Latest news with #PatrickO'Donovan
The Journal
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Cabinet gives NDRC one-year reprieve
In 2024, the Department of Communications had decided to stop giving the programme an annual grant of €3.5m when the current contract ends in November, which was likely to lead to its closure. The decision was widely criticised, with 200 entrepreneurs writing an open letter to the Government calling for it to be reversed. Set up in 2006 as a collaboration between the State and the private sector, the NDRC has been run for the last five years by Dogpatch Labs and four regional partners. Today the Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, and the Minister for Communications, Patrick O'Donovan, announced that the Government had approved an extension of the NDRC with the current service provider, Dogpatch Labs, and that it will continue to give supports to early-stage digital enterprises until the end of 2026. Enterprise Ireland is planning to support 1,000 new start-ups by 2029, the Government announcement said, and will launch a successor National Accelerator Platform in 2026. This platform is in an advanced stage of development, and 'will reflect the new and evolving needs of founders, enhance sectoral diversification and international connectivity'. Mr O'Donovan said that NDRC had been a high-performing support for digital start-ups, providing mentoring, training and investments, and helping with the creation of high-value jobs. The Enterprise Minister, Mr Burke, added that the decision would ensure continuity of service, and provide a stable foundation for the long-terms successor being developed by Enterprise Ireland. 'We must continue to back the global ambition of Irish-founded innovation-led start-ups, particularly in a challenging global economic climate,' he said. 'To do so, my Department through Enterprise Ireland will develop a system-wide approach that accelerates start-up growth, internationalisation, and scaling.' The decision is intended to provide certainty to firms that have been helped by the NDRC, and to ensure there is no interruption in State support for the digital sector. An independent review of the NDRC, submitted to the Department of Communications in June 2024 but only published in December, was overwhelmingly positive about its operation. The Department had commissioned Indecon to examine whether Dogpatch's contract should be extended for another two years. The consultants concluded that Dogpatch Labs should get a two-year extension, as the evidence pointed to 'substantive achievement of the NDRC's strategic objectives' between late 2020 and the end of 2022. 'The analysis also found satisfactory outputs and outcomes, as well as improvements compared to the previous operator,' said the Indecon report, which was received last June but only posted on almost six months later.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Social media: Irish and French ministers press for Europe-wide age rule to protect children
A letter has been sent to the European Commission calling for the introduction of mandatory age verification for access to social media. Media minister Patrick O'Donovan, who signed the letter alongside French digital affairs minister Clara Chappaz, said it is time to take action and initiate a European response to the issue. Given the considerable and potentially negative effects of social networks on young people, Mr O'Donovan called for the mandatory age verification to be included in the guidelines on the protection of minors online within the framework of the Digital Services Act. The Fine Gael minister and Ms Chappaz are seeking an urgent meeting with the commission to progress dialogue. Patrick O'Donovan and his French counterpart Clara Chappaz, above, co-signed the letter to the European Commission and are seeking other EU states to join their bid to protect minors from harmful social media content. File picture They also want their letter to be co-signed by the relevant minsters of other EU states. O'Donovan met social media firms Separately, the minister met with social media platforms in Dublin on Monday where a "productive" discussion was had. Mr O'Donovan outlined to the companies that the damage social media does to young people and society in general is very worrying, saying that his singular focus is on protecting children from harmful online content. He said age verification must be a priority for platforms and outlines his intention to work across government and with all stakeholders to ensure children could enjoy the benefits of connectivity while being safe from harmful or illegal content online. The representatives for the platforms set out the work they had done and were continuing to do to address concerns. Coimisiún na Meán code A new code, set out by broadcasting regulator Coimisiún na Meán, is aimed at protecting children online, with binding rules that seek to prevent harmful content such as cyberbullying, racism, or incitement to hatred. These rules will require platforms to introduce robust age verification — such as verifying a passport — to prevent children from accessing pornography or gratuitous violence online. If a company breaks the new code, fines of €20m, or 10% of their turnover, could apply. The code itself has received pushback from some tech firms, with a number of companies, including X, Reddit, and Tumblr, taking judicial reviews against the code. Both Reddit and Tumblr failed in their High Court cases. In the case of X, it accused Coimisiún na Meán of 'regulatory overreach' in its approach. That judicial review is set for hearing in June. In April, digital services commissioner John Evans said that, based on discussions with these platforms, they already have a 'sense of what direction different players are going and what our approach might be'. He also said that 'different platforms have different attitudes' to the code, and that the regulator has been subject to 'pushback' from some platforms regarding the obligations being put upon them.
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- 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.
