Charities Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Ceisteanna (506)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

506. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he has taken to ensure that grant aided organisations are spending their moneys appropriately in view of the revelations regarding a charity (details supplied) in 2016; if his attention has been drawn to concerns about organisations funded by his Department; if so, the action he has taken; if his Department has issued new procedures regarding the use of credit cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46098/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that my Department provides funding to a range of non-governmental bodies which deliver valuable front line services. A framework of rigorous governance practices have been developed to manage the funding given to such bodies, to strengthen governance, to ensure that value for money is achieved and that the work is delivered to a high standard.

In 2017, my Department reviewed these practices and put in place further fund management processes to elicit assurances that money is expended appropriately.  This requires bodies to furnish greater upfront details about their governance, payroll and expenditure practices; insists on the submission of independently audited accounts as a condition of funding and specifically requires them to set out details which might be regarded as red flags, such as the use of credit cards and salaries to staff.  These processes can be subject to inspections by officials as appropriate.