I wish to raise the unfortunate issues that have arisen regarding the Central Remedial Clinic. I ask for the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, to come to this Chamber at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss with this House his intentions for putting the charities regulatory authority on a statutory footing early - I emphasis early - in 2014. The Charities Act 2009, which provides for the establishment of a charities regulatory authority, was passed almost five years ago. Had it been implemented more promptly, I doubt if public confidence would have been damaged as it has by the matter of the CRC.

While it is very unfortunate, it needs to be acknowledged that funds to voluntary organisations have dropped by 40% since this issue came into the public domain. Many of these organisations are providing vital services to people who need them. If those services are not provided by the voluntary organisations, they will need to be provided by the State. I understand the reason it has taken so long-----

The Senator is way over time.

-----for the charities regulatory authority to be established was a matter of cost.

The Senator is way over time.

That is a false economy and I would like the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, to come to the Houses to outline his current plans.