Almost 90% of Irish adults plan to make a donation to charity over the Christmas period.
A new survey on behalf of the Charities Regulator showed 86% will definitely or probably make a charitable donation of money, time or goods in December.
The survey also found women are more likely to donate than men, with 57% of women committed charity donors - compared to 43% of men.
Charities supporting the homeless or refugee services will be the most supported, the survey found, followed by those supporting children or youth causes, and those working in the area of health and disability.
Source: Charities RegulatorKey factors in deciding which charity to support were knowing that donations would be put to good use (82%), that the charity in question is clear and transparent (80%) and that the charity is registered (74%).
Three-in-10 people (31%) plan to donate unwanted gifts to charity, while one-in-five (21%) will donate their time to a charity.
Just 2% were open to providing temporary accommodation this Christmas.
'Make informed decisions'
Helen Martin is Chief Executive of the Charities Regulator.
"The good news for Irish charities is that despite increasing financial pressures in the wider economy, Irish people have a strong desire to make a charitable donation over the Christmas period," she said.
“It is hugely heartening to see people's generosity reflected in the results of this survey and that they intend to give to good causes in such large numbers."
She said people should make sure they give to registered charities.
"We would again encourage donors to use their heads as well as their hearts this Christmas by checking the background and track record of the charitable organisation they intend to support.
"It is essential that we all make informed decisions about how we channel that goodwill to ensure that the charities we support are registered and are open and transparent in terms of their finances and their activities," she added.
The survey was conducted by Amárach Research based on a sample of 1,000 adults with quotas on gender, age, social class, and region to achieve a sample that is reflective of the State's population.
