Starting in May this year, 2,000 musicians, actors and other cultural workers will be able to receive an artist's salary of 325 euros (3,450 kronor) per week, according to the public service broadcaster RTE.
The salary will be paid for three years, after which 2,000 new cultural workers will take part in the reform, which costs 18.3 million euros a year. A limited pilot project has shown substantial social benefits, and the reform has broad public support, according to opinion polls.
"This will revolutionize and in many ways distinguish Ireland from other countries in how we value culture and creative work," said Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan.
