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RTÉ News
11-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Minister pushes to retain basic income scheme for artists
It's understood that the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan is pushing to retain the basic income scheme for artists which is due to expire early next year. The scheme has run for an initial three years and was due to expire in August but it has been extended to February 2026. Two thousand artists, selected by lottery, receive a basic income of €325 per week. Officials from the Department of Culture have been negotiating with their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure on a successor to the scheme. Any further scheme would have to be agreed as part of the Budget negotiations. The Programme for Government said that the scheme would be assessed to "maximise its impact". It's understood that there has been some resistance from DPER to the scheme continuing in its current format. Mr O'Donovan is expected to push for another version of the scheme which his Department believes has changed lives and delivered a huge social and cultural impact. The Basic Income Scheme costs €35 million per year. Labour has accused the Minister of leaving artists in limbo. Arts spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue said artists need security and not to have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table. Sinn Féin has also called on the Minister to develop a long-term follow on scheme and to expand its remit.
The Journal
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Daniel O'Connell is getting a huge commemoration to mark his 250th birthday
THE 250th ANNIVERSARY of the birth of Daniel O'Connel will be celebrated with a programme of commemorative events in the coming weeks and months, including a State-led ceremony at his principal residence, Derrynane House in Co Kerry. O'Connell was born on 6 August 1775 in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry and went on to become a successful champion for the rights of Catholics to become members of parliament under British rule, an achievement that saw him given the moniker 'The Liberator'. The commemorative programme, which includes speeches, lectures, plaque unveilings, art exhibitions as well as educational and sporting events, officially kicks off on O'Connel's birthday but there will be events before and after 6 August. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan announced the programme today, saying 'Daniel O'Connell was one of the most important figures in Irish political history, not just for what he achieved, but for how he achieved it. 'He believed in peaceful reform, in democracy, and in civil rights; ideas and concepts to which we should still aspire today. O'Donovan said the commemoration aims 'to highlight and celebrate Daniel O'Connell – the man and his political achievements'. In addition to celebrating O'Connell's legacy at home, the programme also includes events honouring his 'significant international impact as a champion for civil rights across the globe,' O'Donovan said. To that end, there are a number of events expected to take place abroad while some of the Irish commemorations will include contributions from speakers from the US and UK. The Irish ambassador to the UK will be holding a commemoration in London, while other events are expected to take place in Paris and Rome. The commemorative programme was developed by a number of government bodies and community groups working together, including the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the Department of the Taoiseach, the OPW, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It was endorsed at the first sitting of the new Commemorations Advisory Committee, chaired by former RTÉ journalist Bryan Dobson. Each event has been considered 'in accordance with the ethos and values of commemorations including accessibility, respectful remembrance, historical accuracy and the creation of opportunities to engage young people and the Diaspora with the formative events, personalities and themes of our past,' the Department of Culture said in a statement. Advertisement The department said the programme was created with 'four commemorative pillars' in mind. Those are 'historical exploration, artistic and creative response, community-led commemoration and State Ceremonial'. The department did not provide dates for all of the events in the programme. The State-led commemoration at Derrynane House will be broadcast on the RTÉ News Channel and will also be available to watch back on RTÉ Player after the event. Elsewhere, the Daniel O'Connell Summer School will be open from 29-30 August and feature lectures on O'Connel's life and legacy in Cahersiveen, close to his birthplace. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will also deliver the O'Connell Lecture in Derrynane House. Local community groups also have a variety of events planned in Cahersiveen. The County Council in Clare, for which O'Connell served as an MP, will also be putting on a number of events. Trinity Collage Dublin is hosting the O'Connell 250 Symposium: Liberty, Democracy, and the Struggle for Human Rights on 20 July and Attorney General Rossa Fanning is among its chairs. Tánaiste Simon Harris will be speaking to the Bar Association at an event sometime in the Autumn. The Irish Georgian Society, Dublin City Council and Ulster Architectural Heritage will be holding a 'Study Day' in Dublin's City Assembly House. An Post has honoured O'Connel with his own stamp that's set to be launched on 31 July while Bank of Ireland has promised to donate a statue of O'Connell to Leinster House. It will be moved from the bank's College Green premises. The Central Bank has also proposed to mint a collection of commemorative coins. 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 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
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Award winning Kerry pub one of just 33 venues to receive funding under support scheme
The funding, which was announced on Thursday June 12 by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, totals €500,000 and this will be used in providing in funding to assist small, established grassroots music venues to showcase the talent of emerging musicians across Ireland. A total of 33 venues have been offered funding of up to €15,000 from the Night-Time Economy Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme to support the continued programming of early-career musicians. Applications were received from a wide range of late-night venues including pubs, nightclubs and theatres. Venues in many rural towns and villages are being supported, with funding awarded to 16 venues outside of our major cities. Following the announcement of the Scheme in March 2025, there was a high level of interest in this pilot scheme, with nearly 100 applications submitted before the scheme was closed. Those approved for funding met the scheme's eligibility criteria, which included a requirement to demonstrate evidence of a strong track record of regularly holding ticketed grassroots music events, showcasing emerging artists performing original music, spanning the years 2023-2024. It's set to be a busy few months once more in the Listowel pub with a number of big name acts set to come to town. Upcoming performances by Villagers and Kerry's very own Lorraine Nash are completely sold out while The Riptide Movement have just been announced to play there on the night of October 24. Tralee's Seamus Harty meanwhile will play there on August 7. A full line up of what's on there in the coming months is available over on the bar's website where tickets can also be bought.
