John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

This group relates to the issue of public benefit. Amendments Nos. 8 and 9 are similar in that they remove some text that on reflection was considered to be unnecessary. My advice was that a purpose is either charitable or not and that the use of the phrase "regarded as a charitable purpose" was not required in legal terms.

In respect of amendment No. 10, since the earlier debates on this in the Dáil and Seanad, I have reflected on those organisations which purport to be religious in nature but whose principal interest is in profit, or whose method may be harmful to its followers. Deputies Wall and Higgins originally raised this point in amendments. Some Senators also put it forward.

I came to the conclusion that there might be considerable merit in the principle behind the original amendment that nominally religious organisations which in reality have scant regard for the spiritual, psychological or indeed financial well-being of their members or potential members should not be granted the privilege of charitable status. Accordingly, I introduced an amendment in the Seanad developed in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General which will ensure that dubious organisations that pose as religious but whose motive is making money, or which use inappropriate psychological techniques in recruiting or retaining members shall not attain charitable status. I thank members of the Opposition in both Houses for their constructive role in this matter. I commend amendment No. 10 which addresses an issue that is clearly of concern across both Houses and amendments Nos. 8 and 9.

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