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Charities Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Questions (61)

Mick Wallace

Question:

61. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he has met with or plans to meet with the members of the Charities Regulatory Authority; his views on the regulation of charity; his further views on the role of charity here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1784/18]

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Written answers

Responsibility for the Charities Regulatory Authority was assigned to the Minister for Rural and Community Development in July 2017 and was delegated to me, as Minister of State, in September last.

I met with both the Chairperson and the CEO of the Charities Regulatory Authority on the assumption of this responsibility. In addition, I am advised that there have been a number of familiarisation meetings between senior officials in the Department and their counterparts in the Authority. As part of the Department's oversight role, there are also scheduled governance meetings between the Chief Executive Officer and senior officials in my Department.

As the Deputy may be aware the Charities Regulatory Authority (“the Charities Regulator”) was established on 16 October, 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Regulator is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities.  The Charities Regulator is independent in the performance of its statutory functions.

Regulation of the charity sector is essential to enhance public trust and confidence in the governance, management and administration of charities in this country and to guard against exploitation of charitable causes by unscrupulous, unprincipled or unethical individuals. Better oversight of charities will secure the future of the charity sector which plays a key role in our civil society and helps to create and maintain vibrant communities.

Prior to the final delegation of functions at the Department I attended, with Minister Michael Ring, the launch of fundraising guidelines for charities. These guidelines aim to protect charities and promote public confidence in the organisations.

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