Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his appointment to office. I also congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, on his appointment. He will do an excellent job in steering this legislation through the House.

This Bill provides for the dissolution of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland and the establishment of a charities regulatory authority. The former was the body to which organisations had to present their requests to relinquish title on property and so forth. The processing of documentation in such cases was a long and cumbersome process as a result of the backlog with which the commissioners had to contend. I am aware of several cases where there have been lengthy delays in processing applications in regard to community and parish halls and facilities based in school campuses and diocesan properties. It took a huge amount of time and effort on behalf of local communities to go through that process.

Much has been said during this debate about the effort expended by voluntary workers in communities throughout the State. I hope that an effort will made to streamline the bureaucracy involved for community organisations when the new regulatory authority assumes the powers of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland. It will be very much welcome if the new body is easier to access and facilitates the speedier processing of documentation.

I welcome the Bill, which provides clarity in regard to the regulation of charities. It is useful to place such regulation on a statutory footing in terms of what organisations must do in regard to accounts and so on. Every Member sees at first hand in his or her constituency the work that is done by charities. Speakers have referred to once-off fundraising efforts in response to particular tragedies. Other charities raise funds for community projects such as sporting facilities. I acknowledge the fantastic work undertaken by volunteers throughout the State and in my own area in particular. I have heard some people put forth innuendo to the effect that these volunteers must be enjoying some personal material gain from their activities. The vast majority, however, give up their time for no payment and receive no material gain.

All politicians have a duty to encourage people to become involved in voluntary organisations in their local communities. As other speakers observed, there is much to be gained in terms of personal satisfaction in giving of one's time for charitable purposes. There is a difficulty, however, particularly in some of the sporting organisations, in getting young people involved in the management and committee structure. I and other Members frequently tell secondary school students about the importance of getting involved in their communities and seeking to effect change in so far as they can. It is important to put forward one's point of view whether through a residents association, sporting organisation, political party and so on. It is only by using one's voice that one can hope to have one's views acted upon.

Some Members voiced concern about the establishment of another quango. However, the purpose of this legislation is to impose order on the sector and to eradicate any quangos that may have developed. The new authority will be easier to access and deal with and will provide a centralised regulatory framework. The provisions in regard to how charities maintain their accounts will be helpful.

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