Chapter 492

In short

This law, called the Voluntary Organisations Act, regulates voluntary organizations and how they are managed. It defines what a voluntary organization is and sets rules for their operation.

What it regulates

• The administration and control of voluntary organizations.
• The definition of various types of purposes for organizations, such as charitable, social, and political.
• Financial reporting standards for voluntary organizations based on their revenue.
• The meaning of "voluntary" in the context of an organization.

Who it concerns

• Voluntary organizations and their administrators.
• Individuals or entities involved in promoting, establishing, or controlling such organizations.

Key points

• An "administrator" is any person controlling, supervising, or administering an organization, including governors, directors, or trustees, but generally excludes managers or executives paid under a contract, unless they also act as administrators.
• "Charitable purpose" means a social purpose.
• "Social purpose" includes advancing education, religion, health, community, culture, environment, human rights, and supporting other public benefit organizations, but excludes political purposes.
• Organizations with revenue under €50,000 are subject to Category 1 enrolment regulations; those between €50,000 and €250,000 are subject to GAPSME; and those over €250,000 require a full audit and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• For an organization to be considered "voluntary," it must have at least two of the following: administrators who are not remunerated for their administrative services, support from voluntary grants or services, or open membership with the right to leave freely (for associations).