Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

On behalf of myself and those from the Fine Gael Party who have spoken, I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey, for his presence. Having had the privilege of working with him on summer projects a long time ago, I know of his commitment to volunteer organisations and community groups and I need not emphasise how well it is known throughout Dublin.

As someone who stood on many corners for many years shaking boxes under people's faces as they passed up and down O'Connell Street, particularly in the cold month of December when I would be singing, I welcome the Bill.

I will say only a few words because I was not listed to speak, and I thank the previous speaker for giving me a few minutes of his time. I want to speak about the volunteers and the people who respond on a daily basis to many organisations, particularly small local organisations such as parish groups which collect for summer projects and organise cake sales many of which have been mentioned. It is important that this Bill protects those groups. Many such organisations are run by very small committees and it is the people who come along and volunteer to take the collections outside the different places who are the ones who need protection from this Bill. However, I would hate to see this Bill putting a stop to the many volunteers who take part every day of the week in all such organisations. When the bits and pieces are being collected together in this Bill, I hope the Minister of State will look favourably on those small organisations in communities and parishes that so depend on the few pence they collect from people.

My involvement arose through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and particularly through the late Mr. Noel Clear, who was its president, whom I admired greatly and who had a great deal to do with my being involved in community organisations. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in particular around Christmas time, does a vast amount of unseen work. It is done behind closed door, and with confidentiality being very much part of the organisation. I commend the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for its work over the years. It is an organisation that has taken people from extreme poverty and brought them into some kind of every day living.

I welcome the setting up of the regulator of charities. It is very important. As someone who has spent a long time working in charitable organisations, it is about time some rules were set in place and it was made clear to people who want to collect money on behalf of organisations what they can and cannot do.

I am delighted to see the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, across the Chamber. He has a true understanding having worked constantly through the years on behalf of many organisations.

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