Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015
658. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason artworks that were gifted to the nation are being sold (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24692/15]
View answerThe sale of the paintings referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the owners of the artworks. My Department has no function in relation to the administration or sale of these artworks. When I met with the owners of the artworks last week, I asked them to delay the sale to allow other options to be explored.
I am pleased, therefore, with the proposal to postpone the sale, in light of my request and the emergence of Irish donors who are considering the purchase of some of the artworks. I understand this would involve the donation of artworks to an Irish cultural institution using section 1003 tax relief.
It is important to note that, while funding constraints remain, the tax relief provided by the Government under section 1003 of the Finance Act continues to provide a generous mechanism to enable artworks, which would otherwise have left the State, to be kept here. The postponement of the sale would allow the necessary breathing space to explore how this mechanism can assist in this case.
