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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Renowned Cork pub The Outpost hits market for €1m — but one in five bars for sale tipped to call time
About one in five pubs for sale in Cork will be redeveloped away from the trade because they are no longer viable, an expert in the local property market predicts. The Cork property market has been alive in recent months, with some iconic pubs up for sale. In March, the Flying Enterprise complex on Sullivan's Quay went up for sale for €5.3m, while last week, The Hawthorn by The Lough went on the market, for the first time in 40 years, with an asking price of €1.6m. This week, they were joined on the market by another renowned premises, The Outpost, in Bishopstown. Auctioneer Sam Kingston of Casey & Kingston auctioneers in Cork City is the selling agent for The Outpost, which has an asking price of €1m. Mr Kingston said while he expected The Outpost and other venues could have a bright future in the licensed trade, others are likely to have called time for good. Some pubs are being redeveloped for residential accommodation. 'There are about 50 pubs for sale in Cork City and county at the moment, and I'd imagine that at least 20% of them are non-viable as pubs, just because of location, ageing, and demographics,' said Mr Kingston. 'It's a different market. I'm in this business for 40 years and in that time, I've sold a lot of pubs. A lot of the pubs that I sold years ago in Shandon St and places like that are now closed and have been redeveloped into residential accommodation, and other uses.' Mr Kingston believes The Outpost remains a sound investment opportunity. 'It's 5,000sq ft on quarter of an acre selling for €1m — that is value at €200 a square foot and if you look at the Bishopstown area, there isn't a huge amount of pubs there. There's a lot of new development being done in Waterfall nearby. It might well become a commercial development, but there's a strong possibility that it will work as a pub.' Read More Irish prices on consumer items second highest in EU
The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Taoiseach ‘not aware' of any talk in Fianna Fáil about backing Colum Eastwood for president
FIANNA FÁIL LEADER and Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he is not aware of any engagement with former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood over becoming the party's candidate for the Irish presidency. It has been reported by the BBC that Eastwood is considering a bid for Áras an Uachtaráin. Eastwood is currently an MP for Northern Ireland's Foyle constituency, which takes in Derry. He resigned as SDLP party leader in October last year , having announced his intention to step down a couple of months prior. The BBC today reported that Eastwood is 'considering' a bid because 'people have asked and we'll see where it goes'. 'There's very few candidates in the field right now. It's something that needs a lot of consideration.' He added: 'I'm going to take the time to think about it, but it's a long summer and there's enough to be getting on with before any decisions around that would have to be made.' Aged 42, Eastwood has previously served as the youngest mayor of Derry between 2010 and 2011. He became an MLA in 2011 and became party leader in 2015. Advertisement Eastwood was then voted in as an MP in 2019 and was return to Westminister in 2024, though with a much smaller majority. Rumours have swirled in recent days that Eastwood is being considered as a potential nominee by Fianna Fáil. Asked to confirm if Eastwood had indeed been approached by the Fianna Fáil party, Martin questioned the basis for the question, adding: 'There's been no contact with me, there's been no engagement that I am aware of from the Fianna Fail party and it hasn't been on the agenda at all.' Speaking at a North South Ministerial Council meeting today in Co Armagh, Martin said he was 'surprised' to hear Eastwood was considering a run but said 'it's open to everybody to put themselves forward'. He said Eastwood was a 'very effective parliamentarian' but Fianna Fáil had not concluded on deliberations 'at all'. The SDLP and Fianna Fáil entered into a 'policy partnership' in 2019 but this was ended in 2022. Talks of a possible merger between the two parties had been ongoing at the time, however, rather than a full-on merger, the parties instead agreed to the 'policy partnership'. Eastwood told a meeting of his party delegates in September 2022 that the time had come for the SDLP to 'stand on its own two feet'. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland First Minister and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill has not ruled out a run for the Irish presidential election. Asked at the North South Ministerial Council if she was considering putting her name forward, O'Neill said Sinn Féin is working its way through deliberations on putting forward a candidate. -With additional reporting from Diarmuid Pepper and Press Association 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
Irish Post
an hour ago
- Irish Post
Varadkar says Farage as PM could accelerate Irish unification
FORMER Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Irish unification could come about much more quickly if Nigel Farage were to become prime minister. Varadkar said Farage's rise to power could significantly shift public opinion in Northern Ireland and Scotland on remaining part of the UK. Describing British politics as 'very volatile' in a BBC interview, Varadkar said it's plausible that Farage could lead Britain within the next decade. While Reform won only five seats in the 2024 general election, it made notable gains in local elections across Britain. However, critics argue that Farage's popularity in parts of England may not translate into immediate political upheaval across the UK. 'There are people from both communities in Northern Ireland who value liberal and European ideals,' he said. 'If a future UK government contrasts sharply with one in Dublin, that could push more people toward voting for unification.' He also believes a Farage premiership could bolster support for Scottish independence. Regarding the possibility of a united Ireland, Varadkar stated that it is time to begin planning, although holding a referendum is not immediately necessary. 'We're not there yet in terms of numbers, but the direction is clear—demographics and polling show growing support, particularly among younger voters.' Later on the Red Lines podcast, Varadkar said he would trade two years of economic growth for Irish unity, arguing that the long-term benefits would outweigh any short-term costs. A 2024 report estimated the cost of unification at €20 billion over 20 years. He stressed that unity won't happen by accident: 'It must be worked towards. Those of us who believe in it have a duty to make the case.' See More: Irish Unification, Leo Varadkar, Nigel Farage, Northern Ireland
