Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to increase philanthropy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16455/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Forum on Philanthropy was established by Government in 2006 with the core objective of developing a culture of philanthropy in Ireland. The Forum comprises representatives from a range of private philanthropic organisations, and from a number of Government Departments.

In June 2010 the mandate of the Forum was renewed by Government for a further two years. The Forum was asked to prioritise the following areas of work:

· Improved data gathering – the Forum should ensure that there is valid, timely and comparable data on philanthropy in Ireland. This will identify roles and responsibilities for private philanthropic organisations and the State;

· Mapping out an appropriate infrastructure for giving for Ireland;

· Looking at the possibilities for an Irish Giving Campaign;

· Telling the story of philanthropy – there is a need to increase public understanding and awareness of the contribution of philanthropy, to identify and implement the best way to develop case studies of philanthropy in an Irish context.

Since 1 May 2011 this area has come under my remit within the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. I will be holding a meeting of the Forum very shortly and I intend to extend its membership and its remit. I believe there is untapped potential to increase philanthropic giving within this country.