Leading Irish actors sign petition over tax incentives

Some of Ireland's leading actors have signed a petition against the proposed abolition of tax incentives for film and TV drama.

Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea and Alison Doody are supporting the Irish Actors Equity Group, who say the tax relief has allowed the industry to grow 18% annually in the last ten years.

Those working in movies say its abolition would destroy the film industry here, with some big-budget movies already choosing other locations because of the uncertainty.

Hollywood star Aidan Quinn said he can not believe Charlie McCreevy is even thinking about getting rid of it.

Meanwhile, the Arts Council is admitting that it will only be able to satisfy about half the financial demands made on it by the different arts organisations.

The council briefed more than 150 arts groups from around the country today on how it plans to make those funding decisions.

Olive Braiden the chair of the Arts Council said that the arts make a very important contribution to Irish life.