A report on the reform of charity legislation is under consideration by the Minister of State for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs.

Mr Noel Ahern told the Dáil that he intended to start a public consultation process about reform of charity legislation. He was committed to "consulting as widely as possible" to ensure the production of proper legislation.

Charities "have changed hugely but existing legislation is antiquated", he said.

The report reviewing the laws relating to charities was completed by consultants and would be published by next summer.

"It is complex and we need time to examine it and work with interested groups," he said.

He proposed to prepare a "consultation documentation" for public discussion on charities, to create legislation that was "comprehensive and appropriate".

Mr Dan Boyle (Green, Cork South-Central) said people had great anxiety about charities and were uncertain that the funds from bequests and ongoing donations were going to bona fide charities and used for their intended purpose.

Mr Seymour Crawford (FG, Cavan-Monaghan) believed some charities were set up in Ireland "solely because there is no control and this creates a chance for ripping people off".

The Minister said there was anxiety about the lack of control in charity funding. "Life has moved on and the area needs proper legislation."