The public must not allow the financial crisis at suicide prevention charity Console to “tar all Irish charities with the one brush”, Dublin’s new lord mayor has warned writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.
Labour councillor Brendan Carr, who was elected last month, said he would be “extremely concerned” if the “reputational scandals” affecting the high-profile charity led to donations being slashed for other transparent organisations.
Responding to the latest controversies to emerge in Console, the capital’s first citizen said many well-meaning charities would simply not survive without the voluntary help of the public.
And, urging this support to continue despite a second major crisis in the sector in just three years, he said it is vital people realise the vast majority of charities can fully account for where and how they spend donated money.
“I am extremely concerned at the very serious situation many charities currently find themselves in, given the recent reputational scandals that have adversely impacted the entire sector.
“As first citize of Dublin, I am calling on the goodwill of Irish people to continue to support the charity and voluntary sector, who for so long have done so much invaluable work acting as a linchpin for a multitude of deserving causes,” the lord mayor said.
“There are thousands of charities registered in Ireland, each involved in supplementing the work of the health sector, working in social justice advocacy, education, homelessness, disability, sport, culture, youth, overseas aid, the arts and environment.
“They are largely funded through donations from a very generous and civic-minded Irish public who are renowned for being the most generous in Europe.
“There is no doubt that while serious questions need to be answered about the governance structures in some charities, it is important to note the majority of their grass-roots are driven by honesty and integrity.
“It would be a real shame if we tar all Irish charities with the one brush because of a self-serving minority at the top that have detached themselves from the tireless work being done by their employees and numerous volunteers,” he said.
