"Universal Basic Income: Pennies from Heaven" by Paul O'Brien is now available from bookstores and online.

Paul is a member of Basic Income Ireland, and the book develops themes that the group have been discussing for some years.

The book is about a radical idea: the idea that each of us deserves enough money to live on - and that it should be paid independently of our personal means, and independently of whether we work, or even want to work.

The concept of basic income is being discussed internationally, and has the potential to revolutionise the way society functions.

All are invited to attend the launch on 13th July in Dublin @ 6.00 pm on Thursday 13 July in Hodges Figgis, Dawson Street, Dublin 2. 

See additional detail here >>

'BI and artificial intelligence / automation' is the topic for the next general meeting to be held on June 14th at 6pm in DIT Aungier St. Dublin in room 3077.

It is hoped that Sinead Gibney will open the meeting with her input on this topic. 

All welcome to join us!

Agenda

The following is the agenda for June 14th. Basic Income meeting. It is from Sinead Gibney who will give an introduction on the topic of  'automation and the loss of labour'.

Automation, artificial intelligence, and the resulting loss of labour, are key drivers for the recent escalation of interest in Universal Basic Income. In this month's meeting, we will look at this topic, analysing the pace of change, the high impact areas and the anticipated consequences.

Why, if we've seen automation coming down the track for so long, are we not better preparing for it as a society? Why is it largely spoken about as a negative force when it was initially promised as a way to free us up for other pursuits? And is basic income a viable concept in a future where automation has heavily impacted on the availability of labour?

What do you think about the automation argument for basic income? Is it overhyped or underestimated? Come to June's meeting to help talk through the issues. We look forward to seeing you there!

The next Basic Income Ireland meeting will take place on Wednesday, 19th April, from 6-8pm at DIT on Aungier Street in Dublin.

Join us in Room 3-077 for an interactive evening of debate and discussion.

All are welcome to attend to discuss the following topic for the evening:

What Should We Say about a Partial Basic Income?
A ‘full’ basic income is a regular, unconditional payment from the state that would be sufficient to live a frugal but decent lifestyle without supplementary income. A ‘partial’ basic income is a regular, unconditional payment at a lower level. In Basic Income Ireland, we have concentrated on presenting the case for a full basic income. But many of the current proposals for a basic income are for a lower level of payment – one that would have to be supplemented by paid work or other state benefits to provide a decent standard of living. What do you think about those? Do the arguments in favour of basic income still apply? Come to April’s meeting to help think through the issues.

The Environment Society of the Dundalk Institute of Technology are holding a public meeting on March 1st 2017.

Two Basic income members - Anne Ryan and Tony Weekes - will give a presentation.

All are welcome to attend.

More information about venue and times etc., will be available ASAP.

Basic Income Ireland's March network meeting will take place at 6pm on Tues March 21st at Dublin Institute of Technology, Aungier St, Room 3-077.

Seán Ward and Seán Healy of Social Justice Ireland will present the new SJI costings for basic income and this will be followed by a discussion.

All are welcome to attend.

Universal Basic Income is a payment from the State to every citizen paid every week, every year of your life, unconditionally. It should be enough to live a basic life. It involves no means-testing with no work requirement and is guaranteed, tax-free. It is currently being considered and piloted in countries including Finland, India and Switzerland.

Universal Basic Income would replace core social welfare payments including the Jobseekers Allowance, the State pension and most tax credits and allowances. Other State benefits would not be affected.

Supporters argue that, along with State services in health, housing and education, Basic Income ensures the dignity of all of its citizens. It enhances social justice and basic security, improving mental health by giving people control over their time. It promotes values of learning and public participation and citizenship. Critics argue that it is would decrease productivity, or that it is not feasible.

So can we afford it? What would be the economic and social consequences? Speakers from Social Justice Ireland and Basic Income Ireland will outline what Basic Income is and its likely impact for Ireland. 

Book your free place here >>

DATE AND TIME
Tue 21 February 2017
19:30 – 21:00 GMT

​LOCATION
Royal Marine Hotel
Marine Road
Dublin
Ireland
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Monthly meeting dates for 2017: time 6pm for all meetings:

• Feb. Wed. 15th
• March Tues 21st  
• April Wednesday 19th
• May Tuesday 16th (room 4091)
• June Wednesday 14th
• July no meeting
• August no meeting
• September 18-24th
• October Tuesday 17th
• November Wednesday 15th
• December Wednesday 13th (social gathering).

Meetings are held at DIT room 3077, Aungier St., Dublin 2. 
(Note: the May meeting will be held in room 4091).

BI week: September Saturday 16th.

BI Ireland Autumn Forum: (time and venue tbd).