Ahern book got tax-exemption while 14 refused

Revenue granted exemption to former taoiseach despite denying it to other non-fiction writers

Ken Foxe, Public Affairs Correspondent

Portrait of an artist: Bertie Ahern does publicity for his book

THE Revenue Commissioners automatically granted tax-exempt status to a book by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern despite refusing at least 14 other authors in the past few years.

The Revenue sanctioned Ahern's artists' exemption even though the Arts Council has said that political books should not be included.

It has now emerged that the Arts Council wasn't asked for an opinion on Ahern's book and whether it justified inclusion under the scheme.

Had the Revenue Commissioners declined the application by the former taoiseach, he would have been forced to go through the Revenue Appeals process, where his brother-in-law Ronan Kelly is one of the two adjudicators.

The Arts Council said it could not comment on the former taoiseach's biography as it had not been consulted about it. It said: "The guidelines are very clear that biographies and autobiographies do not qualify for the artists' exemption. The only exception to this is if the book encompasses… the subjects of fiction writing, drama, music, film, dance, mime or visual arts, and related commentaries by bona-fide artists.

"The Arts Council is asked regularly throughout the year by the Revenue Commissioners for a recommendation on whether or not a particular publication falls within the guidelines of the scheme."

In recent years, the Revenue Appeals Commissioners has made several rulings in favour of plaintiffs, and against the recommendations of the Arts Council.

The Arts Council has strongly opposed extending the artists' exemption to many non-fiction books including political memoirs and true-crime books.

In dozens of cases over the past few years, it has written to the Revenue Commissioners arguing that many non-fiction books do not fall within guidelines for the artistic exemption.

A biography of the American philanthropist Chuck Feeney by writer Conor O'Clery, for instance, should not have been granted tax-free status, it said.

The Arts Council also sent a letter to the Revenue Commissioners stating that a biography of Mary Robinson by Dr John Horgan should not have been granted tax exemption.

The Revenue said it was not in a position to comment specifically on Ahern's exemption status as it was a personal tax matter.

A statement said: "As you are aware, [the Revenue] cannot comment on Mr Ahern's, or any individual's, tax affairs. However, [we] can confirm that since January 2006 all individuals who have applied for the income-tax exemption in the category of autobiography and biography have been granted the exemption This is in accordance with the law and guidelines that govern this matter."

Details released by the Revenue Commissioners show that non-fiction books are frequently refused tax-exempt status. According to its own figures, 14 authors were refused the artist's exemption during the period between 2006 and 2008.

January 24, 2010

Comments

#1 owen commented, on January 24, 2010 at 6:36 p.m.:

Artist bertie always spoke in riddles,nobody was quite sure what he said.Im sure his book will be filed under FICTION in many libraries,just life Frank Aikens FACTS ABOUT IRELAND many moons ago.Theres one law for them and one for us....we always lose

#2 Brian Hoppy commented, on January 24, 2010 at 6:45 p.m.:

The Revenue Commisioner is also giving Ahern preferential treatment by failing to adjudicate on his tax affairs until after the Mahon tribunal publishes its findings.
They're under no obligation to do this. That's Ireland for you - the minister spending your taxes wasn't paying his own and nobody gives a s**t. Well except me - I paid my taxes directly to the childrens hospital last year.

#3 Robert Browne commented, on January 24, 2010 at 9:09 p.m.:

A complete work of fiction the theme of which is wasn't I the great leader. Of course he deserves a tax break but his great imagination.

As regards giving him pensions for ruining the south and a salary for not even bothering to turn up in the Dail to represent his constituents? No way, and if he was honest he would give up his seat now and let someone who is interested in politics take their place in the Dail.

#4 Pat commented, on January 24, 2010 at 9:33 p.m.:

why should any autobiography be given artists exemption?

#5 peter williams commented, on January 24, 2010 at 11:02 p.m.:

What is all the fuss about?
It the work of an economic genius,
A selfless patriot ,a man of the people .
He will remembered for his honesty integrity
one of the great characters of irish politics.
Bertie Wilberforce Wooster Aherne

#6 Gerry Byrne commented, on January 25, 2010 at 1:28 a.m.:

Like the vast majority of politicians the man has no shame,sadly Ireland is riddled with this cancer of greed in political circles.

#7 paul9162 commented, on January 25, 2010 at 9:06 a.m.:

Peter, you forgot Walter Mitty as well. Ahern must have been the worst "Leader" (!) in a a western european nation since records began. It is unbelievable how he is still getting away with his nonsense, traitorous would be more like, its too serious to take this lightly.

#8 Robert Browne commented, on January 25, 2010 at 1:13 p.m.:

Should have read above!

A complete work of fiction the theme of which is; "wasn't I the great leader". Of course he deserves a tax break for his great imagination.

#9 58 McGillicuddy commented, on January 25, 2010 at 3:14 p.m.:

The obvious answer to this work of fictitious s**t is not to buy it. I'm amazed that people are still so bloody naive in this little god forsaken country that they spend their scarce few bob on such drivel!

#10 Brendan commented, on January 25, 2010 at 4:52 p.m.:

Even if one wanted to buy this bilge, it would be too embarrassing to go into a book shop and ask for it.
A bit like going into a pharmarcy and asking the girl behind the counter for a packet of condoms.

#11 Richard commented, on January 26, 2010 at 12:42 p.m.:

I know of one good use that this book could be used for but it would be too expensive to use as toilet paper.

#12 Roger Rafferty commented, on January 26, 2010 at 7:29 p.m.:

When Bertie's guff is reduced to €1.99 in a few months, copies should be bought by the box-load, and an auto-da-fe mass book-burning be held outside Fagan's - while the chancer is inside supping English beer.

#13 Maire commented, on January 26, 2010 at 11:06 p.m.:

The mighty will fall, it is just a matter of time. It is a long road that there are no turns isnt that right Bertie.

#14 Eamon commented, on January 27, 2010 at 9:19 a.m.:

The gurrier still has his hands in our pockets.

#15 Robert Browne commented, on January 27, 2010 at 4:46 p.m.:

His book was 'ghost written' the others should have tried that technique. They should also have tried the old networking technique.

His next book could be on another subject close to his heart. How I got the unionists and nationalists to talk but then destroyed Ireland faster than Mugabe could destroy Zimbabwe.

#16 BarryW commented, on January 27, 2010 at 10:20 p.m.:

I wondr willl Ahern's next book "How I Built the Celtic Pyramid" get tax exemption status?

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