Following the announcement made by disability charity Rehab last night that Chief Executive Angela Kerins is paid an annual salary of €240,000, Seán Crowe TD has said that the announcement raises serious questions about the credibility of the Rehab board and that their actions will undoubtedly damage the reputation of the charity sector in Ireland.

The Dublin South West Deputy made his comments following a meeting of the charity’s board yesterday evening.

Crowe also said it was long past the time for Rehab to publish other senior management salaries in next year’s accounts and to immediately release three independent reports commissioned by the group into benchmarking salaries with comparable organisations.

Deputy Crowe said:

“Given the controversy surrounding the charity sector in Ireland of late, it is extremely disappointing that once again their reputation has been damaged.

“The scandalous revelation of the use of charity donations to top-up CEO salaries has shattered public confidence in the sector while last night’s announcement raises serious questions about the credibility of the Rehab board who need to look again at their financial ethics and governance.

“Although I welcome the reluctant publication of Angela Kerins’ salary, I firmly believe that it is over the top and out of touch with those who volunteer or contribute time and money to the organisation and of course the most vulnerable in our society for whom the charity works.

“It is a shame that the financial affairs of Rehab are harming the wonderful work carried out by not-for-profit organisations throughout Ireland.

“Even at this late stage there is time for Rehab and other organisations in the charity sector to review their salary scales, top ups, and financial governance and begin restoring their relationship with the Irish public.”

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