Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 15: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make representations to the Department of Finance prior to Budget 2008 to remove the requirement for VAT payments on fees to non-resident artists even up to a certain level of fee, in view of the huge impact this will have on smaller voluntary groups organising festivals and so on throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25622/07]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 16: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance in relation to VAT on fees paid to visiting performers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25661/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.

I am aware of the implications arising from the imposition of VAT on fees of non-resident performers. I fully understand and appreciate the concerns of the arts sector and indeed the huge impact this has on the not-for-profit arts sector.

I intend to raise this issue with the Minister for Finance in the context of the 2008 Finance Bill and I will update him on the impact on the not-for-profit arts sector of this legislation. However, it is important to note that I have no statutory function in relation to VAT and ultimately changes to VAT legislation are a matter for the Minister for Finance.