The tax free status given to writers, artists and musicians in Ireland is going to be reviewed by the government. The probable outcome: A minimum tax rate or sliding scale of relief likely to be introduced for top earners.
The review is in response to widespread public anger that millionaires in the music business and other fields have been using relief schemes that allow them, legitimately, to avoid paying any tax on their earnings. Music groups like U2, The Corrs and Westlife, singers including Enya, Van Morrison and Chris de Burgh and shows like Riverdance, are earning millions worldwide, but because they are Irish citizens, they pay no taxes.
The tax free scheme for writers, artists and musicians was introduced more than 30 years ago by Charles Haughey, an arts patron who was then finance minister. The scheme, unique to Ireland, was intended to show how the country valued artistic and creative talent, as well as being of practical help to struggling artists.
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