THE APPOINTMENT OF the CEO to the new Charities Regulatory Authority has been welcomed by ICTR, the representative body for Irish charities.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter announced Úna Ní Dhubhghaill as the first Chief Executive Designate stating that it was an “important step in progressing this reform”.

Ní Dhubhghaill currently serving as a Principal Officer in the Department of Justice and Equality.

Charities Regulatory Authority

Speaking at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis today he said: “We can now move forward with establishing the Office of the Authority and putting its Board in place so that it can begin operation later in the year in line with the commitment made by the Government.”

ICTR Director, Sheila Nordon, said the appointment represents a further important step in the implementation of the Charities Act.

She added that the announcement of the appointment was a key “milestone” stating:

The new CEO Designate, Una Ní Dhubhghaill, has already displayed a detailed understanding of the issues around regulation, in her position as Principal Officer in the Charities Regulation Unit of the Department of Justice and Equality.

ICTR looks forward to continuing to work with the Minister and the new CEO Designate to ensure continued progress on roll-out of regulation.

Shatter said today that the importance of high standards of probity within charities “cannot be overstated” adding:

These are, many of them, large organisations, with a substantial financial turnover.

Many of them receive significant levels of government funding, in addition to funds raised through the generosity of the Irish public.

They have a duty to use these funds efficiently and ethically in pursuit of their charitable purpose.

He added that those who “provide the funds have a right to know that they are being used for the purpose intended by the giver – be that Government, philanthropic organisation, corporation, or private individual”.

Charity

Shatter added:

Certain disclosures of recent weeks and months have raised concerns regarding certain charitable organisations.

We are all concerned at the impact these disclosures are having on Ireland’s charities, many of which are excellently run and have nothing to fear from increased transparency and accountability.

He said that “trust and confidence” in the charity sector must be restored and said the Charities Act gives the framework needed to increase transparency and accountability across the charities sector.

Nordon agreed with the minister stating that the establishment of a new Charities Regulatory Authority will speed up progress on the detailed implementation of regulation “which is essential to help restore full public confidence in charities and assist their invaluable and essential contribution to society,” she said.

She added: “In the meantime it is important that all charities, through their Executives and Boards, display willing transparency, based on the existing voluntary Fundraising Principles and Governance Codes.”

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