Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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54. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023. [10550/24]

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Minister update the House on the Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023?

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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Our charity sector is an important and valued part of Irish society, playing an integral role in the provision of services to our communities. With over 11,500 charities on the charities register, the work of the Charities Regulator is also vitally important.

The Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023 was published on 22 December 2023, and concluded Second Stage of the legislative process on 25 January. The Bill's aim is to improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, providing greater transparency, clarity and fairness in terms of the regulation of charities, leading to greater public trust and confidence in the sector.

This Bill is a key step that needs to be implemented in order to allow for the appropriate regulation, particularly financial regulation, of the sector. It is important that we strike the right balance between necessary regulation and proportionate governance, ensuring that a reasonable and fair approach is at its core. In this regard, it is important to note that, in many cases, the Bill will ease the administrative burden on smaller charities. It will also further enhance and empower both existing trustees and potential trustees, by giving greater clarity in respect of their roles and responsibilities.

I can confirm that Committee Stage of the legislative process is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 10 April. I look forward to engaging with members of the select committee, and with colleagues in both Houses of the Oireachtas, to enable the passage and enactment of this Bill as quickly as possible.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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I will not delay. I look forward to this Bill coming before the committee in April.