A member of the charities regulator has said the controversy around Console and other charities would not have happened if the sector was properly regulated.

It comes as investigations continue into allegations of financial irregularities at the organisation.

The suicide prevention and bereavement charity is expected to be wound up in the coming days.

The latest reports have suggested that some of Console’s funds were used to purchase a horse.

Head of Barnardos Fergus Finlay has said increased governance is needed.

“No charity in Ireland can do what they do with the support of volunteers, without fundraising, without all the things that go hand-in-hand with that,” said Finlay.

“It’s almost a matter of despair when you see yet another situation arising. That wouldn’t happen in a properly regulated sector.”