McManus questioned on tax status
A TOTAL of 125 students from across Ireland will receive €6,750 for each year of their undergraduate studies as part of the 2011 All Ireland Scholarship programme. The ceremony, marking the fourth year of the awards, was held at the University of Limerick this Saturday and was attended by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and JP McManus who sponsored the educational scheme. In what was deemed a rare public comment, the publicity shy Mr McManus, who resides in Switzerland, fielded questions on his tax status.
Three students who attended secondary school in Limerick were in receipt of awards and told the Limerick Post that they were honoured to be acknowledged in such a manner.
Jacqueline Hayes from Meelick, a former pupil of Coláiste, Ciarán, was overwhelmed to receive the honour.
“It means everything to me.
“It means I can have the peace of mind to concentrate on my studies; I’m studying Arts with Human Rights in Galway,” said the 19-year-old.
Patrick O’Callaghan, Kilfinane, has taken on four new languages, including Greek, French and German, as part of his Arts degree at UCC.
“The scholarship is a great help financially and it’s an honour to be recognised like this,” the former Scoil Pól pupil told this reporter.
Liana Cechladze, Castletroy, is studying engineering at UL.
The 18-year-old said it was “an honour” to receive the award and would like to establish a career in developing new technology when she completes her studies.
Liana attended Salesian Secondary School and her former teacher Sister Brigid, said it was the first JP McManus scholarship for a pupil of the school.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny described the young people in receipt of the awards as a credit to their parents, teachers and peers.
“I am confident that they, in turn, will lead, seeking to unlock potential, using their talent for the good of their communities and society itself”.
JP McManus has contributed a total of €32 million in support of third level education initiatives in recognition of the 32 counties of Ireland, North and South.
He said that in an increasingly competitive world we “must recognise that our youth are our greatest national resource”.
The All Ireland Scholarship Trust has received €30 million to fund the provision of these bursaries each year and it is estimated that over 1,300 students will benefit from the scheme over its duration.
The remaining €2 million has been contributed to the Paddy Harrington Golf Scholarships at NUI Maynooth.
At the event, Mr McManus was questioned on his tax status by jourmalists, and strongly defended his position as a tax exile, arguing that he is doing the State “more good” by making his fortune outside the country.
Looking uncomfortable by the line of questioning, he said he did not leave the country in order to avoid paying tax, or to avoid paying future tax that was about to come down the line.
At the J. P. McManus All-Ireland Scholarship Awards at the University of Limerick, were scholarship recipient Liana Cechladze, Limerick with Sr. Bridget O’Connell, Salesians Sisters, Limerick.
