Dear Editor,
As evident from the activities of The Wheel, the country’s umbrella body for charitable groups, it is safe to say that “meaningful oversight and good governance are indisputable necessities, not mere preferences”. Drawing from our vast engagement with nearly 12,000 entities operating in this sector, we can confirm adherence to high-quality governance standards and appropriate management of service delivery. We, along with our associates, have always pushed for regulatory improvements and maintained our cooperation with the Charities Regulator for improved public belief in our joint efforts.
The recent instatement of the Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 is a development we wholeheartedly applaud. This act ameliorates the control over charities by increasing financial lucidity and explaining the duties of charity trustees further. For a robust, effective control mechanism over Irish charities, it is crucial for the government to provide ample resource support for the structure of compliance, encompassing both charitable groups and regulators. A recent review of our members’ regulatory submission exposed that only a fifth of the participants have a dedicated, full-time employee available for managing their funding, compliance, and regulation obligations. About one in six are dependent upon volunteers which is especially common for smaller units that cannot afford to employ a professional.
Upon the release of the Charities Regulator’s analysis of the Peter McVerry Trust, we publicly requested the government to examine and organise compliance and regulatory mandates; ensure the inclusion of compliance costs in funding agreements for public service delivery; advocate and support sound governance behaviour; and facilitate increased interaction and association between the sector, government departments, and state bodies.
We appeal to all relevant parties to put forth their best to ensure the successful execution of a robust, transparent, and fair regulation mechanism. Sincerely,
Colette Bennett,
Director of Advocacy and Research,
The Wheel,
Dublin 2.