Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - Charity Fundraising.

Ulick Burke

Question:

26 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when he intends to publish legislation concerning the regulation of fund-raising for Irish charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26872/01]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern):

As outlined in the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and for Developing the Relationship between the State and the Community and Voluntary Sector, the Government decided that responsibility for charity regulatory matters and the office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests should transfer from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. The order to effect this transfer was made on 27 July 2001. The White Paper recognised the need for a more modern legal framework and stated the Government's commitment to ensuring the introduction of comprehensive legislation on regulation of charities and charitable fund-raising. The work of reviewing the legislation which is currently under way in my Department will be accompanied by a broad public consultation on the appropriate regulatory framework and the nature and extent of the legislative reform required.

My Department has recently held discussions with the Law Reform Commission on this question. The commission has indicated that they will shortly commence an examination of charity law with a view to producing a report on the necessary legal reforms. My Department is working in close co-operation with the commission in the preparation of the consultation document and in the reform of the charities legislation. It has recently sought proposals for consultants to review certain specific subjects in preparation for the public consultation. A wide range of views exist on the complicated questions that arise in reviewing the current legislation. The fundamental nature of the review being carried out argues for the broadest possible consultation with sufficient time allowed for consideration of such important issues. It is envisaged that proposals for legislative reform can be introduced following completion of the consultation process.