No hate on artists - I support the arts. Culture matters.

But I need someone to explain the logic here.

Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts is €325 per week and has now been extended into a permanent scheme (with limited places each cycle). 

Disability Allowance (max personal rate) is €259.50 per week. 

Now add real-life context:

As a patient I cannot access timely public care, which forces me to pay for private health insurance of €204/month.

On top of that, I’m under a multidisciplinary team - about five consultants including physiotherapy. And the reality is: I often have to pay upfront to be seen, then reclaim a percentage through insurance later… or risk being pushed onto long public waiting lists.

So make it make sense:

 • The State recognises that artists need stability to create
 • But expects disabled and chronically ill people to survive on less - while paying insurance and floating upfront medical costs

This is not about pitting communities against each other.

It’s about dignity being applied selectively.

Fund the arts. Absolutely.

But stop forcing disabled/ chronically ill people to live in financial punishment just to access healthcare.

Because the maths don’t add up - and neither does the fairness.