Minister pushes to retain basic income scheme for artists
The scheme has run for an initial three years and was due to expire in August but it has been extended to February 2026.
Two thousand artists, selected by lottery, receive a basic income of €325 per week.
Officials from the Department of Culture have been negotiating with their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure on a successor to the scheme.
Any further scheme would have to be agreed as part of the Budget negotiations.
The Programme for Government said that the scheme would be assessed to "maximise its impact".
It's understood that there has been some resistance from DPER to the scheme continuing in its current format.
Mr O'Donovan is expected to push for another version of the scheme which his Department believes has changed lives and delivered a huge social and cultural impact.
The Basic Income Scheme costs €35 million per year.
Labour has accused the Minister of leaving artists in limbo.
Arts spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue said artists need security and not to have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table.
Sinn Féin has also called on the Minister to develop a long-term follow on scheme and to expand its remit.
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