Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The real victims in the recent controversy about pay, bonuses and pensions in the Central Remedial Clinic have been the clients and families. Nobody could fail to be moved by many of the families on our television screens on recent nights, with tears being shed in frustration and fear because of the greed of others. The work done by the staff in the CRC is second to none and I take this opportunity to compliment them on the sterling work they continue to do. The ripples of the recent revelations have been felt right across Irish society, and nowhere have they been felt more strongly than in the charities and community sector. Years of good work is under threat of being undermined and discredited by the few at the top who are more interested in lining their own pockets than providing a service to those who need it most.

Sinn Féin's contribution tonight is positive.

Our proposed legislation was written in consultation with the sector. It calls on the Government to reintroduce the advancement of human rights, as argued for by the sector but excluded by the Fianna Fáil Government in the 2009 Act. It also calls on the Government to specify the date for the full enactment of all the provisions of the 2009 Act as no later than 31 May 2014. The sector deserves to be supported and protected. That is what our legislation aims to do.

Right across the State, charities continue to provide services that the private and public sectors cannot or will not provide. I note great work being done daily in my constituency in Cork. I refer to groups such as Cumann na Daoine, Foróige and Youghal 4 All. As with many towns, Youghal has a healthy number of vibrant organisations providing a wide range of services, from those of Chatterbox, which promotes dance and music among young people, to those of High Spirits, a group that works with young people in the production of music, theatre and dance. Youghal Musical Society stages productions for all ages.

Groups with charitable status extend from the very local to the national and international. A household name is Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. From experience, I know of the great work it has been doing, particularly in Youghal, over the past 20 years. The organisation promotes Irish music and culture in every town across the island. It is also organised internationally. Its members are true ambassadors of Ireland and all that is positive in our culture.

I compliment some of the groups in Dublin that are tackling the causes and consequences of the drugs crisis. One such group is Recovery through Arts, Drama and Education, RADE, a group based in the south inner city. Its aim is to engage drug users with the arts and therapeutic supports and provide a platform their artistic expression. It has done this through the media of arts, film and theatre. Mick Egan and his dedicated team have provided an excellent service since 2004. Addiction Response Crumlin, ARC, provides a wide range of services from family support services to the Ciall project, which provides a safe, confidential and accessible service to the under-18s. ARC provides rehabilitation, education and aftercare services to families living with addiction.

Many athletes who competed for Ireland on the international stage in the Paralympic Games benefited directly from the terrific service provided by the Central Remedial Clinic. With regard to the homeless leagues, I had the privilege of playing soccer with those concerned here last year. We held a reception in Leinster House for those who played in the Homeless World Cup.

I mention these services not to single out any one project or service but as part of an attempt to highlight the rich and varied work provided by the sector. It needs our support, both politically and financially. It also requires that legislators legislate to protect those working in the sector and those they serve. Charity should not be turned into a political football. The challenge for us here as Members is to work together to provide a solution. The Bill deserves Members' support. The charities and those who benefit from them deserve no less. I encourage all Members in the House to support the Bill.

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