You can bet there will be some pretty pissed-off folks if this comes to pass

Since 1969, Irish artisans — writers, musicians, and the like — have enjoyed various tax exemptions. The problem is that over the years, various superstars like U2 and “instant Irish” who only reside on the island 90 days a year have taken advantage, so now the government wants to fight back:

An insider said: “It is one thing to support
artists struggling in a garret and another to let pop stars like U2 off
the hook for album royalties.”

The inquiry team is likely to recommend that tax breaks are
capped at a realistic level above which nobody can be said to be
struggling. This could mean paying taxes on royalty payments on records
and books once they have reached €100,000 (£68,600) a year. Proceeds
from the sales of paintings and sculptures would be similarly taxed.

The artistic tax exemption scheme was introduced in 1969 by
Charles Haughey when he was finance minister. Its supporters say its
legacy has been to give Ireland a worldwide reputation as an artistic
centre. Critics say it is open to abuse.

Joan Burton, a member of the Irish parliament and finance
spokeswoman for the Labour party, said: “There has been quite a flow of
British people who have come here. Some have just resided here during
the high point of their earnings and then returned home. The major
earners are people who have royalties from songwriting like Bono.”

The Department of Finance in Dublin confirmed that the tax
exemption was to be reviewed. Under the scheme, the republic’s taxmen
have to determine whether books, records, paintings and plays have
“cultural or artistic merit”.

So first they take away smoking in bars, then the tax exemption goes (or at least is reduced), and — then what?

(Link from the Literary Saloon)