Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The reason I went in that direction was because I think it very important that those who work in the charities sector have front-line experience rather a purely bureaucratic role. This is one of the problems we have had over the past ten or 15 years in respect of charities. People working in that sector do not necessarily have front-line experience.

Mr. Hopkins knows that charities have taken a major hit over the past five or six years and the public has become very sceptical following the CRC and Rehab Group affairs. People tell me regularly that if they are going to give a few bob to a proper charity, they want to know that their few euro is going directly where they intend it to go. Can Mr. Hopkins as chair of the CRA help to win back the confidence and trust of the people in respect of the charities sector because there is a major problem? I am part of that because following recent issues, I pause every time someone asks me for something for a registered charity. I know members of the public want to be supportive and Irish people are very supportive but they feel there is an element of doubt there. Can Mr. Hopkins, as chair of the CRA, help to win back that trust?