Greens call for certainty on artists’ basic income scheme ahead of Dáil summer recess

The Green Party has today called on the Government to provide clarity on the future of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme before the Dáil summer recess.

Welcoming the recent report by Dr. Jenny Dagg, which collected and analysed the experiences of BIA recipients, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin and Green Party Spokesperson for Arts and Culture, Councillor Donna Cooney, said the benefits of the scheme for artists and the wider community are clearly proven.

"These findings demonstrate the positive impact of the scheme delivered by the Green Party in Government, under the leadership of former Minister Catherine Martin – a consistent and dedicated advocate for the arts," said Councillor Cooney.

The report also highlights that recipients across various art forms expressed concerns about financial stability and the sustainability of their careers when – or if – the scheme ends.

Before the last general election, cross-party Arts and Culture spokespeople declared their support for the continuation and expansion of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme at the National Campaign for the Arts hustings.

“These benefits must be continued, and we, as the party that delivered this scheme, urge Minister O’Donovan and the Government to give certainty to artists before the summer Dáil recess and extend the scheme to all eligible artists,” said Councillor Cooney.