Written answers

Thursday, 26 June 2008

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Regulation of Charities

5:00 pm

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 24: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with the Revenue Commissioners with regard to their investigation into possible fraudulent behaviour by charities; if the Revenue Commissioners have concluded this investigation; if there is an indication of fraudulent behaviour having taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25011/08]

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In a reply to a similar question on 15 May, the House was informed that one of the key purposes of the Charities Bill 2007 is to enact a reform of the law relating to charities in order to ensure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud. It is vital for public trust and confidence in the sector to be safeguarded and maintained. However, any matters that might currently be subject to investigation by the Revenue Commissioners are an internal matter for the Commissioners. As indicated previously, I have no statutory role in relation to the investigation of charities.

I am pleased to say that during the development of the Bill, there has been a very productive working relationship between my Department and the Revenue Commissioners, who currently maintain a list of bodies that have qualified for charitable tax exemptions. Also, in recognition of the value of the resource potentially available to the new Authority in terms of experience and expertise within Revenue, an amendment was introduced at Committee Stage providing explicitly for co-operation between the new Charities Regulatory Authority and Revenue in relation to the establishment of the Register of Charities, which is to be maintained by the new Authority.

The new Authority, to be established in due course after the Bill is enacted, will also be required to secure compliance by charities with their legal obligations and to encourage better administration of charities. It will be an offence for a body not on the Register of Charities to claim that it is a charity, or to operate or fundraise in Ireland. The new Authority may call for documents and search records, enter premises on foot of a search warrant, impose sanctions, and co-operate with foreign statutory bodies on law enforcement matters. There will also be significant penalties in place. However, I would like to reiterate that while the new Authority will determine whether or not an organisation is a charitable organisation for the purposes of entry onto the Register of Charities, it will remain a matter solely for Revenue to determine whether or not any funds applied by organisations for charitable purposes should be granted entitlement to tax exemption.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.