Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 December 2013
172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view the recent events that have unfolded at the Central Remedial Clinic and taking into account that the Government is giving €4 billion to charities each year, with no one accounting for the way it is spent, his proposals to conduct an audit of all payments made to all registered charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52465/13]
View answerThe Charities Act 2009 is intended to increase transparency and accountability across the Charities Sector. The Act provides for new reporting requirements that will apply to charities once the Act is in force. Charities will be required to provide annual reports to the independent regulatory authority that is to be established under the Act. These reports will be made available to the public. In this way, members of the public will have access to greater information about how charities use their resources, including public donations. In July, the Government approved my plans to proceed with the establishment of the new Authority and it is envisaged that it will come into operation in 2014.
