Why is basic income being debated?
Ireland’s new permanent government cash transfer scheme is being watched globally
The Inquiry · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
Ireland has a new permanent government scheme providing regular cash transfers to 2,000 artists. The people who can access it range from circus performers to opera singers.
It follows a pilot of more than three years, which is believed to have brought a return on investment to the economy.
Big tech backs basic income schemes like this to offset the consequences AI is having on the workforce. Leading economists believe it could create a dystopian world. Nevertheless, more governments are piloting or planning to introduce schemes like this.
Our panel includes Dr Jenny Dagg, assistant lecturer, Maynooth University, Ireland; Dr Catarina Neves, postdoctoral fellow, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Daron Acemoglu, 2024 Nobel Prize winner in economics, institute professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US and Dr Jurgen De Wispelaere, acting chair of the Basic Income Earth Network.
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Daniel Rosney Sound engineer: Craig Boardman Editor: Tom Bigwood
(Photo: A customer withdraws euro bills from an ATM in Sofia. Credit: Bloomberg/Getty Images)