Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the statement of guiding principles for fund-raising which sets out good practice standards for the sector; if an independent monitoring process is being developed and is expected to commence in January 2012; his views on this matter; the progress that is being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27875/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Irish charities sector, with the support of the Government, has been involved in the development of non-statutory codes of practice to regulate charitable fundraising over a number of years. This project was previously the responsibility of the former Department of Community, Equality, and Gaeltacht Affairs, and responsibility for this function transferred to my Department in May 2011.

Whilst, as I am sure the Deputy is aware, all elements of my Department's discretionary expenditure are currently under review given the pressures on the public finances, I am therefore not in a position to give absolute assurances in relation to any possible future commitments at this stage. However, I believe that the interface between charities and the general public in the context of fundraising is key to maintaining and developing public confidence in the Irish charities sector. Officials of my Department have recently met with the sectoral representatives with responsibility for developing these codes, and I am hopeful that my Department will be in a position to continue to provide support for this venture within the limited discretionary resources available.