Ms Eilis Murray:

It is wonderful to hear that acknowledgment of philanthropy. Clann Credo and Tomar are both excellent models and are both members of Philanthropy Ireland.

On the difference with the UK, first there is a greater level of inherited wealth going back a long number of years. That has come down through many years from industrialists, corporations, families etc. would have set up trusts and foundations to provide for that grant-making. Therefore, historically, it is the wealth that has been in the country but they are also far more practised in it and have a longer history of it. The Deputy pointed to the examples of philanthropy he knows of. We look to the evidence of what we know and that creates momentum for further change and development.

Another thing that has impacted this and evidence is beginning to emerge of the impact, namely, the support in the UK to grow legacies and bequests. There is the age-old idea that “you cannot take it with you”. People want to give enough to their family that they will be looked after and taken care of but then it is about the balance. The UK has a more attractive system to attract legacies and bequests into charities, not-for-profits and even the establishment of people’s own funds. Those make a difference to what is happening there.