Sir, - The Irish Charities Tax Reform Group represents the interests of over 20 leading Irish charities. In late 1996 a detailed professionally prepared submission calling on the Government to allow tax relief on corporate donations was sent to the Minister for Finance.
I am very disappointed that in the Budget statement the Government did not look positively at our submission. I now request that the Government look again at our proposal and include it in the Finance Bill when it is published in March 1997. Our research shows that introducing tax relief on corporate donations could result in up to £11 million being donated by companies to charities at a cost to the Exchequer of around £3 millions.
Charities in Ireland deal everyday with poverty, illness, homelessness and services to people with disabilities. They provide support and services to the weaker and more vulnerable sectors of our community, including people who are very young, the old and the disabled. A positive decision on this important matter would be well received by the people of Ireland. - Yours, etc.,
Chairperson,
Irish Charities Tax
Reform Group,
C/o Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.