The government has today unveiled the 2022 Budget, including a number of measures designed to support and improve the arts in Ireland.

Speaking in the Dáil today, Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath said that the Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media sectors have been particularly hard hit by Covid.

A  Pilot Basic Income Guarantee Scheme for Artists will be introduced, and €25 million has been allocated for the continuation of Live Entertainment supports. There will also be initiatives to develop and support the night-time economy, along with increased support for the audio visual industry.

The reduced VAT rate of 9% for the hospitality sector will also remain in place to the end of August 2022.

A number of other measures will include:

• Funding of €130m for the Arts Council
• €40 million to market Ireland overseas as a tourist destination
• €25 million to establish a basic income scheme for artists
• Over €60 million to extend the commercial rates waiver for quarter four targeted at the hospitality, arts and certain tourism related sectors
• €5.5 million toward the establishment of the new Media Commission
• €4 million of funding for TG4, along with an additional €6.3 million to promote and develop the Irish language and support Udarás Na Gaeltachta.

Further measures will be announced by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media tomorrow.

Minister McGrath also said that while the upcoming easing of restrictions will assist the sector, he is conscious further support will be required to underpin their recovery.

This year’s budget package is €4.7 billion, with new spending accounting for €1 billion and €500 million set aside for tax measures.

Some other major measures announced today include the roll-out of free contraception for young people, free GP care for children aged up 7 years, along with increases for the minimum wage and the standard income tax band.