Irish super-rich continue to 'give while you live'

There are green shoots for philanthropy in Ireland as economy improves, writes advisor Niall O'Sullivan

Dr Martin Naughton and Trinity Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast with students Aedin McAdams and Cian Walsh at the launch of the new E3 Institute

So, who on this year's 2020 Sunday Independent Rich List is a philanthropist? Some are, but for most, we simply don't know. Among Ireland's billionaires, JP McManus, Denis O'Brien and Martin Naughton, have foundations. Some others on the list also have foundations, but prefer to stay under the radar. With wealth increasing dramatically in Ireland, philanthropy is increasingly back on the table for rich families.

The most recent Million Pound Donors Report in the UK told us there were 316 donations of £1m+ in 2016, including a significant number of donations of over £25m. Higher education and foundations received the lion's share, accounting for 67pc by value and 41pc of the total number of donations.