Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I share the view expressed by Members last night and tonight that this is one of the most interesting debates we have had in the House. I have listened to most of the contributions. It will undoubtedly go down as one of the best debates with many stimulating contributions.

All Members welcome the Bill and the principle of what is proposed. Ultimately, we will have an authority. As Deputy Mac Lochlainn indicated, there is a need for a regulator. We must introduce regulation in this jurisdiction. The difficulties we are now dealing with were ignored by politicians in the past, which is the reason we are in this mess. Where there is no regulation some of those involved will do things they should not. Essentially, that is what has happened. The volume of charities registered with Revenue is in excess of 8,000. It makes one wonder what that says about us with a small population of approximately 4 million.

Historically, if one registers as a charity with Revenue, one has the status of being tax exempt. I take the view that all those who work for a living should pay their taxes. That is the duty of every citizen. I apply the same standard to charities. In one way or another charities collect money or get it from the State or from us as taxpayers. I do not think any of them should be tax exempt. It is possible that, as in other jurisdictions, they would pay a nominal sum of money. That is the way it should be because the status quo has led to where we are now and to abuse by some due to the lack of accountability.

Charities are one thing but I have long held the view that trusts in this country have far too much autonomy. They operate as secret societies that essentially do what they like. They appoint who they like to the trust. It is bad practice and as politicians we should not tolerate it and we should address it in the Bill.

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