State to review charity laws over scam fears

THE Government is to review laws which regulate charities amid fears that they are open to abuse. Ireland's lax regulation of charities is unique in the European Union and there is no requirement for groups to submit accounts for public inspection.

Noel Ahern, the Minister of State with responsibility for the area, is to begin public consultations on the issue later in the year before fresh legislation is drawn up.

Charities receive generous exemptions from a range of taxes, while there is also tax relief on money donated to charity by companies. More than 200 organisations are availing of these arrangements but under our tax laws the Revenue Commissioners do not publish who these bodies are.