Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State can correct me on this but my understanding is that charities are entitled to apply to the Valuation Office for a waiver if they have charitable status, provided it is for the benefit of the charity. It is a cumbersome system and it is important that the Department makes charities aware that such a scheme is in place. Many of them are not aware of it and, having dealt with them, I know the system is cumbersome and awkward. We are talking about a waiver scheme but the bulk of the charities Senator Ruane is talking about should be entitled to charitable status under national policy.They are put through a very onerous and cumbersome system to qualify for it.