Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Hogan. I assure Senator Ó Murchú that The One Percent Difference campaign is designed to encourage, in a targeted and focused way, businesses, companies and corporations to start giving. The Irish people are known for their generosity but we have not co-ordinated our efforts in the context of how we might procure money from them. The Government has put in place a number of very successful initiatives. Two highlights in this regard are the jobs initiative and The Gathering. The One Percent Difference campaign is similar to both of these in that it is targeted, focused and professional in the context of encouraging people to donate money to charity.

This matter is not all about money, the question of time also arises. One cannot buy time. If people are not in a position to donate 1% of their incomes, and I accept that many individuals find themselves in difficult and challenging financial circumstances, they may still be in a position to give of their time. The time of those who have resources could still be extremely valuable because they may possess a certain expertise which could be very useful to either a voluntary or a charitable group.

It is a matter of concern that some major philanthropists are reaching the end of their engagement with this country. I am sure that engagement has been very successful and that some of the projects they have initiated have made a difference to the lives of Irish people. I am aware of some of the work done by Atlantic Philanthropies and I know it has had a profound impact on many individuals. On Wednesday last, a number of people I invited to Leinster House gave a presentation in the audio-visual room on restorative practices. I only discovered during their briefing that some of the funding their organisation receives comes from Atlantic Philanthropies. The position is similar with regard to the One Foundation. We need to learn from what has been done by these organisations in the context of their engagement with Ireland.

The One Percent Difference campaign will bring matters to an entirely new level and will facilitate companies which may not have a tradition of giving on a professional basis. Such companies will now have an opportunity to donate, as will individuals of high net worth who may be seeking projects in which to invest or to which to donate. If those to whom I refer visit the campaign website, I have no doubt they will receive guidance in respect of some very worthwhile projects which could benefit from their money.

Some sections of the Charities Act, which was passed in 2009, have been activated but there are others which remain to be brought into force. I suggest that the Minister consider, in his own good time, establishing a charities regulator because such an individual could prove extremely useful. Such a regulator could easily be funded by using a small proportion of the incomes of the various charities in the sector. There are many charities which do a great deal of good work but there is much duplication. Issues also arise in the context of the collection of cash. The appointment of a regulator would bring a great deal of confidence to those operating in the sector. A regulator would establish what is best practice, introduce checks and balances and ensure that charities operate in accordance with the principles of best corporate governance. I refer, in particular, to the smaller charities which might not necessarily possess the resources required to put in place such checks and balances.

I am of the view that this campaign is going to be a fundamental part of our recovery. Senator Ó Murchú referred to the 450,000 people who visited Derry for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Everyone is aware of the massive economic boost which Dublin, particularly the north side of the city, recently enjoyed from the two all-Ireland finals, one of which went to a replay. I am of the view that there may be scope to consider whether sporting organisations should be granted charitable status or something similar. Such a development might encourage more businesses to donate money to sport. Sponsorship of sporting events by alcohol companies is eventually going to come to an end and this will give rise to particular challenges.

There is a great deal of change taking place in that sector.

I compliment the Minister on implementing the recommendations that were put to him and ensuring it is done professionally. In The One Percent Difference campaign, we have an initiative that is easily understood and has a very clear message. I hope it will result in a mass movement throughout the country of people who want to do good by society, make a difference, promote equality and ensure that those who are less well off can benefit from their generosity. It is a challenge for us all, whether in terms of time or money, but it should be embraced on a national basis by as many people as possible. I look forward to welcoming the Minister back in the future for a review of the difference the campaign is making.