days. The minister [Chambers] ' is looking for money everywhere.' However, not all of Mr Chambers's Cabinet colleagues are happy with the impact his spending 'purge' is having on their own coffers. One senior Government source said: 'There is a huge tightening coming. Cutback time is on the way, is the message.' Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The source said there have been 'wars in [the departments of] Health, in Education, in Higher Education, in Culture' over the spending cutbacks, with particular tensions between Mr Chambers and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media over the sixmonth extension of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme. One senior Coalition source told 'There was fur and hair flying. The Gradgrinds in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform wanted to abolish it; [but] the minister, Patrick O'Donovan dug in; hence the artists got a six-month stay of execution.' They added: 'There will be a lot more yelping before we get to the final allocations of cash in July.' Patrick O'Donovan. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos But apart from housing, political concern is growing over the long-term consequences of the 37% growth in Government spending since 2021. One minister warned: 'The truth is there's been a lot of waste. The intent of Mr Chambers and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is to ensure the money goes on transport, housing, water and power. 'We have to spend on political necessities – no more luxuries.' Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for State Niall Collins. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for State Niall Collins added: 'The time to make tough, durable decisions for the common good is now. 'This Government is acutely aware of the need to chart new, more effective forms of governance and will not be deflected from this challenge.' Ministers also remain divided on the ability of Housing Minister James Browne to manage the accelerating accommodation crisis. One senior Government figure noted: 'No one knows who is running anything really. Technically, James Browne is in charge of Housing, but really, it is the Taoiseach [Micheál Martin] and Jack Chambers. It's a triumvirate, with Fine Gael being on the sidelines.' Another source added: 'It is utterly chaotic. Micheál is trying to run the department, but he doesn't know what is going on. James, who knows what is going on, can't fully run the department because Micheál and Jack Chambers are actually running it, but he can't say it… It's not an example of good governance.' However, some ministers were more supportive of Mr Browne. One Cabinet member said: 'He is evolving in the job. He inherited a desert. His problem is he can't bluff, but possibly after [former housing minister] Darragh O'Brien, that's a bonus.' Another source added: 'He is delivering at an increasing pace. RPZ [the move to make every county in the country a Rent Pressure Zone] was never going to have a happy ending. He managed it as best anyone could.' The source said the choice of former HSE boss Paul Reid as chair of the new planning authority to replace An Bord Pleanála was 'clever? Small things first.'
The Journal
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Artists to receive an extra €8,450 as Basic Income for the Arts scheme extended until next year
THE BASIC INCOME for the Arts (BIA) payment scheme has been extended until February 2026 – meaning that artists currently on the pilot programme will receive an additional €8,450. This extension applies to the 2,000 artists participating in the scheme, who receive a weekly payment of €325. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, confirmed that the government remains committed to reviewing the BIA pilot scheme to 'maximise its impact'. He explained that the six-month extension of the scheme allows the department time to prepare proposals for a new successor scheme. Last month, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport published a report on the scheme, in which artists highlighted how the weekly stipend improved their mental health, gave them a greater sense of empowerment, and provided much-needed stability in their lives and work . Advertisement Other benefits cited included helping artists secure more sustainable housing, start families, and establish pension schemes. Arts groups have warmly welcomed the scheme. Launched initially in September 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts scheme has been a vital source of support for many creatives. O'Donovan plans to present proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026. The six-month extension will be used to finalise research on the pilot and engage with key stakeholders in the arts sector. The minister said this approach would provide the government 'with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions' regarding the scheme. 'I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to bring some certainty to those currently benefiting from it,' he added. Following the announcement, the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) launched a new campaign urging local government representatives to back calls for the scheme to be permanently retained, extended, and expanded. 'Our campaign aims to benefit Irish society by ensuring the BIA scheme becomes a permanent support mechanism for artists, recognising its potential to transform Ireland's precious creative landscape,' NCFA Chairperson Maria Fleming said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
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 READ MORE IN NEWS 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." Most read in Money 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. New online application system opens for €360 or €180 Domiciliary Care Allowance applications "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. 1 Thousands will continue to receive the payment over the next half a year Credit: Getty Images
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Labour slams decision for ‘Arts' to be removed from Department's name
This week, the name of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media was changed to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Responsibility for Tourism has moved to the Department of Enterprise, while responsibility for the Gaeltacht has moved to the Department of Rural and Community Development. Labour TD and spokesperson for the Arts, Rob O'Donoghue, said the move sent 'a clear message to artists across the country that they don't matter'. 'As of June 2, this Government has made the decision to remove the word 'arts' from the Department, despite having a Department of Arts since 1994 with now President Michael D Higgins as Minister for responsibility with the Department,' Mr O'Donoghue said. 'This move sends a clear message to artists across the country that they don't matter and aren't a priority. It's shameful,' he added. Mr O'Donoghue said arts and music were 'at the heart of Ireland's identity, but that sectoral change was needed to support workers. 'Subsuming arts into merely culture will lead to a further dilution of Government attention towards the thousands of artists in Ireland who are so passionate about what they do,' Mr O'Donoghue said. The Arts spokesperson said while the arts has an economic impact, by attracting tourism to the country, there had been a 'hollowing out of many arts spaces and venues' across the country. 'What artists need is more engagement from Government, not less. We saw the enormous positive impact of initiatives like the basic income scheme for artists,' Mr O'Donoghue said. 'Having a carved out section within the Department is so important for artists to have trust and faith in the system that their livelihoods are being taken seriously by Government,' he added. The Basic Income for the Arts scheme (BIA) was introduced in 2022 as a three-year pilot project to help artists deal with precarious incomes. The first of its kind in Ireland, the BIA gives a payment of €325 per week to 2,000 artists and creative arts workers. It was massively oversubscribed when introduced, with more than 8,200 eligible applications received when it opened. With the scheme due to come to an end in August, uncertainty over the BIA's future has caused considerable anxiety within the sector. Minister Patrick O'Donovan has signaled his support for retaining and expanding the scheme. However, a government decision is yet to be made on the future of the scheme. In response, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport said the new name 'more succinctly captures the full remit of the Department'. "The word Culture includes the Arts and is a common term used in the title of equivalent Ministries in the EU, noting also that EU Ministers meet at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council,' a department spokesperson said. 'It should be noted that a previous format of the Department was the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,' they added.
