O'Donoghue backs artists' exemptions

ARTS Minister John O'Donoghue came out strongly in favour of retaining the tax exemption for artists yesterday.

The minister set out his stall on the issue a day after representatives from the Arts Council, including writer John McGahern, argued for retaining the exemption to the Oireachtas Committee on Finance.

"I have always supported the scheme and I continue to support it," Minister O'Donoghue said.