Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 120: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of tax breaks to artists on an annual basis; if there is a mechanism in place to recoup the money from a recipient who has engaged in unbecoming conduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12778/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Section 195 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 exempts from income tax certain earnings of writers, composers and artists. Specifically, the exemption applies to earnings from writing, composing or executing a certain work, which has been determined by the Revenue Commissioners to be an original and creative work, having or generally recognised as having cultural or artistic merit. The exemption is only available to individuals who are resident in the State and not resident elsewhere for tax purposes. Where these conditions are satisfied there is no provision for the withdrawal of the relief.

The cost to the Exchequer of the artists' exemption scheme in 2004, the most recent year for which statistics are available, is estimated at €28 million.