Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on correspondence (details supplied); if the matter has been reviewed by his Department; if any meeting has taken place; if he or his officials have met the Department of Finance on the matter; if any official has been appointed by him to attend such an investigation or review; if he plans to meet interested groups on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15254/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The tax exemption for artists has contributed very significantly to the development of a viable arts sector in Ireland. The Arts Council has made a case to me for the continuation of the scheme, and I have passed this, with my strong support, to my colleague, Deputy Brian Cowen, Minister for Finance. My Department is continuing to collaborate with the Arts Council in assessing the relevance of this exemption for the arts in Ireland, and I will keep in close touch with the Minister for Finance in this context. I have directed my officials to continue to treat this matter as a priority.