O’Gorman calls for basic income for artists scheme to be extended

The Greens’ most recent stint in government may have ended in tears for the party, but their legacy of securing a basic universal income for artists has been hailed as one of the most transformative events for the Irish arts industry in decades.

With the parties’ Dáil influence greatly reduced and Fine Gael now running the Arts sector, the Greens’ sole survivor, Roderic O’Gorman, has asked if the government were going to extend the trial further.

The trial was established in August 2022, and 2,000 artists and creative arts workers have benefited from the payment of €325 a week since August 2022.

The trial is due to conclude in August.

“The basic income for the arts scheme is a proud legacy of the Green Party’s time in Government. It benefits more than 2,000 artists with a monthly payment. I believe this scheme should be maintained and, indeed, enhanced,” O’Gorman told Arts Minister Patrick O’Donovan. 

O’Donovan responded that the Programme for Government will compel the government to examine the scheme and what impact it has had on artists.

The outgoing government designated a total of €35 million to the pot in October’s budget, and O’Donovan said there have been tangible benefits to the recipients.

O’Donovan said government data shows that the scheme payment is having a “consistent” positive impact across almost all indicators affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being and deprivation.

“Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, experience a boost to their well-being through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precarious nature of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those not receiving the support,” he noted.

The Fine Gael minister said that his department will publish a cost-benefit analysis later this year.

O’Gorman replied, “the minister also touched on a slightly intangible aspect; namely, the well-being impacts for artists.”

“We know many types of artistic practice can be tenuous, precarious and lonely, and, therefore, the well-being impacts are something we can welcome too. There is a really strong campaign in this regard.”

O’Donovan said that the government’s priority is carrying out both qualitative and quantitative research about the scheme’s output before it makes a decision.

“I am not going to pre-empt the outcome of the research, which is looking at the scheme under a variety of headings, including practice development, well-being, deprivation, sectoral retention and others.”

“People outside the scheme now might ask if it is their turn or is it somebody else’s turn. All these aspects will have to be looked at in the round,” he told the Dublin West TD.

O’Gorman said, “from the start of 2026, though, a clear decision will have to be taken.”

“I think the evidence to date points to the benefits of the scheme and suggests we should be looking to grow it. I look forward to engaging further with the minister when additional information is provided.”