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Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Questions (644)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

644. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the Charities Regulator first became aware of the alleged misappropriation of funds relating to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37798/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Charities Regulator, under the aegis of my Department, is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with a mandate to promote good governance practice.

While my Department has responsibility for governance oversight of the Charities Regulator, the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions under Section 14 (3) of the Charities Act 2009. Neither I nor my Department have any role in the decision making processes or operational matters relating to the work of the Regulator, including investigations into the activities and conduct of charities. These are entirely a matter for the Regulator.

Concerns in relation to charities may be raised with the Regulator and I am assured by the Regulator that that all such concerns are addressed. Where breaches of charity legislation are identified, the charity is contacted with a view to addressing such breaches.

I understand the Charities Regulator had been engaging with Bóthar since early 2020 on foot of concerns which were raised about the charity.

In October 2020, the Regulator determined that a statutory investigation into the charity was warranted, and appointed inspectors to commence this investigation. It is important to note that the commencement of such an investigation is not in itself a finding of any wrongdoing.

A criminal investigation is now underway into activities at Bóthar. At the request of An Garda Síochána, the Charities Regulator’s statutory investigation into the affairs of Bóthar has been temporarily paused until such time as the criminal investigation is complete, at which time the Regulator’s investigation will resume.

It would be inappropriate for me, the Regulator or my Department to comment further on what is an ongoing criminal investigation.

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