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Pensions for writers

The European Writers' Council administrative board has welcomed a proposal from the Irish Writers' Union on providing State support for writers in their old age.

The IWU has embarked on a campaign to see State funds being made available for a pension-for-writers scheme, similar to that proposed in Argentina and which is already implemented in some other countries.

Ireland benefits enormously through the exploitation of dead writers' reputations and works; but provides no State recognition for older living writers whose earning capabilities has diminished with time, said the IWU.

To strengthen the Irish proposal on the subject of providing a living for living writers the IWU is seeking a Europe-wide initiative together with the EWC which represents writers across the continent.

Proposed is: "That many writers, despite critical acclaim and earlier successes in their writing careers often find themselves in an impoverished state when approaching old age and Government should support these writers in recognition of the social and cultural richness which they have contributed to their communities and their country."

Research undertaken for both Irish Arts Council’s last year showed the average professional artist, including writers earns just €14,500 a year from his or her art, despite having a higher level of formal education than the wider labour force.

Meanwhile, both Irish Arts Councils have underlined their common commitment to supporting individual artists.

The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland reaffirmed at a recent joint annual plenary meeting that they share a common strategic commitment to supporting individual artists.

"If we value the arts we must value the individual artist and we must create the conditions in which artists can share the economic benefits that derive from their work," said Pat Moylan, chairman of the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

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09july11 419
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