Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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842. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the date on which sections 93 to 98 of the Charities Act 2009 will come into effect. [34843/20]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Charities Regulatory Authority (“the Charities Regulator”) 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. Under the Charities Act, 2009, the Charities Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.

My officials continue to liaise with the Charities Regulator to review the operation of the legislation to ensure that it is operating effectively.

The sections in question provide amendments to the Street and House to House Collections Act 1962. In 2017, the Regulator published 'Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public' to address issues around fundraising for charities, their trustees and the public.

My Department is working with the Regulator to consider amendments to the 2009 Act and consideration of the remaining sections of the 2009 Act that have not been commenced will also be undertaken as part of this process.