The €1.64m paid by a leading special needs charity to 14 senior managers, without the knowledge of the HSE, were outstanding pension liabilities and other contractual obligations.

Six of Ireland’s most vital charities have urged the Government to put restoration of essential social services ahead of any plans to cut taxes in the upcoming budget.

Some charities have seen donations drop by up to 20%, following negative publicity around Rehab and the CRC.

Half of charities fear public trust in their work has been permanently damaged by the top-ups and pay-offs scandal at the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC).

One in three charities has seen its budget slashed by up to 25% in the past three years — with a growing percentage having to cut services to keep their doors open.

WITH about 250,000 households needing to take action before next October if they want to keep a TV signal, several rural organisations are getting involved in providing information and knowledge to assist with the switchover.

KNOW Your Neighbour Weekend was a great success, with more than 200 opportunities organised for neighbours to get to know each other.