Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 April 2015
75. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality is she will report on the current status of the Charities Regulatory Authority; the activities that will prevent charities from accessing CHY and tax exemption status; the measures being taken to invigilate charities reported to be breaching regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16894/15]
View answerThe aim of the Charities Regulatory Authority, established on a statutory basis on 16 October 2014, is to provide for better regulation of charitable organisations through a framework of registration, regulation and support. The initial focus of the Authority has been on the development of the statutory Register of Charities in accordance with the Charities Act 2009. Some 8,500 CHY charities with tax exemption status have been registered automatically on the Register of Charities. Any charity established before 16 October 2014 and not automatically registered must apply directly to the Authority for inclusion on the register. The period within which these charities have to register has recently been extended to 16 April 2016.
I recently met the Chairman and representatives of the Board and was briefed on the work the Authority has undertaken since its establishment in October last which has included communication with the 8,500 CHY charities with tax exemption status regarding the additional information and legal documentation required to support their registered status; development of an online system for organisations to apply for inclusion in the Register of Charities; provision of information to the charities sector on their obligations and duties under the new regulatory regime; and the continuation of services hitherto provided by the Commissioners for Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland.
The range of services to be provided by the Authority will be developed over the period ahead. These services include the development of an annual reporting framework for registered charities, the development of a monitoring and compliance programme and the development of the investigatory role of the Authority under Part 4 of the Act which has not yet been commenced. The Register, when more advanced, will underpin the investigative and other regulatory work of the Authority.
I am pleased to advise that sanction was recently granted for the appointment of 10 additional staff for the Authority and these will be put in place as soon as possible. I understand this will enable the Authority to build on the work already completed in relation to the Register of Charities and to make significant progress in developing its monitoring and compliance functions.
As regards any activities that would prevent charities from accessing CHY and tax exemption status, I should advise that under the Charities Act 2009, the Authority does not have any role in determining CHY or tax exemption status; this is the responsibility of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Additional information and advice for charities and other stakeholders is available on the Authority's website, www.charitiesregulatoryauthority.ie.
