Charity organisation Goal to shut US offices

Goal is to shut down it offices in the United States.

The Irish charity is facing allegations of bribery on the Syrian border - yesterday it emerged its CEO Barry Andrews is stepping down.

The Irish Times reports that the aid agency told staff in the US of its decision this week - as the fallout from the investigation continues.

Ivan Cooper, from charity group 'The Wheel' says that bad publicity in the sector has affected over a third of charities here: "We conducted a survey of charities in September and 35% of our members say the recent controversys have had a negative effect on their organisation with 65% of those reporting a negative effect on their donations.

"Many say it is too early to say at this stage the impact, but a fifth say it could be up to 10% and another fifth say up to 20% so there is concern over donations."