McCarthy - Charity Commission will clamp down on fraudsters

10.24.06am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 17th Jul 2006

Alliance Strangford Assembly Member, Kieran McCarthy

Alliance Party Chief Whip, Kieran McCarthy, welcomes the announcement of the creation of a Charities Commission in Northern Ireland, as it will curb fraudulent charity collectors. Social Development Minister, David Hanson, will today announce the creation of the Charities Commission.

The Strangford Assembly Member said: "The Alliance Party has long campaigned for the introducing of a Charities Commission, which would include a register of charities in Northern Ireland.

"This initiative will help stop charity scams and will hinder people from fraudulently collecting money. The proposed register of charities will help to stop paramilitary groups from fundraising.

"The establishment of a Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is one of the key policy objectives of the Alliance Party, so today's announcement by David Hanson is great news.

"Alliance has worked hard for a long time to try and have such an organisation established. It's a pity we have had to wait so long to hear this announcement, but its better late than never.

"Northern Ireland has many great charities that complete very important work throughout our society. Today's announcements will protect these good charities and will help stop any disreputable organisations from raising money."

ENDS