Results 5,821-5,840 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: As I discussed earlier, the Revenue is independent of the regulator regarding the charities. The Revenue does its job and the regulator does a separate job with charities. Does the Minister proposes that if a charity does something wrong there is a statutory provision to remove a charity and deal with its assets?

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: If a charity is being removed is there an appeals mechanism in place that is independent of the regulator?

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: So whatever the decision, the parties must accept it.

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: We discussed this previously, so I will agree to these amendments.

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I am disappointed the Minister will not accept my amendment. The reason I tabled this amendment is the concern among the general public about the charities to which they are subscribing. I wished to ensure the transparency, correctness and openness of any organisation with charitable status. We need to clarify what salaries are being paid by charities to their directors, identify whether...

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I move amendment No. 1 to Seanad amendment No. 49: In subsection (3), paragraph (a), after "organisation" to insert the following: "including a statement on whether the charitable organisation: (i) is in all respects voluntary and charitable in nature, or (ii) is in any respect commercial.".

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: The previous amendment referred to auditors not being able to do their own accounts. We do not want this legislation, the regulator and the regulator's office to cost a fortune. We raised this on Second and Committee Stages. We must streamline this area as much as possible, use whatever Government agencies and resources are available and not have the charities or the taxpayer obliged to...

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I agree with this amendment. People give their time free to charities. In any organisation people can make mistakes. Nobody should be personally liable if they are doing something in a voluntary capacity. It is not easy at this time to get people to work on behalf of charities. Their home, family or livelihood should not be put at risk if they make a genuine mistake. There should be...

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I compliment the Minister of State, who is correct. Late in the day this problem arose when we were contacted by a number of charities which were concerned about the sealed boxes. I compliment the Minister of State on introducing the necessary amendment and dealing with it. As he stated, people make a donation and want to get change back. He dealt with it effectively. I support the amendment.

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I tabled an amendment on this on Committee Stage. I cannot recall whether we put it to a vote, but the Minister gave a commitment that he would examine it. He has done that and introduced the necessary amendment, which I welcome. Since then I received many representations from people who say that what the Minister of State proposes is unconstitutional. I want him to assure the House that...

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I want to make two points, the first of which relates to the member of the authority. The Minister of State is talking about increasing membership of the authority from 15 to 20. I shall not divide the House today on this, but I hoped that 15 people could do the business necessary in this regard. Fine Gael wanted the Department to implement this rather than a regulator. However, this is...

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Before we finish with this Bill I just have a few words for the Minister of State and his staff. I thank the staff for the co-operation they afforded to me and Deputy Wall. If there is something in the legislation that we do not see right now that might affect the charities, the Minister of State gave a commitment as regards a review and said that we could come back to it again, in the...

Charities Bill 2007: From the Seanad (Resumed) (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I totally agree with the Minister of State.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 257: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5135/09]

Written Answers — Citizenship Applications: Citizenship Applications (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 121: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of naturalisation applications ongoing at present; the waiting time from application to decision; and the reason the waiting period is comparatively much longer than the time it takes in other European countries. [5372/09]

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 160: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, in relation to previous parliamentary questions (details supplied) regarding towns which are excluded from the LEADER programme, he will provide an alternative provision for these towns. [5387/09]

Written Answers — Installation Aid Scheme: Installation Aid Scheme (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 200: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views, in relation to the suspension of a scheme (details supplied), on making a special provision whereby applicants who had been deemed eligible and had the legal transfer carried out could be accommodated under the scheme. [5388/09]

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 205: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted the farm waste management grant. [5455/09]

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 206: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5456/09]

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (12 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 207: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a REP scheme four. [5457/09]