A tax clinic in Galway is helping people from marginalised or under-represented communities to understand their entitlements, their tax rights and responsibilities, and how to manage their tax affairs.
Today, Hildegarde Naughton, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy officially launched the University of Galway Tax Clinic.
The Tax Clinic began in University of Galway's J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics in 2020 as a pilot project for students.
It has since expanded its services to the Greater Galway area through partnerships with two local organisations that cater to people requiring these services - COPE Galway and SCCUL Enterprises.
To further expand the reach and enhance its impact, it has recently begun a collaboration with Focus Ireland.
The Tax Clinic offers clients one-to-one, confidential consultations with tax student advisors, supervised by tax professionals, where they can get tailored support.
"What makes the Tax Clinic truly remarkable is its commitment to expanding beyond the University's borders and reaching out to the wider community," Ms Hildegarde Naughton said.
"By partnering with local organisations, they've bridged the gap and answered the call for assistance from citizens who require these valuable services," she added.
President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said the initiative offers a vital resource for students and members of marginalised communities.
"By harnessing the collective expertise of our faculty and students, we aim to make a tangible, positive impact on the lives of our community, both on campus and across the region," he said.
"Information is power and by sharing information, we reduce 'the mystique of the technique' and give more power to those without power. This is our role as educators and as a university for the public good," he added.
Emer Mulligan, Director of the Tax Clinic and Personal Professor in Taxation and Finance at University of Galway said the clinic's primary focus in on tax education.
"Our overarching goal is to educate and assist marginalized citizens with their tax compliance in a setting that is both free and confidential," she said.
"The Tax Clinic's services have proven increasingly important amid financial instability for many, exacerbated by Covid-19 and rising costs of living.
"I am very grateful to have such an impressive group of tax students and professional advisors giving their time and expertise on a pro bono basis to make this initiative possible," she added.
