Sir, – The omens are not great for securing the Beit paintings for the nation following the reported negative statement by the Minister for Finance regarding the enhancement of Section 1003 tax relief to facilitate their purchase by a potential benefactor ("Russborough House tax appeal rejected by Noonan", September 24th).
This is in stark contrast to the recent news from the Netherlands regarding the proposed purchase of two Rembrandt paintings by that state and the Rijksmuseum for the sum of €160 million – particularly when you consider that the Rijksmuseum is not exactly short of works by the master. – Yours, etc,
REAMONN
Ó CAOMHANAIGH,
READ MORE
Baile na Manach,
Baile Átha Cliath.