Madam, - Recent letters on this topic have discussed the pros and cons of a US model of philanthropy and how it might be applied in Ireland (September 28th, October 3rd).
The mission of Philanthropy Ireland is to represent, develop and inspire an effective and robust Irish philanthropic sector. However, we do not see this as an alternative to State investment in public services such as health and education, but rather as adding value and providing a diversity of funding sources for the community and voluntary sector.
With private donations amounting to only 15 per cent of all income in the not-for-profit sector, despite the massive increase in wealth of the past 10-15 years, and with only some 12 per cent of the population giving in a planned way, there is clearly great potential for increased philanthropic giving in Ireland.
The challenge will be to craft an Irish model of philanthropy which draws on best practice internationally, including that in the United States, but is also appropriate to our past and our culture. - Yours, etc,
JACKIE HARRISON, Chief Executive, Philanthropy Ireland, 5 Foster Place, Dublin 2.
Madam, - I thought the whole point of the Mahon tribunal was to explain to us how wealth is shared, Irish-style? - Yours, etc,
DARIUS BARTLETT, Midleton, Co Cork.