Minister Shatter to Establish Charities Regulatory Authority by Easter this year

Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, will issue a call next week for Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board of a new Charities Regulatory Authority, with a view to making appointments before Easter to allow the Authority to come into operation at that time. Arrangements are also being made to fill of the post of CEO of the new Authority on an interim basis by the end of February.

Minister Shatter said “The recent revelations about certain organisations in the charitable sector have understandably damaged public trust and confidence. The commencement of the key measures in the Charities Act will provide the increased transparency and accountability that will allow this trust to be rebuilt. I am pleased to be able to confirm that this will go ahead, with appointments to the Board of the new Authority to be made before Easter. In the meantime, I have recently received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to appoint an interim CEO and a number of other staff from within existing resources. I intend to have these staff in place by the end of February, with appointments to the Board before Easter.”

An early priority for the new Authority will be the creation and publication of a statutory register of charities. All registered charities will be required to provide reports to the Authority each year on their activities and these reports will be made available to the public. This will provide a much needed increase in transparency and accountability in the charitable sector, and will support the good practice in charity governance and management that is critical to a vibrant charity sector that commands the trust and confidence of donors and beneficiaries alike.