Mr. Michael Gaffey:

It is an important point. In the past some people in the sector took the view that the question of remuneration of chief executives and others was a matter for the board. However, we take the view - I gather the Dáil and this committee take the same view - that if public money is channelled in large amounts to non-governmental organisations, it is a matter of public interest. I believe this is generally accepted in most NGOs at this stage.

Last year, we reformulated the long-term development grant process to 18 large NGOs and allocated some €65 million per year. We set up a new focus on the results to be achieved but also on the capacities and administration abilities of the individual NGOs. One particular initiative involved the requirement in applying for such multi-annual funding to list the number, but not the names, of officials who are earning more than €70,000. From the applications received, the number of staff in the 18 NGOs, which have received funding this year and for the next four years, earning more than €70,000 per year is 47. We drew up memorandums of understanding with them on that money and we required that from now on, that is, from 2012 on, they should publish in their annual accounts these numbers by band of €10,000 above €70,000. That specific information, not only the number earning above €70,000 but the how many in each band above €70,000, will be available in the 2012 accounts, which will come out in the first part of 2013. I believe Irish Aid has played an important role in this regard in agreement with the NGOs in bringing out this level of transparency. That aside, when it comes to how they respond individually to requests from the media and so on, it is really a matter for them. Anyway, I believe that the environment has changed and that the Charities Act 2009 will change matters when the regulations are brought in. I understand this is being worked on in the Department of Justice and Equality.