John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

One must realise the charities industry is very substantial. As a nation, we give a great deal of money to charities, as does the State. In particular, we are ensuring there is an appropriate penalty for serious fraud or embezzlement. It does not simply pertain to issues such as the percentage given in or whatever but to how a charity might be structured or run fraudulently or corruptly. This is the reason the more serious penalty is appropriate. Moreover, it mirrors the fines and penalties as laid out in the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.

Deputy Ring made an interesting point in respect of the summary penalties of a fine of €5,000, as well as up to 12 months imprisonment. While I will not rule his proposal in or out, I will examine how it sits in comparison to similar items of legislation, as we did for the increased indictment penalty. If I deem the figure to be inappropriate, I will take the opportunity to amend the provision in the Seanad. However, I will examine it in the context of other legislation.

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