The Treasury Minister has claimed that the Isle of Man could grasp a great opportunity as Ireland looks to scrap a tax break that has attracted many struggling writers and musicians to that country's shores. In Ireland, there have been warnings the move could drive artists abroad. The scheme has been in place since 1969 and is unique to Ireland. It is among a raft of tax incentives being reviewed by the finance ministry ahead of December's budget. Critics say the shelter unfairly helps high earners like rock group U2 get richer. Speaking at the opening of a new gallery on the Isle of Man, Allan Bell said that bringing in such an incentive would enable the Isle of Man to diversify from being so reliant on finance.He said there was a great opportunity for the Isle of Man to capitalise and " enrich Manx society by bringing in more creative people". "It would develop", he claimed, " a more rounded, vibrant and interesting society". In Ireland, in 2001, the last year for which figures are available, 1,300 artists claimed relief on earnings totalling around 106 million euros, at a cost to the Irish exchequer of 37 million euros.