David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The scandals which have erupted understandably have had a hugely negative effect on public confidence which has led to a dip in donations to charities. The recent revelations of generous salary top-up payments and gold-plated pensions paid from charity funds at the Committee of Public Accounts hearings are proof that the sector needs urgent regulation. The reality is that the Minister was forced to act because of those scandals. The reality is also that far too many people are depending on charities because of the austerity policies which his party has put in place.