Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
325. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if any State or semi-State bodies that report to her are currently or have been registered as a charity; the reason for the charity status; the person or body that holds primacy for accountability in those instances, whether the Minister or the Charities Regulator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35014/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has four agencies under its remit which are accountable to their respective boards. They are the Charities Regulatory Authority, Pobal, Water Safety Ireland and the Western Development Commission. I can confirm to the Deputy that three of the four agencies are registered charities as set out below.
A charitable organisation must meet three requirements as specified in the Charities Act 2009 if they are to be considered a charity: it must operate in the Republic of Ireland; it must have a charitable purpose only; and it must exist to benefit the public or a section of the public in Ireland, or elsewhere, through its charitable purpose(s). Under the Charities Act, there are four categories of charitable purpose - the prevention or relief of poverty or economic hardship; the advancement of education; the advancement of religion; and any other purpose that is of benefit to the community. The fourth purpose, that of ‘any other purpose that is of benefit to the community’ is further defined under Section 3(11) of the Charities Act.
Water Safety Ireland’s Registered Charity Number (RCN) is 20058364. Its charitable purpose is the advancement of education.
The Western Development Commission’s RCN is 20047474. Its charitable purpose is that is of benefit to the community, specifically the advancement of community development, including rural or urban regeneration.
Pobal’s RCN is 20029609. Its charitable purposes are:
- Relief of poverty or economic hardship
- Other purpose that is of benefit to the community
- Advancement of community welfare including the relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, or disability
- Advancement of community development, including rural or urban regeneration
- Advancement of conflict resolution or reconciliation
- Promotion of religious or racial harmony and harmonious community relations
- Integration of those who are disadvantaged, and the promotion of their full participation, in society.
