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Extra.ie
11-07-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Major row dividing the coalition over income for artists
A major row is simmering in the Coalition over plans to abolish a scheme that provides a guaranteed income for artists. understands that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), led by Fianna Fáil's Jack Chambers, and the Department of Culture, led by Fine Gael's Patrick O'Donovan, are at loggerheads over plans to scrap the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme. Under the scheme, initiated by former arts minister Catherine Martin, of the Green Party, the State pays €325 a week to around 2,000 artists to address the financial instability faced by many working in the sector. Successful applicants were notified in September 2022 and the pilot runs over three years from 2022 to 2025. Media Minister Catherine Martin was first told of a potential golden handshake to RTÉ's head of content Jim Jennings at the end of May. Extra has learned, however, that the scheme barely escaped the budgetary knife during a DPER review of spending in the Culture Department. As part of the build-up to the revamped National Development Plan (NDP) and Budget 2026 – which the Government has warned will be a difficult one – DPER have been reviewing the spending of all departments. One minister noted: 'It is like a home invasion. They [the DPER] are going through everywhere like a dose of salts; a lot of ministers are feeling very bruised.' This is especially the case within the Department of Culture, where sources told Extra: 'The artists scheme barely survived; the minister had a battle to get a six-month extension.' One senior figure noted: 'The DPER accountants were not impressed. They were using phrases like 'strong reservations' on any future schemes.' A departmental source added: 'The suggestion was made was that it was a measure that doesn't need repeating. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos 'That's civil service speak for taking the scheme to the vets to be put down.' The DPER accountants are believed to have met stern resistance from Minister O'Donovan. One Government figure noted: 'The minister has strong personal views on this: he will not accept losing a penny or a single artist. The minister will react very vigorously to any attempts to trim this scheme.' They added: 'There has been significant research into the operation of this project. There is a comprehensive report. All artists were, as part of the process, questioned over its impact.' One furious senior Fine Gael figure lambasted the move, noting: 'It's politically stupid. You would think we would have far better things to be doing than taking on a few starving artists.' They warned the Government is 'kicking over a whole series of hornets nests' to save money for the budget, alluding to the ongoing row over whether to scrap a €1,000 reduction in student fees that was introduced as a cost-ofliving measure. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. Pic: Fran Veale Another Fine Gael source warned: 'Jack [Chambers] would want to be very careful. 'Culture is a small department but sometimes in these matters it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but rather the size of the fight in the dog that matters, and Patrick likes fighting.' They warned that the Fine Gael TD for Limerick County would not 'tolerate any incursions like this on his patch'. Another Fine Gael source noted: 'It is a classic example of Fianna Fáil knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing. 'All these words by Micheál Martin and others about the value of and pride in Irish culture sound very hollow. Pic: Shutterstock 'Pride has to eat, you know.' Responding to queries on the issue, the Department of Public Expenditure said: 'Any matters relating to decisions for Budget 2026, including the below mentioned scheme, will be considered as part of the normal budgetary process.' Given the perceived success of the scheme, Culture Minister Mr O'Donovan received some criticism when he announced a short six-month extension of the current arrangements. Labour arts spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue sharply criticised the scenario where artists had been left with a 'six-month Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads'. Pic: Shutterstock Mr O'Donovan has already signalled that he expects a full renewal of the scheme in Budget 2026, noting at the announcement of the six-month extension of the current scheme: 'I intend to bring proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026.' He added: '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 (BIA).' Mr O'Donovan added that evidence collected to date indicates 'the BIA payment is having a consistent positive impact across almost all indicators'. Cairn Community Games ambassador Jack Woolley with children Helena Casey and Joseph Farrell at the launch of Cairn Community Games in the Gate Theatre. Pic: Julien Behal He said artists in receipt of the support are typically able to 'devote more time to their art, produce more pieces of work, experience a boost to their wellbeing through greater life satisfaction, experience reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support'. The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme was launched in 2022 with two funding streams: one for newly qualified artists and one for more established ones. Some 2,000 eligible applicants were chosen through random selection, having met the criteria. No means test was applied to applicants.
The Journal
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Harris 'remains to be convinced' developer tax breaks are the most effective tool to boost supply
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said he remains to be convinced that tax breaks for developers is the most effective tool when it comes to boosting housing supply. Speaking in Brussels this morning, where he is attending a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, he referenced an interview with top builder Sean Mulryan in the Business Post newspaper this weekend, whereby the developer dismissed the idea that tax breaks is the solution to Ireland's housing crisis. The Ballymore founder and chairman said tax reliefs were 'not the answer', stating that getting more land zoned and infrastructure built should be priority. Advertisement 'The fact that those who are responsible for building many houses actually suggested other practical steps that could be more impactful. When I talk to people who are in the industry, and indeed, when I talk to many people who just want a home in Ireland, in what is a housing emergency, I think the most important thing is that we get the viability measures right,' said the Tánaiste this morning. Harris said there's a range of ways to make construction more viable, particularly apartments. The next 'big move' government will take is the publication of the National Development Plan next month, which will set out and fund faster delivery around areas such as wastewater treatment and other 'big blocks' holding up construction, he added. 'I remain to be convinced that tax is the most effective tool, but there are definitely more measures we need to take on viability,' said Harris. While the Taoiseach said last week that he did not want to speculate on any potential tax breaks for property developers, stating that 'very significant priority' will be given to the housing issue in the upcoming Budget. Related Reads New rental regulations will allow landlords increase rents if previous tenant leaves voluntarily Nearly 800 council houses are lying vacant in the State for over a year, according to data Naming new housing tsar a priority for Taoiseach but DPER 'blockage' frustrating the process 'Housing remains the number one priority in all of our plans, budget, national and the development plan,' said Micheál Martin. The National Development Plan, due this summer, will be key, he said, stating that creating certainty in policy to attract private sector investment is going to be crucial. Earlier this year, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe strongly came out against the reintroduction of Celtic Tiger-style tax breaks for property developers, putting him at odds with the Taoiseach who said the government was exploring the idea of possible tax breaks for private housing developers in a bid to boost supply. 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
