In a letter to the editor of the Irish Times (20 April 2026), BII Steering Group member Dave Quinn argues the case for a Universal Basic Income.
Sir, – I refer to a recent article about scrutiny in the system of payments to artists (“Fairness of basic income for arts scheme under scrutiny as new funding round opens”, April 15th). Rather than repeat the Basic Income for the Arts scheme, which is limited, a fully implemented universal basic income (UBI) would be transformative to our society.
Such a payment would give us the opportunity to restore security and reduce inequality, improving our sense of inclusion and fairness in our society.
In his 2011 book, The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class, Guy Standing argues that contemporary capitalism is producing a new social class, the precariat. Unlike the traditional working class, whose identity was tied to stable employment, the precariat is defined by precarity, meaning they have insecure jobs, unpredictable income, lack of rights and an absence of long-term prospects.
This is not simply about low pay. The precariat cannot plan, save or build a secure future. They have minimal control over working conditions.
Work is not only a source of income, but also of identity and social belonging. Stable occupations used to provide a sense of purpose, skill and recognition. Now, jobs are often fragmented, temporary and interchangeable.
As a result, workers may move frequently between roles without developing a coherent career or professional identity.
This has psychological and social consequences. Without stable roles, individuals can feel disconnected from both their work and their communities.
That is why Standing describes the precariat as a “dangerous class”. Insecurity breeds frustration, resentment and vulnerability to political manipulation.
Supporters of UBI call for an unconditional, universal and regular tax-free payment to all adults.
We argue that UBI would provide a foundation of security, enabling individuals to make choices about work, education, caring, artistic endeavour and volunteering without constant fear of destitution.
UBI is not intended as a replacement for work, but as a means of restoring autonomy and dignity in a market economy that no longer provides them reliably.
If large segments of the population live with a reduced sense of security, identity or voice, the consequences extend beyond economics into politics and social cohesion. – Yours, etc.
DAVE QUINN,
Monkstown,
Co Dublin.
Universal Basic Income is better for precarious workers than Basic Income for the Arts
Published by Basic Income Ireland on
In a letter to the editor of the Irish Times (20 April 2026), BII Steering Group member Dave Quinn argues the case for a Universal Basic Income.
Sir, – I refer to a recent article about scrutiny in the system of payments to artists (“Fairness of basic income for arts scheme under scrutiny as new funding round opens”, April 15th). Rather than repeat the Basic Income for the Arts scheme, which is limited, a fully implemented universal basic income (UBI) would be transformative to our society.
Such a payment would give us the opportunity to restore security and reduce inequality, improving our sense of inclusion and fairness in our society.
In his 2011 book, The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class, Guy Standing argues that contemporary capitalism is producing a new social class, the precariat. Unlike the traditional working class, whose identity was tied to stable employment, the precariat is defined by precarity, meaning they have insecure jobs, unpredictable income, lack of rights and an absence of long-term prospects.
This is not simply about low pay. The precariat cannot plan, save or build a secure future. They have minimal control over working conditions.
Work is not only a source of income, but also of identity and social belonging. Stable occupations used to provide a sense of purpose, skill and recognition. Now, jobs are often fragmented, temporary and interchangeable.
As a result, workers may move frequently between roles without developing a coherent career or professional identity.
This has psychological and social consequences. Without stable roles, individuals can feel disconnected from both their work and their communities.
That is why Standing describes the precariat as a “dangerous class”. Insecurity breeds frustration, resentment and vulnerability to political manipulation.
Supporters of UBI call for an unconditional, universal and regular tax-free payment to all adults.
We argue that UBI would provide a foundation of security, enabling individuals to make choices about work, education, caring, artistic endeavour and volunteering without constant fear of destitution.
UBI is not intended as a replacement for work, but as a means of restoring autonomy and dignity in a market economy that no longer provides them reliably.
If large segments of the population live with a reduced sense of security, identity or voice, the consequences extend beyond economics into politics and social cohesion. – Yours, etc.
DAVE QUINN,
Monkstown,
Co Dublin.
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