Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 May 2019
52. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he or his officials have been briefed by the board of Pobal in relation to its review of its charitable status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he has considered the independent review of the charitable status of Pobal; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22878/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 57 together.
Pobal is a not for profit company which was originally established by Government in 1992 as Area Development Management (ADM) Ltd. Charitable status was granted to the company by the Revenue Commissioners on the 20th November 1996. In 2005 ADM was re-named Pobal. In accordance with Section 40 of the Charities Act, 2009, Pobal was entered onto the Register of Charitable Organisations on 16 October 2014.
The basis for Pobal having charitable status is tied to the objects of the Company, which are specified in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. I am satisfied that Pobal is fully compliant with the relevant legislative requirements including those of the Charities Act, 2009.
Pobal has undertaken a review of its charitable status and in that regard sought independent legal advice on the matter. The review has now concluded. The Board of Pobal met on Friday, May 24th, 2019 to finalise their discussions relating to the review of charitable status. I understand that it was decided by the Board that it was appropriate for the company to retain charitable status. An update will be provided at the next scheduled liaison meeting with my Department in early June.
