Opening remarks by Minister Catherine Martin at panel discussion on Basic Income for the Arts pilot at SXSW, Austin (13 March)

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I’m sure you are all aware that our musicians from Ireland who were due to perform here at South by Southwest this week have chosen not to perform. I spoke yesterday to many of those who withdrew from the music festival.

I want to reiterate the utmost respect I have for their freedom of expression as artists. Freedom of expression for artists is an essential part of a properly functioning democracy. It’s essential for us to have a diversity of voices and people willing to hold a lens up to society and reflect back what is happening.

I believe the Basic Income can act as a support for artists’ freedom of expression. Basic Income can give the artists the power to say no. I would also like to add that I have asked Music From Ireland and Culture Ireland to explore options for alternative showcasing opportunities in the US for the artists who were due to participate in South by Southwest, this week. I want to be clear that I have not attended and will not be attending any live music programming at South by Southwest.

I reassured the musicians, that I would use every opportunity available to make clear my revulsion at the devastation that has been unleashed on Gaza.

As a representative of the Irish Government, there is a special opportunity afforded to me to speak directly with you in the US, the country and the people with strong ties to the Israeli nation. The appalling Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October last year was stark in its depravity and we immediately condemned it outright. I do feel compelled to address the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

I am taking a stand for the concerns of the Irish people, as well as our artists, by advocating both here and as I did last night at the consulate event to mark St Patrick’s Day, for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and a massive and sustained increase in humanitarian aid, food and medicine to the people of Gaza.

Like so many people in Ireland, I have felt nothing but revulsion and anger at seeing the killing, bombing and maiming inflicted on the Palestinian people in Gaza in recent months. It has to stop. Last night, I delivered that message at the St Patrick’s Day reception here in Ireland House.

Furthermore, the Taoiseach has indicated that he will speak about Irish concerns with Joe Biden when he meets the US president this week.

Politicians stepping away from these public engagements where we can raise the horrific plight of Gaza is not an option. Instead, our jobs as representatives of the Irish Government is to use this platform to argue for peace.

The EU's foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has now warned that starvation had become "a weapon of war", that the humanitarian crisis "is man-made".

The reduction of aid trucks entering Gaza, the destruction of the health system, and the prevention of aid have left 600,000 people at immediate risk of starvation, with one-third of children in northern Gaza suffering from malnutrition.

We extend our hand to all Americans to join us in the pursuit of peace. The time for action is now, and Ireland remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing an end to this humanitarian crisis.