Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, agree with calls to urgently establish the office of the regulator of charities. I understand it will happen quickly and that is appropriate. There are many walks, runs, 10 km events and mini-marathons organised in the country, especially in rural parts and tourism areas. They are organised by charities with good intentions. They promote healthy lifestyles as well as raising money for good causes. Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention that a small number of these mini-marathons, walks and 10 km events are being operated by companies for their own good reasons and causes. What happens is that a 10 km event is organised and a small donation is made to a charity for the use of the charity's name. Unfortunately, the vast bulk of the money raised goes to private interests.

This scenario could easily happen anywhere and it is happening. Up to 1,000 people may register or pay a registration fee to take part in a 10 km or mini-marathon event. However, all that goes to the charities is a few hundred euro for the use of their names.

I call on charities to ensure if they allow their names to be used for any sporting occasion, whether it is a charity walk or cycle or whatever, that the vast majority of the money raised goes to the charities. Unfortunately, the sins of a few are doing damage to the entire industry. It is another aspect of the way money raised by ordinary decent people for good causes, unfortunately, cannot be stood over. This is why it is imperative that the charities regulator is put in place as soon as possible and that we bring in proper protocols for sporting walks and cycles done in the name of charity.