Irish people 'give less to charity than British'
Irish people gave less to charity on average in 2012 than their UK counterparts, according to a new report.
Although the Irish public gave €852m to charity for year ending 2012, a 7% increase compared to 2011, but at €185 per capita, Ireland is lagging behind UK (€289 per capita).
The figures are revealed in the Fourth Annual Fundraising Performance Report published by 2into3, supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance, Focus Ireland and St. Patrick’s Mental Health Foundation.
The report of a representative sample of 872 Irish not-for-profit organisations reveals the sector had a total income of €10.4bn in 2012. State funding accounted for 58% of this total income, down 2% in 2012 from 2011.
The report states that “although Irish people give frequently, the scale of giving is lower than our international counterparts”.
Launching the report today, Dennis O’Connor, Director of 2into3 said more must be done by the state and the public to support the not-for-profit sector and work collectively to achieve U.K levels of charitable giving.
Speaking at the launch in Christchurch Cathedral Dublin, Mr. O’Connor said: “Irish philanthropy, or charitable giving, is significantly lower, per capita and as a proportion of GDP than the UK. It is not unreasonable for Ireland to achieve a further €436m per annum in line with UK levels and this would make a considerable impact to support those in need.
“It is a goal worthy of pursuing.”
Speaking at this morning’s event, chief executive designate of the forthcoming Charities Regulatory Authority, Úna Ní Dhubhghaill said: “The Charities Regulatory Authority will be working over the coming months to put in place a dedicated framework for the regulation of Ireland’s charities.
“Through this work we hope to support a strong and well run charity sector that delivers clear public benefit and has the confidence of the public.”
Also speaking at the launch was David Lane, Managing Director of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical which sponsored the report research and publication who said: “Clearly Irish people are generous and dedicated to charitable giving annually.
“The not-for-profit sector represents 8% of the economy and yet currently is under-researched and requires more analysis.”
