Charities are snowed under with increasing reporting requirements and many risk bucking under the pressure, a conference has heard.

Charities are welcoming the creation of the new Department of Community and Rural Affairs as a breakthrough for the sector.

The demand on charities is increasing despite economic recovery, according to data which reveals the extent of the problem. Out of the 262 charities surveyed by The Wheel, Ireland’s representative and support organisation for charities, 72% reported an increased demand for services.

Almost two-thirds of Irish charities claim their fundraising has been affected by the negative publicity surrounding Rehab and the CRC.

The Rehab Group is set to cave in to intense political and public pressure and will reveal the complete remuneration package of its CEO, Angela Kerins, following the planned board meeting in four weeks’ time.

The Government’s decision to appoint an interim charities regulator by the end of next month was last night hailed as a “breakthrough” by a group representing over 900 charitable organisations in Ireland.

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).

Almost one third of charities have had to either suspend or cut back on services in the past six months because of funding cuts and a drop in public donations.

COMMUNITY groups have launched an awareness programme to ensure thousands of TV viewers don’t lose access to their favourite programmes as a result of the scheduled switchover to digital TV in October.

THE future of more than one-third of Irish charities and community groups is under threat due to falling income levels, a survey has found.

More than 30% of charities and community groups in Ireland say they are facing closure, or are unsure about their future survival.

A NATIONAL campaign has been launched to help community and voluntary groups connect with the public through “digital storytelling” on the internet.

NO further funding will be given to a group representing survivors of institutional abuse until its membership proves they can manage public money appropriately, the Health Service Executive has warned.

ON Thursday representatives of states from around the world will gather to sign an agreement aimed at strengthening the protection of economic, social and cultural rights for individuals.

More than a fifth of charities have been forced to lay off staff in the last six months, it emerged today.

Charities have seen a significant fall in revenues during the first six months of this year, according to a new survey.

A body representing community and voluntary organisations in Ireland is seeking increased Government funding to help such groups hold onto their staff.