Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 4 October 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection

Grants and Bridging Finance for Community Groups: Discussion

Ms Eilis Murray:

On the point about proper regulation, we would 100% concur that regulation is vital. The philanthropy sector even called for the establishment of the Charities Regulator. Regulation and oversight are absolutely vital. All our member organisations undergo a thorough due diligence process, not just with the projects but even for themselves, by watching how they are doing their own work and transparency is a vital feature. For any of our members, we can certainly send the committee some links to their websites where they show their impact reports and annually outline in detail every grant they have given, for what purpose, to whom and so on. In summary, we fully agree regulation is vital, as is transparency, because that builds trust. If trust is evident, we can do so much more.

The data issue is another one on which we would agree. In the draft policy that is in place, data figures significantly because without an adequate, solid evidence base, that creates a difficulty with being able to talk confidently and at the most thorough level with the sector. Certainly, the data element is something on which we would call for focus with the implementation of the policy. We again say that needs to be resourced and supported along the way.

This speaks to the Deputy's point about the number of organisations that would not be supported were it not for philanthropy. We agree 100%. The regulation, the data and everything else feed back into creating an environment where more giving can be done, with a greater level of philanthropy that supports those organisations, as has been outlined, that are dedicated to their cause. The Deputy knows this himself from working in the area where he works. Projects that have been supported by philanthropy would never have got off the ground if that had not been in evidence.

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