Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I wish the Deputy would listen to me. I said that what we are doing in the Department is bringing in new legislation to update the law on charities and introduce a proper regulatory regime. The sector is unregulated, there is no body with the specific aim of supervision and there is no registration. While the Revenue Commissioners issue tax exemption certificates, this is not registration, although it is sometimes confused with it. In the absence of registration and pending the passage of the legislation and the introduction of the new regulatory regime, anything could be going on. I agree that most charities are very good and are doing good work. The good ones support the introduction of a proper regulatory regime because it is necessary to ensure public confidence and trust. That is why we are taking the steps I have outlined.

I am not responsible for policing charities at present — the issue is that nobody is. We are relying on the goodwill of the charities. When the legislation is enacted and the regulatory regime is in place, there will be compulsory registration and supervision, and thus charities will be called to account. This will enhance the trust and confidence of the public, which will be to the benefit of everybody in the sector. The good players in the sector realise this.

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