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.

This week on The Inquiry, we’re asking ‘Why is basic income being debated?’

Contributors:

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier