Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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506. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which all charities come within the remit of the Charities Regulator, which is protecting the integrity of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52150/18]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Charities Regulatory Authority was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The key functions of the Regulator are to establish and maintain a public register of charitable organisations operating in Ireland and ensure their compliance with the Charities Acts.  I understand that, as of 31 October 2018, there were 9,722 charities on the Register of Charities.

My Department has been assigned overall policy responsibility for the Charities Regulator. However, the Authority is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.  Neither I nor my Department have any role in the decision making process of the Authority.

My Department receives regular updates from the Charities Regulator on key performance indicators, under the terms of an oversight agreement.