On 9 July the Irish government approved plans to proceed with the establishment of an independent charities regulator. The Charities Regulatory Authority will begin operating in 2014. The Authority will be set up under the terms of the Charties Act 2009. Its remit will include:
· Increasing public trust in the administration of charities,
· Promoting compliance of charitable trustees with their duties,
· Ensuring accountability of charities to their donors, their beneficiaries and the public,
· Establishing and maintaining a register of charities,
· Carrying out investigations under the Act, and
· Providing information and advice to facilitate better management of charities.
According to Director of Advocacy Ivan Cooper at The Wheel, “This is good news for both the public and charities. When the regulator is established, members of the public will for the first time have access to comprehensive information on the activities of all of Ireland’s 8,000 charities, including how they use their funds. Charities will themselves enjoy clarity on what the requirement are in relation to governance standards, fundraising practices and reporting requirements. All in all everyone - charities, members of the public and beneficiaries - will benefit from the increased transparency and accountability that regulation of charities will provide.”
Click here to read a press release from the Department of Justice.
Click here to read a press release from The Wheel.