Call to limit charities’ spend on salaries from donations

Tough limits on how much charities can carve off from public donations for salaries and running costs have been demanded by TDs alarmed about a lack of openness in proposed regulations.

Following a drop in support for some charitable organisations after the controversy that engulfed the CRC, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has admitted that there are no controls over what percentage of donations must go to frontline help.

TDs fear legislation seeking to regulate the charities sector is too vague and leaves organisations able to divert massive amounts to running costs if they so choose.