First published on The Journal of Music in Ireland on 5 March 2026.

Former Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has been appointed Head of Policy, Ireland, with the Ivors Academy. In this interview with Toner Quinn, she discusses her new advocacy role for songwriters and composers, the challenges posed by AI, and the future of the Basic Income for the Arts.

It is just over 13 months since Catherine Martin lost her seat as a Green TD – which in turn ended her tenure as Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as part of the last coalition government. In terms of arts ministries, her four and a half years in the role were the most consequential in a generation.