Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 29: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if an assessment has been undertaken of the implications for the arts sector of the changes announced in Budget 2006 to the artists tax exemption scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2505/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The tax exemption for artists will continue to be of great benefit to artists in Ireland. An adjustable cap of €250,000 on annual tax-exempt earnings has been applied but this will have no impact whatsoever on the vast majority of artists, who earn well below that amount. The feedback available to me indicates that artists in general very much welcome the retention of the scheme, notwithstanding the adjustments to it. The scheme ensures that Ireland continues to be a place where the work of artists is valued and where their place in society is assured.