Poll: Should every citizen in Ireland get €200 a week regardless of income?

The idea has been trialled in other countries, including Finland and Kenya, Brazil and Canada.

DO YOU THINK every Irish citizen should get €192 no matter their income, social status, or employment history?

Proponents of this idea, called a universal basic income (UBI), say that it would reduce poverty, eliminate the stigma of claiming social welfare, and provide a safety net for people as automation makes many jobs obsolete.

But others argue that it’s “fiscally irresponsible” and - as we hear in the latest episode of our Ireland 2029 podcast series - a red herring to solving issues like poverty and automation. It would also mean increasing tax rates to 40% or 45%.

So, what do you reckon? Should every Irish citizen get €192 a week regardless of income?

Poll Results:

No (7615)

Yes (7029)

I don't know (1257)

Yes
No
I don't know

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More