Sir, – We note the Taoiseach is to launch a report on the future of philanthropy in Ireland that calls for “efficient tax and legal frameworks that encourage giving” (Home News, July 4th).
There is one simple and immediately effective measure the Government could introduce that would not represent any further extension of its current commitments. The availability of tax relief to individual PAYE donors is cumbersome and involves form-filling for the Revenue Commissioners, not an ideal situation for charities that wish to make simple and clear pitches to donors. In the UK the same effect is achieved by the Gift Aid scheme. There the donor simply ticks a box on any direct debit or other form being used by the charity.
Indeed the absence of such a scheme is a source of bemusement to UK-based companies and charities operating on both sides of the Irish Sea.
The introduction of such a procedure would not in any way extend the relief, but of course might increase its take-up, surely a good thing for all concerned? – Yours, etc,