As Ireland’s $1,500-a-month basic income pilot program for creatives nears its end in February, officials have to answer a simple question: Is it worth it?
With four months to go, they say the answer is yes.
Earlier this month, Ireland’s government announced its 2026 budget, which includes “a successor to the pilot Basic Income Scheme for the Arts to begin next year” among its expenditures.
Ireland is just one of many places experimenting with guaranteed basic income programs, which provide recurring, unrestricted payments to people in a certain demographic. These programs differ from a universal basic income, which would provide payments for an entire population.
I think this is really cool, and I support it. Kudos!
That being said, I don’t think $1500 is enough… but also, how did they even determine $1500 to be the #? This article left me with some questions.
It may not be perfect, but it’s absolutely a step in the right direction. I just need more info to understand more.