John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

While I accept the Deputy's point, I reiterate strongly that the emphasis of the Bill is not to make life difficult for charities but to facilitate them every step of the way. This should be evident from the amendment we made this morning, if nothing else, which deemed existing charities registered with the Revenue Commissioners to be transferred automatically to the new authority. One should not consider the requirement to provide additional information as awkward and a cause of trouble for charities. Rather, it is better that the regulatory authority seek additional information and give a charity that might have been remiss in submitting documentation an opportunity to comply rather than reject its application. The legislation is to facilitate such charities. While the legislation is substantial, it is not in any way intended to make the work of the charities more complicated.

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