Vol. 537 No. 1
62 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has any proposals for the introduction of legislation to prevent the misuse of charity donations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15299/01]
My Department is to take over the responsibility for charity regulatory matters and for the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform as outlined in the White Paper for Supporting Voluntary Activity. It is expected that the order to formally effect the transfer will shortly be signed.
A White Paper implementation unit has been established in my Department to ensure implementation of the recommendations of the White Paper on Supporting Voluntary Activity. One of its functions is to initiate and prepare the overhaul of the charities legislation.
The Government is committed to preparing this legislation as a priority. It is envisaged that the preparation of the legislation will require three stages: review, consultation and approval. Work has begun on reviewing the current situation and it is hoped to commence the consultation process in the coming months.
I think it is necessary to ensure the widest possible input from the various interests in order to put legislation in place which is appropriate to present circumstances.
As part of the process of preparing the legislation, I have been in contact with the Attorney General seeking his views on the types of reforms which might be required at this time. The Attorney General has raised a number of important issues which my Department will examine in the preparation of the draft legislation.
I have had no specific discussions with the Minister for Finance on this issue to date.
I will continue to liaise with the Attorney General, the Minister for Finance and all my colleagues as relevant issues arise in the preparation of the charities legislation.
