The Charities Regulator has removed four charities from its register for failing to file an annual report, despite being required by law to do so.

The regulator has also initiated prosecution actions against a further eight charities that have failed to file at least one annual report with the regulator.

Obligations

These organisations are among over 1,700 charities contacted by the Charities Regulator in a targeted compliance programme to improve compliance with annual reporting obligations. 

Every registered charity in Ireland is legally required to file an annual report with the Charities Regulator within ten months of their financial year-end.

Failure to file on time is an offence under the Charities Act 2009 for both the charity and its charity trustees. The regulator initiated the programme last year, targeting non-filers and late filers.

Director of Compliance and Enforcement Thomas Mulholland commented: “This is about the requirement for registered charities to be transparent and accountable to the public on whom they rely for support. It is also about fairness in relation to all of the charities that file their annual reports on time every year, especially smaller charities who face considerable competition for much-needed donations.”