Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support colleagues' comments in regard to the proposed banking inquiry. What has been mooted is absurd, because there is no politician who would not have commented on the issue in recent years. On the other hand, a "Coghlan inquiry" has a certain ring to it. Perhaps Senator Paul Coghlan, in his quasi-judicial role in the Oireachtas, might play a pivotal role in any investigation.

I join with other speakers in raising the issue of the proposed charities regulator. That body must be established without delay, and I hope it will be done next month, as indicated by the Minister. I have referred before in this House to the damage done by recent revelations to the public perception of the charities sector. The introduction of a quality standard mark similar to the Q mark for Irish products might be useful in terms of assuring the public that a particular charity adheres to certain standards, such as publishing annual accounts, using a fixed amount of donations to pay for administration and ensuring all salaries are transparent.

Like Senator Martin Conway, it is my experience that for every substandard charity there are 100 good ones. However, after rugby matches and other events in Dublin, one often sees people engaged in dubious collections. We all must be prepared to request identification in such instances. The provision of a quality mark would offer reassurance to the public that moneys given are going to the designated charity. The issue Senator Conway raises in this regard is important. I have participated in several 10 km runs and so on, and one does wonder where the money that is raised actually goes. In raising these concerns I do not seek the deny that there are many charities making a positive and worthwhile contribution. The introduction of a regulator will be very welcome. I repeat my call of last week for a debate on the charities sector in the coming weeks.