Plans for a new phase of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme, while welcome, have been undermined by the government’s shoddy treatment of existing recipients, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney, who is the party’s arts spokesperson, said:
“The government’s handling of this issue has been shambolic, with artists participating in the pilot project now facing a financial cliff edge. These payments are due to end this month, and it is completely unacceptable that a successor scheme is not likely to be in place until at least September.
“This has caused considerable anxiety to artists who don’t know if they will be eligible or given priority for the next phase of the scheme.
“Given that this gap was predictable and avoidable, it is difficult to understand the government’s lack of planning. It is a slap in the face for those artists who now have to wait until applications open for the replacement scheme to learn if they will qualify.
“Next month, government ministers will be relying on Irish arts and culture to open diplomatic doors for them as they travel around the world for St Patrick’s Day – yet, at the same time, they are slamming the door in the face of Irish artists here.
“The government’s ham-fisted handling of this issue is inexcusable. Instead of treating artists so disrespectfully, it should be building on the pilot project and looking at ways the scheme can be expanded to reach further into the creative sector.”
April 10, 2026