Government should adopt mean approach to charity culture

PEOPLE are becoming increasingly suspicious of the charity ‘industry’.

There seems to be no end to the number of so-called good causes appearing on our streets with rattling tin cans. There are concerns also about the salaries paid to staff by some of the more established charities and whether most of the money is going to the right places or is being spent on administration.

The explosion of the charity culture in Ireland seems out of control. Some charities duplicate each other, raising doubts over accountability and legitimacy.

All charities should be subjected to a code of practice enshrined in law and not remain self-regulated as they see fit. All of them should be registered officially and the law should make a clear definition of what is a charity as distinct from a profit-making organisation out for its own ends.

All charities should be required to submit a detailed report to the revenue commissioners on income and expenditure for the year and the work they’ve undertaken.

In the absence of such requirements, a charity should have its permit revoked and its name published in the press.

Charities that have ceased operation should make a public announcement to that effect. There should be stiff penalties against bogus charities set up by businesses as a shield against the revenue commissioners. Collection practices should be covered by legislation to prevent intimidation, emotional blackmail or nuisance. Fundraising in schools should be banned unless it specifically relates to an educational initiative run by the school on behalf of the pupils. All tickets and receipts should carry the charity’s name, registered address and number, as well as contact information on all coupons, tickets, stubs, etc.

No collections should be allowed in city centre locations where an office of the charity in question is located. Teenagers should not be allowed to collect for any charity without parental consent and for a limited time only. Financial accountability for charities should be in the hands of the financial regulator. The Government needs to draft regulations urgently for the charity sector to outlaw dubious practices and protect the public.

Charities in Ireland change very little and nothing is changed at a fundamental level. People pay tax at very high rates and the need for charity should be limited and not endemic as it is now in Irish society. Undoubtedly, there are some charities that work well and people benefit from them. They would have nothing to fear from tighter controls and would be happy to see rogue operators weeded out.

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Ringaskiddy

Co Cork