Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising the issue this morning on the Order of Business and I acknowledge and thank the Leader for acceding to the request to have a discussion this evening on the role charitable organisations play in this country. It is appropriate at this time of year to acknowledge the huge amount of voluntary work being done by so many people throughout the country who are helping to make a better life for the less fortunate in their communities. It is a time of year when we focus on those who are underprivileged and in need.

The volunteers and organisations that run these charities are working around the clock, 365 days of the year so it is appropriate to acknowledge the work being done and encourage everybody in the country who can afford a little to give a little more, particularly at this time of year. During the year, when we get all those requests through the post that we sometimes ignore, we should look at the work being done by these organisations and see our way to contributing to their incredible work. In many cases where there is deprivation and poverty, it is not always because there is not sufficient income going into the house from the State but because it is poorly managed. There are also other issues and it is then that organisations such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul step in to make a difference to the lives of these people. I am aware of many situations where people have been given a helping hand that has meant much and turned their life around.They, in turn, have made huge contributions to the organisation that helped them and, indeed, to other organisations in the community. I wonder sometimes whether the State becomes too reliant on charitable organisations to run services. That is probably a debate for another day but, in many cases, people's lives would be much the poorer if not for the tremendous work done by these organisations. Senator Ó Murchú mentioned the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Simon Community. In my home town, the Simon Community now has a presence and I have visited its volunteers on a number of occasions to witness the difference they are making to people's lives. Other organisations such as COPE are based in Galway as well and they help people with serious housing issues.

The recession of the past number of years has caused added hardship for many people. People who would never have been dependent on charitable organisations have had occasion to look for help and that has not been easy for them, but the discreet way their requests have been handled by the organisations has been important for people to maintain their dignity. Hopefully, when they get over the crisis, they will turn their lives around again and will experience better times.

I recognise all the good work done by these organisations while also thinking of the tremendous work done by Irish volunteers abroad and the contributions they made to organisations such as Trócaire, Concern and GOAL, which are helping the most deprived people in the world to get the basics in life. Through Irish Aid, the people through their taxes, which are managed by government, are helping them. The significant voluntary contributions we make to those organisations are a major factor in improving the lives of the poorest people in the world. As a people, we are generous.

However, a number of scandals unfolded in recent years relating to charities and some people used the difficulties that arose as reason not to give as much as they once did. The improvements made and the tightening up of legislation to regulate the charitable sector are critical to restoring people's confidence. There has to be total openness and transparency in how charitable organisations are run. This works well at local level through organisations such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which manages its finances tightly and exhibits good accountability.

It is probably a matter for another debate but I wonder sometimes whether too many organisations are fulfilling the same role. Perhaps we should have a debate on the streamlining or merger of some of them. In addition, significant resources are expended on chief executive officers and high powered staff and I wonder whether rationalisation would give a better outcome. Generally, the charitable sector does an amazing job. The volunteers, including those who have been mentioned such Fr. Kevin in the Peter McVerry Trust and all the Fr. Kevins in other parts of the country, will make a big difference to the lives of many people this Christmas. I encourage everyone to think about this and I encourage those of us who can afford a little more to give a little more this Christmas and make a difference to the lives of those who depend on additional support over and above what the State can afford to give.