Vol. 567 No. 5
126 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is proposed to introduce procedures for the registration of charities with a requirement to name an annual return in the proposed charities legislation; and if figures are available regarding the number of charity bodies here. [14229/03]
As I have already informed the House, I intend to bring in comprehensive new legislation, in accordance with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, which will provide a modern regulatory framework for charities.
Figures are not available regarding the number of charity bodies here. No central system for registering charities exists at present. There is no statutory obligation imposed on charities to register themselves nor is any particular body obliged to register the existence of charities. The Revenue Commissioners maintain a list of those bodies that have successfully applied for tax exemption on charitable grounds. This list, which is updated each month, is available on the Revenue Commissioners website and, on recent viewing, the list consisted of in excess of 5,500 bodies.
The question of the registration of charities, including the procedures and criteria for registration and the making of annual returns will be examined in the context of preparation of legislative proposals on charities regulation. The public consultation process which I envisage will allow people to give their views on questions such as this.
Question No. 127 answered with Question No. 106.
