Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West, Seán Crowe, has responded to the recent controversy over the use of ‘top ups’ and charitable donations to line the pockets of highly paid individuals.
He said that the controversy would inevitably undermine the fundraising efforts of a whole wide range of deserving groups in Irish society. He also said that it was a scandal that this is happening during a period when services are being cut to the bone.
Deputy Seán Crowe said:
“It is obscene that money donated by considerate members of the public is being used to lining the pockets of already over paid senior executives.
“We know that 95% of Irish charities do magnificent work at home and abroad, often filling the large gaps left by neglect, and policies of omission, by the state and its organisations.
“The revelation that a Senior Executive in the Central Remedial Clinic was receiving a top up on his basic salary of €116,000 by as much €136,000 is mind boggling.
“As result of this case, and other disturbing stories emerging, a serious trust deficit has developed between the Irish people and many of these organisations.
“The big fear is that this will result in a lack of confidence concerning the use of charitable donations and this could have a direct effect on the fundraising of a wide range of charity groups.
“As Christmas approaches, charities continue to need our help and financial support to fill the gap in vital services.
“It is vitally important that there is strong regulation in place to stop this type of activity happening.
“The Government must begin to respond to the growing mistrust around charities and Senior Executives.
“I am calling on the Government to introduce and craft the necessary regulatory legislation as they had previously promised.
“Overnight this would help reassure a sceptical public and reinforce confidence in the vast majority of charities that rely on volunteers and senior executives, and which only receive only a fraction of the money being reported about in the media in these scandals.”
ENDS