Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Revenue Commissioners are undertaking a routine review of the scheme and have written to 1,100 organisations seeking information in that context. The review is not based on a concern or knowledge that the scheme is being abused and it is not an investigation into suspected fraudulent behaviour in any individual charity. It simply seeks to ensure that charities that have been authorised under the scheme are continuing to comply with the terms of their authorisations. We should accept that is the way it is. Carrying out this exercise sends a signal to people that the scheme must be operated correctly, which is very important.

I am very anxious to proceed with the Charities Bill 2007. We are examining a number of issues and we are trying to strike the right balance. Our objective is to have the Bill finished in both Houses before the summer recess. However, if a better Bill were to emerge following an extra delay, I would have to take that as it comes. We still hope to get it through the Houses before the summer.

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