Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)

I echo the comments made by Deputy Ring. I welcome the intent in the Minister of State's response that shows a common sense approach is to be taken here. Obviously, there are different kinds of charitable organisations. Some deal with millions of euro every year while others deal with tens and twenties of euro. The requirement to furnish annual reports is an easy task for a charitable organisation that has a bureaucracy in place. It is not so for voluntary organisations.

What is required here is a simple measurable means by which an organisation is virtually directed as to what information is needed when it furnishes its annual report. I am sure the Minister of State will take this point on board. In referring to an earlier amendment, the Minister of State said that it might be difficult for an organisation to go through the registration process because it does not facilitate enough information. It would be wise if the Minister took on board that, when looking for annual reports, depending on the size of an organisation, there might be a presciptive direction given to organisations. We look for articles of association, trading and simple bank accounts.

See this speech in context