Neighbouring perspectives: legal and practical implications of charity regulatory reform in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Abstract

A close study of the charity law reform proposals for Ireland and Northern Ireland reveals common concerns relating to charity governance and regulation that are shared with Scotland, England and Wales. Ireland and Northern Ireland share similar policy objectives in terms of charity regulation: to strengthen the charity sector and prevent fraud. Provision of a charity register, greater transparency regarding the decisionmaking process for charitable status, a visible regulator for a sector that engages so often with the public through fundraising appeals and the reputation and continued success of which is based on trust and public confidence, these are all positive steps.