I propose to take Questions Nos. 552, 561, 565 and 584 together.
In an Adjournment Debate on 12 June 1996 about the regulation of the fundraising activities of charities, Deputy Quill outlined her concerns about the bona-fides of the hospice organisation referred to.
In replying to the debate on that occasion, Deputy Joan Burton, Minister of State at my Department, indicated that the Department of Justice had received an initial Garda report on this matter and that a further report was awaited. I wish to inform the Deputies that the Garda authorities have indicated that their inquiries into the fund raising activities of the organisation mentioned are ongoing. In the circumstances, it would be improper for me to add at this stage to what Minister of State Burton has already said in the matter.