Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 113: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action that will be taken to prevent bogus charities from operating door to door collections; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these operators have been alleged to intimidate genuine charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35910/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I can inform the Deputy that it is an offence, under Section 21 of the Street and House to House Collections Act, 1962, for a person to wrongfully interfere, whether by using violence or intimidation or otherwise, with the holder of a legitimate collection permit engaged in a collection in respect of which that authorisation was granted. Allegations of criminal activity, whether under this provision or otherwise, should be brought to the attention of the Gardaí.

I can further inform the Deputy that my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is currently preparing a new Charities Regulation Bill. My understanding is that it is anticipated that the Bill will be published in early 2007 and will enhance the protections available for the public in this regard.