Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach. While monetary planned giving in Ireland is low, Irish people are among the highest donors to charity in the developed world, as has already been mentioned by some of my colleagues. A total of 89% of Irish adults give to charity compared to 58% in the UK and 40% in Germany. Although most Irish people give to charity, only 15% do so in a planned regular way. By contrast in the UK 36% of donors make regular donations.

The contrast in Ireland between the widespread readiness to give spontaneously and the relatively low levels of personal and corporate giving in a more proactive, purposeful and engaged way represents a major opportunity to harness the untapped potential to widen the extent of planned giving and the amount given by the public and businesses.

Philanthropy is not a word Irish people use often. In our history, we have benefited a great deal from philanthropy. Anybody can be a philanthropist because it is the intent, not the amount, that makes someone a philanthropist. We have many philanthropists in this country. Philanthropy, in essence, is about committed investment in solving social problems and building a more vibrant civil society. It is a particular form of charitable giving that is characterised by taking the time to think through how one can best use resources to solve social problems and make a real difference. There is an appetite among the public for a cultural turning point to restore national pride, self-confidence and a renewed sense of community values to replace the rampant individualism of the Celtic tiger.

Research shows a commitment to the principle that in tough times we all need to give a bit more and that Ireland's recovery is everybody's business. We all have a part to play. Despite the recession, research indicates that if properly asked, Irish people are willing to increase their donations. Some need more encouragement than others. Research shows that Irish people respond best when they can see the need and all of us can now see the need for our communities. Not everyone can contribute financially but we can all pull together to give time to a local community or to a cause we are all passionate about and that makes a tangible difference. This should be not just for a few days or weeks but for a lifetime.

The Minister and Senator Whelan mentioned contributions made by voluntary organisations in the country. I acknowledge the time and effort of many voluntary organisations. They are all philanthropists and they have given much more than 1% of their time. GAA clubs have already been instanced, along with the 850 tidy towns groups in the country that are enhancing their towns and villages to make them better places to live in or visit. They receive support from local businesses but there is an opportunity to increase support to our towns, villages, GAA clubs and sporting organisations. We also mentioned the arts and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann contributing to a better Ireland. I congratulate the Minister on this initiative and I assure him of my full support.