# Irish theologian attacks philanthropists

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/10/14/irish-theologian-attacks-philanthropists/
- Published: 2007-10-14T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

A leading Irish theologian has criticised philanthropists in Ireland who make major
charitable donations but remain outside the country to avoid paying tax. The remarks
were made by Fr Enda McDonagh in an open letter to the Catholic Primate in the religious
publication, the Furrow.

 

 

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Fr McDonagh, former professor of moral theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth,
said the refusal to pay taxes in Ireland was an indication of where their priorities
lie ‘however how many named gifts they offer to prestigious charities and institutions.’

 

 

Fr McDonagh said that in a fair society justice comes before charity and is the 
necessary precondition of authentic charity. His comments are thought to refer to
some very high profile Irish donors from Ireland who make major contributions to
educational and medical causes but are based outside Ireland to avoid paying tax
in the country. Irish tax law allows them to maintain a base in Ireland but restricts
the number of days they can spend in the country.

 

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