Only 30% of Irish people have a will

Only 12% of Irish people plan to leave money to a charity in their will, despite Ireland being ranked as the 9th most generous country in the world.

A survey conducted by Amárach research for charity group My Legacy also revealed that only 30% of Irish people have a will.

The umbrella group - which represents nearly 70 Irish charities - is encouraging people to consider how they will provide for their loved ones.

Chairman Fergal O'Sullivan says the low level of planned charitable donations is linked to the fact that Irish people are very slow make wills: "What we're encouraging people to do is to have a conversation with their loved ones, have a conversation with your solicitor and start the process of making sure that you have a will.

"And part of that, once your loved ones are taken care of, looking at possibly making a donation to the charity of your choice or an organisation you feel strongly about."