101 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has for legislation to improve regulation and supervision of the charity sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19716/99]

The report of the committee on fundraising activities for charitable and other purposes and the subsequent report of the advisory group on charities-fundraising legislation had as their primary recommendation the establishment of a system of registration of charities. The Government's legislation programme, as announced by the Chief Whip on 27 September 1999, indicates that work on the details of heads to give effect to these recommendations is in progress in my Department and it is my intention to bring forward the proposals for decision by the Government as soon as possible.