Results 10,461-10,480 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I move amendment No. 60: In page 33, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: "(5) A person or body who— (a) holds themselves or another person or body (whether or not such a body is established under law or not), (b) implies that such persons or such body, is acting or has acted in furtherance of charitable purposes as defined in this Act, whether or not the word "charity" or any...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: Charities based outside this jurisdiction will have to maintain some sort of facility here before they can be regulated. How does the Minister of State propose to regulate such charities? As I am aware that similar legislation has been introduced in Scotland and England, I ask whether he has consulted his counterparts in these jurisdictions.

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: What does that mean in English?

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I welcome this amendment, which we discussed on Committee Stage. It is difficult these days to get people to volunteer with charitable organisations and the original provision put too much pressure on volunteers. People who hear of a matter while having a few drinks in the pub should not be expected to report to the Garda or the authority. This is a wise amendment.

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: Does amendment No. 83 deal with the sealing of collection boxes?

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: That is fine. I just wanted clarification.

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: What the Minister is saying is that if trustees take on a job on a professional basis, this amendment allows for them to be paid. This is only right. To be fair to professional people, they have been very generous with their time and office staff. I see it with charities in my county, some people never charge for work when it is for charity. Many people will not charge for this work but...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: In other words, they should not be out of pocket if there is a payment. That is what it boils down to.

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: The Minister is saying that people will need permits in order to collect. This is the most important aspect of the Bill. People want to know that a collector, whether cash or non-cash, has a permit. If gardaí approach someone who does not have a permit, he or she must be taken off the streets straight away. If a collector is stopped by someone who asks to see the permit, the collector...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: Is that putting pressure on charities in respect of the 12 month notification period? Some collections are on a yearly or monthly basis. Charities have set times of the year. Why is it necessary to have the 12 month notification period?

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I agree with Deputy Ciarán Lynch. He is correct in what he said. I have said many times in this debate that Irish people are generous. One aspect that upsets me and also elderly people is the abuse by some people who collect money on behalf of charities or for some other purpose. Something must be done to stop these people. One cannot go shopping on a Saturday or walk down a main...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: This amendment relates to the issue of sealed collection boxes, an issue about which I wish to ask the Minister of State.

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: Will the Minister clarify how section 83 will impact on those charities who collect by selling a product? Those who sell a product such as a daffodil on Daffodil Day must have a sealed collection box and the collectors may have to give people back change. This requirement causes a difficulty in this instance for those collecting for the Irish Cancer Society. When the Minister of State...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: Perhaps it would be possible for these national charities to make an application to the regulator to be exempted from this requirement. Only a few will be caught by it. It is an important issue. I accept what the Minister of State said and I am confident he will bring the necessary amendments to the Seanad to deal with this matter

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: The Minister of State is indicating banks and those bringing money into the country will be at a disadvantage if the amendment is not introduced. In what way would it affect the banks and how would the money be brought into the country? I do not understand why it is necessary to bring in the amendment. In what way can money be illegally brought to the country?

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I understand the penalties on summary conviction for those who break the law are 12 months in prison, a fine of €5,000 or both. The Minister of State and I both know that no judge will want to send someone to jail for 12 months when it might be more effective to pay a fine. I propose the fine amount should be increased from €5,000 to €10,000, as judges will not be inclined to send...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I thank the Minister of State.

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I move amendment No. 25: In page 14, to delete lines 18 to 41 and in page 15, to delete lines 1 to 7 and substitute the following: "(a) to establish and maintain a register of charitable organisations, (b) to encourage, facilitate and monitor compliance by charities with the provisions of this Act, including by way of issuing (or as it considers appropriate approving) guidelines, codes of...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I appeal to the Minister to be wary of putting too many regulators in place. People are concerned about the appointment of regulators with no powers and who are not answerable to the House. That is the one thing that concerns me. I had great difficulty convincing my party that we need another regulator because we are opposed to having too many regulators. I urge the Minister even at this...

Charities Bill 2007: Report Stage (Resumed). (5 Nov 2008)

Michael Ring: I support the amendment. People in this country are very decent and honourable and they look out for their neighbours. I have seen that in my constituency when serious tragedies occurred in the past. Collections were made when, for one reason or another, the State was unable to do the job it was required to do. I agree with the thrust of the amendment. On Committee Stage we made a strong...