Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I agree with Deputy Higgins. I tabled an amendment on the matter on Committee Stage. It was the one matter on which we all received considerable lobbying because charities are concerned. Only one word divides us. Even at this stage I ask the Minister of State to reconsider it. Charities are doing a job and if they want to advocate for some kind of policy on a matter that is affecting people here or in another country, they should have the right to lobby for that. They should not need to be concerned that by doing that they would lose their charitable status because the Government of the day does not like the policy of the agency. I ask the Minister of State to reconsider. We do not want to divide the House on the matter but charities are very anxious that it be clarified. We do not want the Bill to result in charities looking over their shoulders wondering when Big Brother or the Government will step on them some day. I ask the Minister of State to reconsider the matter. Deputy Higgins has outlined the case very well and I support him.

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