Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I share Deputy MacSharry's view that this has come as a shocking revelation in an area of particular sensitivity.

We all understand the trauma people and families go through in cases of suicide. There has been major shock and disgust among those who have supported the charity. As the Deputy said, it is very important that we protect the valuable work done by many of those who have worked in the area. It is heartening to see that the investigation comes directly from the HSE's close scrutiny of charities under its framework. The HSE has a revised framework for all of the bodies it funds. It was in this context that the irregularities in Console were first identified, followed by an audit and the investigation, with a new governance structure being put in place to deal particularly with the issues in Console.

The Deputy referred to the role of the Charities Regulatory Authority, which is being rolled out. Its first priority was to establish a proper register of the organisations the operations of which it would oversee. It has done this. It has established an interim arrangement under which it receives complaints from individuals. It is moving to provide staffing in order that it can, as the Deputy requested, commence Part 4. The authority has 23 staff and its 2016 budget provided for an increase to 36. This will allow the regulator to move to establish the basis on which this Part of the Act can be implemented.

Some elements such as the investigation of potential fraud fall beyond the operation of the Charities Regulatory Authority. Failings in respect of directors' responsibilities fall to be investigated by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Issues are being actively pursued in the case of Console that fall outside the Charities Regulatory Authority's direct responsibility. We are moving to ensure the authority will engage in the oversight which the Deputy rightly says is appropriate for the future.

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