Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

My amendment represents the way forward. If the superintendent or the Garda or a panel were there and an existing charity had a collection on a day, a second charity would need to apply to the superintendent for its permit. He would make the decision whether these two charities should work on the one day. I hope something can be done. For me this is the one issue relating to charity that is creating a problem. If someone puts €5 into a box and it does not go to a charity that is not too bad even though people are defrauded of their €5 and might feel bad about it. However, it is not right for an elderly person, for instance, to be tied into a contract by these people. We need to tighten up on these charity muggers and how they operate. I am opposed to them. Other people will disagree with me, but I do not mind. When charities sell tickets, we all know what is happening, but I am not happy about this way of doing things. If I had my way and was Minister I would introduce the necessary legislation to ensure charity muggers would not operate.

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