John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

In regard to mass cards, I inherited this legislation when I was promoted last summer and it was one of the first matters to come across my desk. The issue of door-to-door collections and mass cards were cause for considerable concern among the public rather than the charitable sector or vested interests. I do not have a legal background and would not claim the technical expertise necessary to address the issue but the amendment as presented came from the Office of the Attorney General. We have always recognised the challenges involved and the provision was not drafted in isolation. We rely on the Attorney General's legal advice in bringing forward legislation.

I do not want to rehearse our previous debates on the issues but I thank Senators for their constructive contributions. We have worked to improve this legislation to the greatest extent possible. Senator Buttimer frightened me when he expressed the hope that we will all be here in five years' time to review the legislation. We do not know who will be here at that stage. Long before the time arrives for the five-year statutory review, we will have substantial work to do in regulating and bringing order to the charities sector while at the same time inspiring the public's confidence. As all Senators have recognised, this has to be done in a way that avoids putting undue burdens on small and medium-sized charities.

Senator Norris referred to fund-raisers. Some of these issues are not specifically provided for in the Bill but we are working with the sector on codes of practice for fund-raising. I am not merely waiting for the five-year mandatory review, therefore, but will be giving effect to the legislation over the next several years.

I thank Members for the constructive nature of our debates, even if we have not agreed on everything. Our deliberation on the Bill has for the most part proceeded in the direction that people sought. I acknowledge the cross-party support I have received on most issues. I concur with Senator Buttimer regarding the officials in my Department who worked tirelessly on this legislation, including Terry Dunne and Joe Hammill, who briefed and advised me. To be fair, they made themselves available to explain and clarify issues for Members of the Opposition in this and the other House, thus allowing people to debate the real issue and preventing any misunderstanding or obscurity in that regard. Senator Buttimer is correct that often those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, who are dedicated and professional in their work, are not acknowledged. I am glad Senator Buttimer did so. I take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to them and to thank all Members of the House for their contributions.