The Charities Regulator and the Department of Foreign Affairs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on  Ireland’s official overseas-development-assistance (ODA) programme.

The MoU will provide a framework for areas where the two organisation have duties and functions that overlap, and will promote information assessment and sharing, and consistent decision-making.

ODA supports Irish-registered charities to deliver development and humanitarian aid. The department also provides grants – including to Irish-registered charities – through the Emigrant Support Programme and the Reconciliation Fund.

The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in appropriate cases, and will contribute to the effective regulation of Irish-registered charities.

Robust environment

Chief executive Helen Martin stated: “We are committed to building a robust, proportionate regulatory environment, enabling a vibrant, trusted charity sector that is valued for the public benefit it provides.

“We recognise the important role that administrative cooperation with other state agencies and Government departments – including the Department of Foreign Affairs – can play in helping us to achieve this.”

Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, said that his department had a strong commitment to ensuring accountability for public funding to further enhance public trust in the Irish charity sector.