A new charity organisation has been launched this morning which aims to restore public trust in the sector.

Several organisations have faced a significant drop in donations following a number of scandals in recent months.

‘Charities Institute Ireland’ represents more than 180 of the country’s top charities including the Irish Cancer Society, Society of St Vincent de Paul and Concern Worldwide.

It’s CEO Lucy Masterson has said accountability is key: “This is actually about creating an environment where the public have a trust and confidence in the causes and charities that they support with their €20 every month.

“That they know that the money that they are giving is going to the cause that they have a deep connection with.”