John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I accept the comments made by Deputy Ring that the regulator should not be dealing with the charities on a day by day basis. However, at the outset, the charities expressed some concern that this process would be cumbersome. Consequently, much of what is being done in respect of the establishment and enactment of this legislation is to facilitate charities. There will be a bedding-in period and assistance will be offered to those charities in that context. The list of general functions outlined in the Bill is comprehensive and appropriate. I do not believe the acceptance of the amendment would improve the Bill. In fact, it places too strong an emphasis on the enforcement role over the supportive role and leaves out certain key functions of the authority. For those reasons, I do not propose to accept Deputy Ring's amendment.

The Government's amendment to section 13(1) is a technical amendment. It is considered that the role of the authority in regard to the management of the property of charitable organisations is already adequately provided for under section 13(1)(c).

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