Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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To date, there has only been one General Scheme referred by my Department for pre-legislative scrutiny. The General Scheme of the Charities (Amendment) Bill was published on 29 April 2022. This General Scheme was subsequently submitted to the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands for Pre-Legislative scrutiny on 12 May 2022.

This Bill is to provide for a number of amendments to the Charities Act 2009. The aim of the proposed amendments is to improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, providing greater transparency, clarity and fairness in terms of the regulation of charities, leading to greater public trust and confidence in the sector. It is important that we strike the right balance between necessary regulation and proportionate governance, ensuring that a reasonable and fair approach is at its core.

Further to the publication of the Joint Committee’s Report on the Pre-Legislative scrutiny of the General Schemein November 2022, my officials are currently working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to finalise the draft Heads of Bill, which will then be presented to Government for approval.

I look forward to working with members of both Houses of the Oireachtas to enable the passage and enactment of this Bill as expeditiously as possible.