Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Acting Chairman, for the opportunity to brief the House this afternoon on The One Percent Difference campaign, a major initiative of the Forum on Philanthropy and Fund-raising which was designed to play a key role in developing philanthropy and fund-raising in this country. This campaign is all about asking the Irish people and business to give 1% of their time or income to a cause they care about, a campaign described recently by President Clinton during a visit to these shores as a good idea.

I have said this before, but it is no harm to say it again, namely, a successful society rests on three pillars: first, it needs sustainable businesses to create the goods, services and jobs for a decent standard of living; second, it requires good government to promote and foster a safe, just and equitable society and, third, and by no means the least pillar, is a dynamic civil society.

Civil society is where people voluntarily associate and come together to advance common interests for the well-being of the community and to promote the common good. We all want an Ireland where individuals and their families, friends, communities and neighbours share responsibility with Government, the public and private sectors, community and voluntary organisations and civil society in a co-endeavour to realise everyone's capabilities and developmental potential. Civil society makes an immense contribution to the quality of life of the Irish people. There are almost 8,000 charities that do everything from medical research to search and rescue, but there are also sporting and cultural organisations such as the GAA, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the Abbey Theatre which provide the nation with its heart and soul. Much of what makes us proud to be Irish is a product of the work of civil society.

If there is a crisis anywhere in the world, one will find Concern and Trócaire providing much-needed help and assistance for the local population. Where there are poverty and hunger, one will find many other development aid charities supported by the Irish people. In short, a huge amount of what we really value and are proud of is as a result of civil society. It is the source of much of what makes Ireland a great country, a country of which, for all its faults, we are justly proud. If we want to create a better Ireland, we need to invest in civil society.

The philanthropic sector is facing a very significant challenge in that two of the country's largest foundations, Atlantic Philanthropies and the One Foundation, are exiting the Irish scene, leaving a funding gap of between €50 million and €60 million per annum. Both organisations have made a tremendous contribution to Irish life, but it is now time for Irish foundations and philanthropists to fill the gap.

There are very strong economic arguments for greater private investment in the not-for-profit sector. The sector employs well over 100,000 people, more than the pharmaceutical and IT sectors combined. Increased private investment in the sector will help to foster economic and social recovery and will, I am sure, generate an increased number of jobs nationally.

Ireland's not-for-profit organisations have the potential to play a significant role in economic renewal. The One Percent Difference is all about generating additional investment to support the efforts of those individuals and organisations that are working for a better Ireland. This is an inclusive campaign; it recognises that in these tough times not everyone can afford to give financially, but we can all give time and that is equally valuable and to be valued. The campaign was launched in June 2013. I am delighted to say former President Mary Robinson, sports star Ronan O'Gara, celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna, novelist Fran O'Brien and the president of the GAA, Liam O'Neill, gave freely of their time to help with the launch which was attended by many of the 600 charities that have already signed up to the campaign.

This House was also represented as Senator Fiach Mac Conghail made a very impactful contribution to a video played at the event. He spoke about philanthropy and the arts. He was joined by Dr. Ed Walsh who spoke about the impact of philanthropy on education and Kilkenny hurler Richie Hogan who spoke about the contribution of volunteers to sport and the GAA. The GAA did not just attend the launch; it is a strong supporter of the campaign. It gave it the opportunity to showcase The One Percent Difference logo during the all-Ireland semi-final between Mayo and Tyrone which was shown live by RTE and introduced by Michael Lyster. Perhaps the Mayo lads might give 1% extra next year and finally win that elusive all-Ireland title.

I strongly believe Irish business needs to match the public's commitment to giving. I recently addressed the national council of IBEC and in my speech urged companies to get behind The One Percent Difference campaign. I am delighted to say business is responding. Many Members may have seen and heard the latest adverts for the campaign which feature real people, not actors, talking about their attitudes and habits when it comes to giving. One of the adverts features Anne O'Leary, CEO of Vodafone, who has a great message for business. She stated:

I think it's important for all business to give. Our employees expect it. Our customers expect it so I don't know how anybody could be in business without giving back to the community.

That message is not just for corporate Ireland but also for all businesses, big and small. Country Crest and DoneDeal, two Irish SMEs that are leaders in giving, feature in radio adverts urging other small businesses to give 1% to make Ireland a better place in which to live.

Just last week, former US President Bill Clinton delivered the sixth Annual Ray Murphy Lecture at the invitation of the Forum on Philanthropy and Philanthropy Ireland. The lecture is held in memory of Ray Murphy, a former community worker from Cork who worked in Ireland and throughout the world supporting organisations working with disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The lecture is very generously supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Atlantic Philanthropies. Mr. Clinton used the occasion of his address to support strongly The One Percent Difference campaign. He stated:

I think the one percent thing is a great idea for two reasons. One is it raises a lot of money. The second is that it would democratise giving further because everybody can afford it, and if you don't have any money you can give one per cent of your time and make a contribution.

He also stated The One Percent Difference campaign "is a good and noble thing to do. It is in the Irish tradition and you can do something that I would really appreciate. You can organise and execute it in a way that would enable other people to learn from you."

I urge this House to get behind the campaign. I ask Senators to visit onepercentdifference.ieto find out what 1% of their income is and a cause to support from the more than 600 organisations that have signed up for the campaign or any of the good causes in which they believe. I ask them to urge civil society organisations with which they work to sign up to participate in the campaign and use The One Percent Difference logo and messaging in their fund-raising. The One Percent Difference campaign is the first major step in delivering on the plans of the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising to grow the sector. I thank the forum for its work to date.

It is a collaboration of the philanthropic and fund-raising sectors and a range of Departments. My Department will continue to facilitate its work and I look forward to further initiatives from it in the coming months and years. By implementing the forum's plans, the full potential of Ireland’s tradition of giving will be realised as the culture and infrastructure of Irish philanthropy and fund-raising will be transformed in the next four years. I have no doubt that increasing the investment in good causes in Ireland will make a tangible difference to the lives of the people and ensure a better future for our children.