Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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233. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to amend the Charities Act 2009 and regulations thereunder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3389/19]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Charities Regulatory Authority was established on 16 October, 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. Responsibility for the oversight of the Regulator transferred to my Department on its establishment in July 2017.

The general function of the Regulator is to regulate charitable organisations operating in Ireland, in order to increase public trust and confidence in their management and administration. This includes maintaining a public register of charitable organisations operating in Ireland and ensuring their compliance with the Charities Acts. Under the Charities Act, 2009, the Charities Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.

There is ongoing liaison between officials in my Department and the Charities Regulator to review the operation of the legislation to ensure that it is operating effectively. In 2017, on foot of public consultation, the Regulator proposed amendments to the Charities Act 2009 in order to ensure consistency and fairness in the accounting and reporting obligations of charities. 

My Department is working with the Regulator to consider these amendments and also to consider whether sections of the 2009 Act which have yet to be enacted require further amendment. This work is at an advanced stage and I intend seeking Government approval in the near future to progress the legislation.