Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 5

Written Answers. - Artists Tax and Social Welfare Entitlements.

Richard Bruton

Question:

30 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the submission, if any, he has made to the Programme for Economic and Social Progress negotiators or the Department of Finance on the need to improve the treatment of artists, particularly in the areas of tax and social welfare entitlements; and the Government and the union responses to his submission.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

As a Government Minister it would not be appropriate for me to make representations relating to the Programme for Economic and Social Progress (PESP) on behalf of any group. I have to bear the general good in mind. Obviously groups effected by my Ministry will with others have their needs considered by me and my Cabinet colleagues.

The Deputy will be aware that artists are represented at theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress negotiations by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and that this has proved a successful forum for the safeguarding of their interests. As Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, however, I will examine closely any future proposals which the Congress may make to me on issues affecting artists and I would be happy to discuss these issues, if and when they arise, with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and other relevant Ministers.