Regulation

In 2002, governmental responsibility for charities was taken over by The Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (CRAGA), and since that time, the sector has undergone a period of radical development and change.

December 2003 saw the launch of the consultation paper ‘Establishing a modern statutory framework for charities’, and, following a consultation process, the General Scheme for the Charities Regulation Bill 2006 has now been drafted into a parliamentary scheme, which is expected to be published by the end of the year.

When the new Charities Bill is introduced, charities will have to:

• Obtain permits for fundraising
• Give details of fundraising activity and expenditure in annual accounts
• Follow agreed Codes of Practice

Minister Noel Ahern was keen to emphasise the benefits that the development of such Codes will have for the charities sector as well as the public in general.

"This project will build public confidence in the charities sector in Ireland by enhancing the accountability, transparency and governance of charitable fund-raising. It will also protect those individuals and organisations involved in legitimate charitable fund-raising activity," he said.

The ICTRG has always supported the introduction of regulation and best practice, and we have taken an active role in shaping new legislation to accommodate the needs of Irish charities. We will continue to monitor developments throughout the legislative process, and keep our members informed of changes that may affect them.

In addition, ICTRG will help charities to prepare for the new regulations and support them during the implementation phase.

For more information on the regulation of fundraising and the introduction of the proposed Codes of Practice, visit our sister organisation, ICTR Ltd.