Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
78. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has initiated an investigation or inquiry into corporate governance issues at a charity (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19057/16]
View answerThe independent Charities Regulatory Authority, a dedicated and statutory regulator for charities, was established on 16 October 2014. The registration and regulation of all the charities active in this country is the responsibility of the Authority, also known as the Charities Regulator.
The Regulator has a process in place to receive and risk assess concerns received from the public (in relation to individual charities) and takes appropriate regulatory action where warranted. The independence of the Charities Regulator must of course be respected and I have no direct role in the matter.
However, I have been informed that the Regulator is aware of the allegations regarding a particular charity and that it is actively engaged with the trustees and representatives of the charity and, where appropriate, has referred material to other relevant authorities. On 30 June last, the Charities Regulator used its statutory powers to address matters at the organisation referred to by appointing five new trustees, with the competencies and skills to support the charity to achieve its purpose, to the charity's Board. This complements the legal moves made by the charity itself. The Regulator also met last week with the charity, its legal representatives and the interim investigators and was informed that immediate action was being taken to protect the organisation’s assets and ensure its continuation of services. The Regulator authorised and supported legal action in the High Court to protect the charity's assets. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the Charities Regulator has no role in investigating criminal allegations such as fraud. In this context, effective inter-agency cooperation can play a valuable role to ensure an appropriate response with full use of all of the relevant legislation.
