Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2016

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Questions (119)

John Halligan

Question:

119. Deputy John Halligan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 13 July 2016, the number of organisations that have still not registered with the Charities Regulation Authority despite deadlines of 16 April 2016 and 31 October 2016 in tabular form; the number of charities that have registered and the level or overall registration compliance for organisations with a 31 December year end now that the 31 October reporting deadline has now passed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39888/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Charities Regulatory Authority ('Charities Regulator') was established in October 2014 to regulate all charitable organisations in Ireland in accordance with the provisions of the Charities Act 2009. On establishment date, all charities with a valid CHY number, i.e. those with tax exemption status from the Revenue Commissioners, were automatically entered on the statutory Register of Charities. Part 4 of the 2009 Act, providing for new investigatory and enforcement powers allowing the Regulator to investigate the affairs of a charitable organisation and to take enforcement action if necessary, was commenced on 5 September 2016.

I am advised by the Charities Regulator that a total of 7,942 charities with CHY numbers are deemed to be registered. In order for charities to be in compliance with the Charities Act they must:

(a) engage with the Charities Regulatory Authority and establish an online account;

(b) complete and submit details for the Public Register of Charities; and

(c) on an annual basis prepare and file annual reports and accounts.

The following table provides details on the current status of the 7,942 charities:

Status	Charities	% of total	% Change from end 2015
a) Engaged and Established Account	5,736	72%	Up 57%
b) Submitted details for Public Register	5,027	63%	Up 282%
c) Annual Report & Accounts Filed	4,410	55%	Up 509%

I am advised that the Regulator has begun a final phase of contacting those who have yet to engage to establish if they are still operating. The removal from the Register of charities which are no longer operating will result in a reduction of the total number of deemed registered charities. By not ensuring that they are in compliance with the Charities Act, they put their organisations at risk of financial and reputational damage and both the Regulator and I have urged charities to take steps to ensure compliance. Charities that continue to operate but which have not yet engaged with the Charities Regulator will be subject to potential enforcement action by the Regulator.