Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. Sinn Féin would like to welcome the commencement order signed by the Tánaiste yesterday which gives the Charities Regulator stronger investigative and enforcement powers. There have been far too many controversies recently involving financial irregularities in the charities sector, namely, Rehab, CRC and, most recently, Console and St. John of God. These scandals have done almost irreparable damage to public confidence in charities and the reduction in donations as a result will affect the most vulnerable who need these services.I have had service users as well as staff phone me in tears. They are upset and distraught and very unsure of which way to go. We need to steady the ship. I look forward to 5 September when this order can come into action and the regulator can then carry out proactive investigations of charities. I commend the staff of all charities on the work they do, most notably all the staff of Console on the vital services they provide to those in society and those most at risk.

We need to acknowledge the sense of uncertainty service users have, the value they put on the positive support Console has given them and the space it has given them to explore their mental health issues and, indeed, it has saved lives. I take this opportunity to echo the need for Senators to be included in the health strategy. We need input, not inclusion. This was discussed in recent weeks and it seemed we would not be included but I hope that it not true.