Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I too support these amendments. There was strong reference to this topic in the Dáil and Seanad. I welcome particularly amendment No. 10.

I have heard a man speak on radio programmes who has been contacted by families whose members have joined cults and cannot get out but sign everything over to them. They are not charities and have created many problems for families. I do not know whether legislation can deal with them but something needs to be done. One hears harrowing stories about how these cults take over people's minds, bodies and lives, leaving them in such a state that it takes them years to return to ordinary life. I welcome the amendment, which defines the difference between charitable and other organisations.

I will not discuss them in detail today but there are many other areas that we could examine within the church, which create problems for the church. It may not be for legislators to deal with this but some day that may have to happen.

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