§ 19. Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has as to the level of donations to charities and voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland; and whether any patterns can be discerned over the last three years.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe information held by the Government about donations from the public to charities and voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland is limited to returns from Provincewide house-to-house collections. These do not enable general conclusions to be drawn about patterns of giving.
The Government have taken steps over the past three years to encourage giving in the workplace, through the payroll giving scheme. The scheme in Northern Ireland has been growing steadily, and expects to handle some £100,000 in the 1988–89 financial year. Over 200 employers are now enrolled with the scheme.