John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

From childhood, we are taught to donate and give. I recall from my school days when we made donations for the nuns on the missions overseas. It may have become a little more fancy and sophisticated now with the word “philanthropy”. However, I accept Senator Zappone’s point that everyone can be a philanthropist. The message of The One Percent Difference campaign is that everyone can give a little which can help a lot.

As Senator Mac Conghail said, people also want to be thanked for their donations but also want to see the end result. It is nice to have a gesture of recognition for donations. Never before in living memory have we needed to dig deep and show real social solidarity whether it is for the arts, culture, education or charitable work. People and families are struggling. Those of us who are more fortunate can certainly do with a little less. We could also give up a little and make better use of what we have. Sometimes I am ashamed at how much we have and at how much is wasted such as household food waste. We could organise ourselves better to prevent such waste. A significant difference would be made with just a small donation through a weekly direct debit to a charity, sporting or educational organisation. We must dig deep and help those less fortunate.

I commend the Government on the progress it has made in this area. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, has made significant progress in the establishment of a charities regulator. This, however, needs to be expedited. There is a direct link between people giving and public confidence in that donated moneys are put to best use.

I commend those who give freely of their time to activities such as the GAA or caring for others through meals on wheels. They are an inspiration and great example to us and really put us to shame. Many organisations would fall apart if it were not for their volunteers, people willing to give up their free time.

Going into the winter with its long evenings, no one should go cold, lonely or hungry for the want of us having a bit of extra thought, care and compassion. Irish people are generous but now is the time to dig a little deeper until we get over this hillock of a recession. The One Percent Difference campaign, which the Minister has fronted, is to be commended and supported. All Members of the Seanad support it and will ensure it is driven on in our local communities.