Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister clarify how section 83 will impact on those charities who collect by selling a product? Those who sell a product such as a daffodil on Daffodil Day must have a sealed collection box and the collectors may have to give people back change. This requirement causes a difficulty in this instance for those collecting for the Irish Cancer Society.

When the Minister of State brings this legislation to the Seanad, I appeal to him to bring forward the necessary amendments to deal with this issue. It is an impractical requirement for some charities, particularly the Irish Cancer Society. Daffodil Day is one of the great days of the year when people from all walks of life support that charity. If the collection boxes are sealed, the collectors will not be able to give people change. This is a reasonable request.

I do not want to oppose the amendment and ask the Minister of State to assure us that he will bring forward the necessary amendments to the legislation in the Seanad to address this issue. I have received many representations on this issue. It is not a major one. This requirement concerns reputable charities that have been established for a long time. The people want to support them and we do not want to hinder them doing so.

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