Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I broadly welcome the Bill because the regulation of the charitable sector is long overdue. The legislation has been some years in preparation and I am delighted to see it. Like other Members I urge the Minister of State to take on board one point: to extend the definition of charitable purposes to include a charitable purpose that is beneficial to the community, namely, the advancement of human rights, as in the English legislation and the Scottish equivalent. I do not believe section 40 covers the situation. I accept the Minister has taken the view that charities that currently are recognised by the Revenue will be deemed to be charities for that purpose. I agree that will cover some charities that advance human rights. Clearly that is so, but it is not enough because there may be other charities that apply in future whose primary purpose is the protection or advancement of human rights. I urge the Minister to consider amending section 3(10)(e). An amendment to that effect may be tabled on Committee Stage but I urge the Minister to amend the section to include the purpose of the advancement of human rights.