New legislation to tighten controls on charities

Charities are being warned they face a regulatory time bomb from the new Charities Bill.

The new legislation aimed at tightening controls on the charity sector is expected to pass all stages in the Seanad in the coming weeks.

Insurance expert Mark Phelan said it is a positive move which will reinforce the good reputation of Irish charities.

However, he said the new bill will place more responsibility on an organisation's trustees and directors, particularly in relation to insurance.

"There will be lots more risk assessment required by them.

"They will need to consider the risk for the volunteers working for these organisations and put insurance covers to protect the trustees and directors," he said.