Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Okay. No problem.

I want to raise the issue of Console, which has already been raised by a number of Senators today. Unlike some Senators in this Chamber, I am not prepared to wait and see. This is black and white. It is quite clear that what has been done is an absolute disgrace. It is robbing money out of the pockets of people who provided funding and supported the charity over the years. At this point in time, there is no reason for any course of action other than a full investigation by An Garda Síochána. I understand the board has put in two people to examine and audit the books, but that alone is not acceptable. This is in the public arena and it is not being challenged by anyone. It is quite obvious that ordinary people's money has been stolen. We need these people to be called to heel. We also need a quick investigation and a visible result.

The last time this happened - it concerned another national entity - we saw a drop-off in support for genuine charities by 20% or 30% within weeks. Every time this happens, people will be less willing to support genuine charities. There are genuine charities, but the regulator is not doing its job adequately. The regulator should be inspecting the books of any registered charity he wishes and auditing them without notice. That is not happening. The gangsters in Console were chancing their arm and spending donations for their own gain and entertainment. I call on the Minister to instruct the Garda Síochána to start a full and open investigation into the matter.