Joe Walsh
Question:81 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the tax relief given to Third World charities in the 1995 budget to Irish voluntary bodies and charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7054/95]
Written Answers. - Third World Charities.
Joe Walsh
Question:82 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the tax relief given in the budget to Third World charities, to Irish voluntary bodies and charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7191/95]
Seamus Brennan
Question:83 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that his policy on the extension of tax relief to designated Third World charities is welcome, the reason he is not prepared to make the same arrangements for national charities, the absence of which will create a two-tired charitable status; his views on whether his refusal to recognise the needs of the 73 members of the National Charities of Ireland will give the impression that national charities providing services which the Government is not in a position to supply are not as important as Third World charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6726/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 to 83, inclusive, together.
I explained in my Budget Statement the rationale for the introduction of a tax relief on donations to designated Third World charities. We are committed under the Programme for Government to increase Ireland's official Overseas Development Aid each year. The new relief, for the first time, will allow people to exercise choice with regard to the Third World agency to which they wish the State to contribute part of our ODA. I am fully aware of the very important work done by our domestic charities. I met representatives of the domestic charities and explained to them why the new relief was being introduced for Third World charities. The introduction of this new relief should not be seen in any way as a reflection on the valuable work done by domestic charities.