The basic income for artists was introduced in 2022. It was designed as a pilot scheme for a period of three years. Since its inception, it has added greatly to the culture of the State and has financially sustained many talented artists, whom we are lucky to have, from musicians to poets and writers, to name but a few. This scheme has given many of our citizens the ability to pursue their artistic potential and creativity, including many artists in my constituency of County Wexford. I ask that the Government avoid a cliff-edge scenario for many of the artists currently availing of the scheme. Will the Government put the basic income scheme on a permanent footing or are there plans to continue this successful scheme beyond next year’s deadline?

The Minister for arts and tourism, Deputy Catherine Martin, has reported to the Government on a healthy evaluation of the basic income for artists scheme. It was an initiative that the Minister took and the Government supported and it has had a beneficial impact. It has been evaluated and I have no doubt but that the matter will be progressed further. The Minister will revert on it.