An ending of the artists' tax exemption would reduce the level of "professional arts activity" in the State, Arts Minister John O'Donoghue has said in another staunch defence of the measure.
Addressing the first day of the Fianna Fail ard fheis in Killarney, Mr O'Donoghue said the scheme was lauded around the world and showed that Ireland was "enlightened" in the special treatment it affords its artists.
A number of tax exemptions are under review and could be cut or amended in December's budget. The Arts Council recently warned that there would be little or no benefit to the exchequer if the scheme, which has been in operation since 1969, were adjusted.
The scheme has received strong support from Mr O'Donoghue in the past and he again launched a staunch defence of its benefits this evening..
"It is my firm belief that elimination of the exemption would inevitably and significantly reduce the level of professional arts activity in the State, as professional artists are forced to turn to alternative occupations.
I also believe strongly that capping this exemption would send out a message internationally that we do not encourage success in the arts. In the words of the writer John McGahern, Ireland will no longer be perceived as enlightened," the Kerry TD said.