Results 9,981-10,000 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

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 (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: I welcome the amendment, because there are professional people who give a good deal of time to charity. There may be times when such people need to be paid for work done. It is only right that this is the case, provided there is no conflict. If such a person is an auditor, he or she should not be allowed to audit the accounts. However, if someone were to do professional work, which costs...

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

Michael Ring: I support the amendment.

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

Michael Ring: 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...

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

Michael Ring: I decided not to.

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

Michael Ring: I agree with the Minister of State that the Revenue Commissioners and the new regulatory authority must be separate organisations. The Revenue Commissioners must have their own authority and must deal with whatever information or otherwise is connected to Revenue issues. There must be a clear separation between these organisations. The fact that an organisation has charitable status does...

Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Every citizen of the State that I meet has asked me this question over the past few weeks. I want to ask the Taoiseach when, under the current legislation, the fraud squad and CAB will go in and investigate the banks. There are two laws in this country, one for the poor and one for the banks. The people want to know when the fraud squad or CAB will be prepared to go in and see what was...

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

Michael Ring: I welcome the Bill in principle. The Minister of State accepted some of our amendments and introduced the necessary legislation in the Seanad, and I welcome that. I am disappointed that he has not dealt with one area in the Bill, however, in relation to human rights as a charitable purpose. I have received much representation in this regard, as has my colleague, Deputy Wall, and other...

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

Michael Ring: Universities undertake their take-up collections inside and outside the country. The Bill suggests that while they will not be exempt, what they collect will not be published. I want to ensure they are monitored like everybody else and that when donations are made for a university, everything is above board. I hope the Department of Education and Science will ensure that will be the case...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (10 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the decision on a work permit application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and when the application was made. [4891/09]

Written Answers — Regional Harbours: Regional Harbours (10 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 331: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of boards (details supplied) throughout the country which have been transferred to a local authority in tabular form; the boards in question; and the local authority to which it has been transferred if it has been transferred. [4280/09]

Written Answers — Regional Harbours: Regional Harbours (10 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 332: To ask the Minister for Transport if a board (details supplied) in County Mayo has been transferred to a local authority. [4282/09]

Written Answers — Emigrant Support Services: Emigrant Support Services (10 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 371: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has to hold talks with the new American Administration regarding the undocumented Irish in America. [4235/09]

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (10 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 393: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of premises that were purchased either in part or in full using Exchequer finances during the course of the LEADER Programme 2001 to 2006; the expenditure paid out by the Exchequer in acquiring and maintaining premises during the course of that programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter....