Details of enacted legislation, namely the Official Languages Act and the Charities Amendment Act, where sections have not been commenced, regulations have not been made and guidelines have not been published, are set out in the table below. I would also note that, as the Deputy may be aware, detailed information on the status of these Acts is available at: www.irishstatutebook.ie
The Official Languages Act 2003 and the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 introduced a number of significant advancements to augment and enhance the position of the Irish language in public services. While the Act stands fully commenced, secondary legislation remains outstanding. Remaining enactments are due to be given effect during 2026. Ministerial guidelines regarding Sections 9A – 9D of the Act will also be published in 2026.
The Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 revised and updated previously existing charity legislation and, when fully commenced, will improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, providing greater transparency, clarity and fairness in terms of the regulation of charities, leading to greater public trust and confidence in the sector.
A number of sections of this Act were commenced in January 2025, and officials from my Department are currently working with the Charities Regulator and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to prepare for further commencements in the near future. A number of sections of the Act require significant work on the part of the Charities Regulator to ensure both the Charities Regulator and the charitable sector are prepared before they can be commenced. The Charities Regulator is also developing guidance in line with the commencement of the new provisions to ensure charities have the information they need to assess the potential implications for their organisations.
The Charities Act 2009 is fully commenced with the exception of sections 89 and 93-98. Section 89 was repealed and replaced by section 6A of the Charities (Amendment) Act 2024. The remaining sections in question provide amendments to the Street and House to House Collections Act 1962 which is under the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. In 2017, the Charities Regulator published 'Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public' to address issues around fundraising for charities, their trustees and the public.
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Relevant Legislation
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Section (s) that have not been commenced
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Regulations that have not been made
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Guidelines that have not been published
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Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021
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Section 9A - Regulations regarding the correct use of Irish language names, titles and addresses by public bodies.
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Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021
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Section 9B - Regulations regarding the use of Irish language on official forms.
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Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021
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Section 9A – 9D: Guidelines regarding the correct use of Irish language names, titles and addresses by public bodies, the use of Irish language on official forms, the duties of public bodies regarding logos, and the names and logos of newly established statutory bodies.
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Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021
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Section 19 - Regulations to enact Language Standards to replace the existing Language schemes arising from Section 19 of the Official Languages Act, 2003
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Section 19D - Guidelines regarding compliance with the Language Standards which are to replace the existing Language schemes.
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Official Languages Act 2003
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First Schedule to the 2003 Act – An amendment to the list of public bodies prescribed under the First Schedule. The latest update took place in 2020.
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Charities (Amendment) Act 2024
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4, 7-19, 21-30, 32, 34, 35, 38
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Section 17 - The Minister may prescribe the form and content of financial statements to be prepared by charitable organisations
Section 34 - The Minister may prescribe the circumstances in which some charitable organisations may make an appointment of a trustee.
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Charities Act 2009
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89, 93-98
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