Some Irish artists will eligible for a new weekly payment as part of a pilot scheme that guarantees a basic income.

Today, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath are announcing the details of the 4.7bn euro budget for the year ahead.

Updates as they happen below:

Housing

Zoned land tax reduction from 7 per cent, vacant land tax to 3 per cent

No vacant homes tax to bring back empty homes back into use

Youth travel card

Youth travel card to give 50 per cent discount on public transport fares.

Travel

1.4bn euro allocated towards upgrading public transport.

Climate Change

Carbon tax increased by 7.50 euro per tonne.

Women

Free contraception for people aged between the age of 17 and 25 as part of a 31 million euro package for a dedicated women’s health package.

Minimum Wage

Minimum wage increased by 30 cent to 10.50 euro.

Tobacco

The excise duty on a packet of 20 cigarettes is to increase by 50 cents to 15 euro.

Basic income for Irish artists

Though not confirmed yet, it is believed that some Irish artists will be eligible for a new weekly payment as part of a Basic Income Guarantee Scheme. It is believed that the scheme will provide the financial support to allow artists to focus on their art. It comes after the pilot scheme was confirmed in the Economic recovery plan in June of this year.

It is also believed that the arts sector will also benefit from a 25 million euro live entertainment fund in Budget 2022 which will support the venues and promoters put on gigs after the country reopens on October 22. 

This article is updated regularly.