Irish Writers Union

The Irish Writers Union (Irish: Aontas Scríbhneoirí Éireann), also known by its acronym, IWU, is a representative association devoted to furthering the professional interests and needs of writers in various media in Ireland. The Union is based in the building of the Irish Writers Centre (which it co-founded), in the centre of Dublin. The IWU is a member of the European Writers' Council (EWC), which itself is the largest federation worldwide that solely represents writers. The Irish Writers Union became an affiliate of the trade union SIPTU in 1993, but retained complete autonomy in the running of its own affairs. It is the only nominating body in Ireland for the Nobel Prize for Literature. The IWU is also a nominating body for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. The Irish Copyright Licensing Agency (ILCA) also works with the IWU.