Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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72. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the independent review of the charitable status of Pobal will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15359/19]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Pobal is a not for profit company which was originally established by Government in 1992 as Area Development Management (ADM) Ltd.  Charitable status was granted to the company by the Revenue Commissioners on the 20th November 1996.  In 2005 ADM was re-named Pobal.  In accordance with Section 40 of the Charities Act, 2009, Pobal was entered onto the Register of Charitable Organisations on 16 October 2014.  

The basis for Pobal having charitable status is tied to the objects of the Company, which are specified in its Memorandum and Articles of Association.  I am satisfied that Pobal is fully compliant with the relevant legislative requirements including those of the Charities Act, 2009.  

Pobal has undertaken a review of its charitable status and in that regard sought independent legal advice on the matter.  The review has now concluded.  A report was presented to the Board of Pobal at their meeting in January and the matter is still under consideration. 

Once the Board has completed its consideration of the report, Pobal will brief my officials in relation to any matters arising.   The question of publication would be a matter for the Pobal Board.