Sir, - In a recent RTE radio programme, Dr Conor Cruise O'Brien gave the impression that his journalistic contributions in papers and journals in the Republic attract artists' tax exemption. The understanding of my members is that the exemption applies only to writing judged by the Revenue Commissioners, after advice from experts, to be creative.
My members, collectively, have written hundreds of published articles, as well as lots and lots of books; they will want to confirm that Dr O'Brien was properly at himself when he allowed this impression to be gained; if he was, then we should be told. My union may well have to take on extra staff to cope with members' claims. - Yours, etc., Sam McAughtry,
Chairman, Irish Writers' Union, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.