The increases in the weekly rates of the social assistance will operate from June 2000, not June 1999 as stated in yesterday's Budget 2000 supplement.

In a report headed "Reports of Arts Council dissent and disarray are greatly exaggerated, executives claim", in the editions of November 20th, it was incorrectly stated that the director of the Arts Council, Ms Patricia Quinn, and chairman, Mr Brian Farrell, had never heard any discussion about the possibility of industrial action by members of the organisation's staff. Ms Quinn was informed by SIPTU on September 24th, a week before the first media report, of the intention of members to ballot.

Where errors occur it is the policy of The Irish Times to correct or clarify as soon as practicable.

Readers may contact the Readers' Representative's Office by telephoning 01-679-2022 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Outside these times they may contact the Duty Editor.