John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I thank all contributors to the debate on this Bill, in particular Deputies Ring, Wall, Michael D. Higgins and Deputy Ciarán Lynch on behalf of Deputy Wall. I extend my appreciation to my predecessors, Deputy Noel Ahern, who published this long awaited Bill and brought it into the House and to the Chief Whip, Deputy Pat Carey, who dealt with Committee Stage of the Bill.

Also, I thank the Ceann Comhairle, Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Acting Chairmen who have presided so efficiently over the passage of the Bill and, specifically, the Attorney General and his officials who have provided tremendous support at all times, as have the staff of the Bills Office in Leinster House.

I believe we have had a constructive debate on all Stages and although there have been differing views on particular issues, we all had one objective, namely, to put in place an appropriate regulatory framework to enhance public confidence and to protect charities. I believe the issues raised during the debate have resulted in amendments that have improved the Bill. While we often divide on issues we have, through the overall package of measures introduced to regulate and provide public confidence in this sector without overburdening it, achieved the right balance.

I hope the provision that those who are registered with Revenue will transfer across to the authority provides some comfort to those charities concerned from day one about issues of compliance. Also important is the commitment to review this legislation in five years. We may not have got everything right but we have moved a long way towards doing so. I hope this will be beneficial legislation that addresses many of the issues raised in this House.

See this speech in context