John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

The new charities regulatory authority will face a significant challenge. In addition to its wide-ranging regulatory and supportive role, the new authority will be taking on also the complex functions of the Office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland, which is to be dissolved. For this reason, the new authority will need to be able to draw on a wide range of expertise and experience. In light of this complex work and on the basis of the Attorney General's advice, it is proposed to increase the maximum membership permitted to 20. The amendment is intended to ensure the authority will be able to call on an extensive range of skills which will enable it to undertake its broad remit efficiently and effectively. It will also facilitate the authority in forming committees to which specified decision making can be delegated as the Bill provides.

In the context of the authority's membership, Senators may recall that the exclusion of public representatives from the board was raised in previous Seanad debates. After reflecting on the issue, I can appreciate the argument that people who serve as local authority representatives may have skills and experience that could enhance the board's work. On Committee Stage, I signalled that I would propose a relevant Government amendment on Report Stage. Accordingly, this amendment removes the provision excluding members of a local authority from membership of the new authority in paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 and in consequential paragraphs. This does not mean councillors will be appointed to the board automatically, but it will make those with relevant experience and interests who may have a great deal to offer the new authority eligible for appointment. I commend the amendments.