03/08/2015

Charities Regulatory Authority 'Critical First Step' In Restoring Faith In Charity Sector

The establishment of the Charities Regulatory Authority has been described as a "critical first step in reforming and strengthening the charity sector in Ireland".

The authority, announced by Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, will be an independent regulatory agency for the charities sector and will reinforce confidence and trust in our charities.

Welcoming the news, Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, said: "The charity sector plays a vital role in our society and economy, and contributes so much to both. The new Authority will, among other important functions, register and regulate all charities operating in Ireland and ensure they deliver public benefit and are accountable to their donors and beneficiaries.

"The Charities Regulatory Authority’s functions include the establishment and maintenance of a register of charitable organisations. An additional €500,000 has been allocated to the Authority under Budget 2015 which will bring the total budget for this agency to €1.4m in 2015. This represents an increase of over 50 per cent on the initial budget provided for its establishment phase and will support the reform and strengthening of the regulation of this sector.

"The charity sector as a whole has been unfairly tarnished by some recent controversies and the establishment of the Charities Regulatory Authority will ensure that these great organisations can carry out their work transparently and effectively."

(MH)

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