Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was hoping to speak for three minutes but I will now have only one minute of speaking time.

I thank the Minister for coming to the House for these important statements. His decision to appoint a charities regulator is welcome and timely. The appointment is urgently needed in view of the many scandals we have had and the many more that may yet emerge. I also note the important and good work done by a number of charities. We could not survive in Galway without the help provided locally by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Samaritans and a number of other organisations.

In the context of the Minister's appointment of a charities regulator, will it be possible require all charities to make public all salaries and provide the detail on their websites? I ask the Minister to respond specifically to that question.

It is despicable that the chief executive of Rehab has declined to report her salary. Her ongoing refusal to do so does not look good and has given rise to considerable doubts. I and many other Members are being asked how many others are part of this culture of top-ups. I ask the Minister to elaborate on the issue of transparency and how we will bring to an end the shroud of secrecy that covers public service salaries and the top-up payments made from revenue from car parks, shops and other sources. People are outside in all types of weather shaking buckets to collect donations that will support children and others who require help while charity income is being used to top up salaries. I recommend that all salary information be made transparent and reportable and is published on an annual basis on the websites of each charity.