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

-----rather it means giving by ordinary people on a national level. We want a situation where everyone's contribution of time or money will be valued and every contribution is valued equally. That is our mission statement. I will take on board the Senator's point on the use of the word "philanthropy".

I am curious that Senator Marc MacSharry had not heard about The One Percent Difference campaign. We will again circulate all Oireachtas Members with the details of the campaign for those who might have missed them. We are very anxious that people are informed about the full extent of the campaign. Our policy is very open and transparent.

Senator Colm Burke referred to opportunities in the area of research and development and their extension into the area of enterprise. The Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, will consider these opportunities for more philanthropic donations as part of his role as Minister of State in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. This has been done successfully in places such as the Dublin Institute of Technology, the University of Limerick and University College Cork. The universities and third level institutions cannot survive without the donations they receive from international high net worth individuals and for which we are very grateful.

I agree with Senator John Whelan that acknowledging contributions is as important as receiving them. We will consider how to publicise the names of the programme beneficiaries and acknowledge the donors in the true sense, by their being recognised in the community or project involved. The diploma in fund-raising will help to raise public confidence in how donations are dealt with.

Senator Terry Brennan spoke about the value of voluntary effort such as the work of the GAA and the Tidy Town committees. The work and contribution of such organisations are invaluable and sometimes intangible. We recognise that work by holding national competitions. The GAA organises itself and the Tidy Town committees are helped by means of substantial sponsorship and money from my Department in an effort to motivate people to make their home place better and more environmentally pleasant. This sponsorship will continue. The 2014 Estimates will not see any reduction in the financial support for these initiatives.

I have covered most of the issues raised by Senators. I thank everyone for his or her contribution to the debate. We are anxious to meet the gap by 2016, even though Senator Fiach Mac Conghail is correct that this is very ambitious. However, it is achievable, given the traditional generosity of Irish people. If we can match that generosity with open and transparent structures, that will make it more attractive for donors and give them the extra fiscal incentive. If we can meet these requirements, The One Percent Difference campaign will be regarded as quick-starting a new community initiative that will meet requirements in so many areas of life to make Ireland a better place in which to live, work and take part in recreational activities.