Tom Toner leaves generous sum to Dogs Trust pooches

Extra.ie​

3 days ago

Kind-hearted businessman, Tom Toner, has given unwanted pooches at The Dogs Trust Rehoming centre a second chance, bequeathing €50,000 in his will.
Mr Toner, who died last October, aged 92, following a short illness, left a generous donation to Dogs Trust in his last will and testament, which was written just five days before
A former chairman of Forfás, Mr Toner, was described as a 'transformative leader' in Irish business during a period of major change in Ireland. Tom Toner. Pic: Paul Sharp/Photocall Ireland
Now, after his death, his €50,000 donation will have a 'transformative effect' for the countless dogs in the care of the Dogs Trust facility in Finglas.
And the cash sum couldn't have come at a more optimum moment as animal charities are facing an unprecedented crisis across the country.
Since the start of this year, Dogs Trust has seen a significant increase in the number of people looking to surrender their dogs. This year, the rehoming charity has received over 3,300 surrender requests. Pic: Getty Images
While some of the dogs are dumped by irresponsible owners, the charity has attributed some of the increase in surrendered pooches to people who are forced to give up their dogs due to restrictive rental laws that don't allow pets.
So the 50,000 donation from the gentle-souled business leader Mr Toner will go a long way to providing care for the many dogs currently in the Dogs Trust facility, who have called on the government to appoint a dedicated minister to deal with the scale of the crisis. Tom Toner. Pic: RIP.ie
Mr Toner was the inaugural chairman of Forfás, the state agency responsible for advising the government on economic policy.
His last will and testament was dated and signed on October 21, just five days before he died.
Mr Toner, who had an address at Seafort Avenue in Sandymount, Dublin 4, left an estate valued at €12,093,893.99.
Mr Toner had an illustrious career that spanned both the public and private sectors. Pic: Getty Images
Under his reign, Forfás had recommended that a 12.5% tax rate be applied to all industries, which turned out to be the single most important policy decision that transformed Ireland into one of the most successful economies in the developed world.
Born in the Curragh army barracks in 1932, he won a Kildare County Council scholarship to study science at UCD in 1950, but later changed to commerce. He earned an MA in economics in 1955.
He once said his proudest career achievement was working with Donogh O'Malley's Department of Education in the 1960s to roll out free transport to second-level students in rural areas.
In 1970, he stopped drinking, joined Alcoholics Anonymous, and never touched alcohol again.