Terence Flanagan
Ceist:263 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked 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]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 June 2011
Ceisteanna (248)
Freagraí scríofa
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.