Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I congratulate the Minister of State who laboured long and hard before receiving his just reward on his appointment. I have no doubt he will be successful, which will be to the benefit of the House and the State.

I welcome the legislation, which has a great deal of merit because it proposes to put in place regulations to cater for various charities. Many Members have mentioned the significant work carried out by charitable organisations. Significant amounts are raised by voluntary groups at local and national level and they have done a great deal to alleviate the burden of the taxpayer as much of the money is devoted to causes that ordinarily would be the responsibility of the Exchequer. We should remind ourselves of this. I hope the legislation does not replace the voluntary spirit among the public and recognises the necessity to ensure that continues. It would be hugely negative if the spontaneity involved in volunteering for which the Irish have become famous is interfered with or if regulations inhibit or impede volunteerism.

Notwithstanding that, the amounts raised by charities have increased and this has created temptation. It is, therefore, important and right that regulations should be introduced. Previous contributors referred to the establishment of another quango. While I worry about how bureaucratic the system might become, I ask the Minister of State to ensure the minimum imposition results from the increased bureaucracy. I do not have the greatest respect for bureaucracy because by its very amorphous nature, it tends to damp down the spontaneity and voluntary spirit that exists and it has usually done more damage and been more costly than if the status quo had pertained.

Local spontaneous fundraising is usually for a good cause. For example, if a house burns down and the family do not have insurance, people will rally round for such an extremely good cause and engage in instant action. Benefit nights for families who have lost a member tragically are a regular occurrence. I recognise the need for a statutory basis for the operation of charities but the Minister of State should be careful not to go overboard because if he does, people will be turned off and they will say if that is the way the Government wants it, then it should deal with these issues itself. I refer to the issue of charitable tax status, which will generate interest in the future. The definition of "charity" in the tax code is an important issue and I hope the bureaucrats do not decide when the regulatory system is established that local causes do not qualify for charitable status. That represents my greatest fear. I would like the Minister of State to take my concerns on board so that local spontaneous efforts to raise funds do not lose charitable tax status as these efforts will always be needed.

Ireland has enjoyed a great deal from volunteers over the years and that has been a trait of our communities and individuals. However, as we have become more affluent, the tendency has been to leave more voluntary activities to the statutory authorities. For example, organisations are educating people as to what they can do most efficiently in regard to donations that have tax benefits. Good charities write to people from time to time seeking donations for very good causes. Occasionally, a charity highlights the tax status and benefits that could result from contributing to its cause. When I read the explanation for this, I tend to be less helpful than if I had free rein to do my own thing. Volunteering has two sides to it. When one is asked to volunteer in whatever capacity, that should be at one's discretion.

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