SerpApi.Org
Concerns raised about charities in Ireland increased by 38% last year, with governance issues accounting for more than four in ten complaints, according to the Charities Regulator’s latest annual report.
A total of 681 concerns were raised in 2025, up from 493 the previous year.
The regulator said many related to governance problems, including allegations of domineering chief executives or founders, inadequate oversight by trustees and failures to properly disclose financial information.
The report also reveals that 20 charities were removed from the Register of Charities after failing to submit their annual reports in 2025, while two charities were prosecuted for the same offence.
More than 11,500 charities were registered in Ireland by the end of last year.
Chief Executive of the Charities Regulator, Madeleine Delaney, said anyone considering setting up a charity should fully understand the responsibilities involved.
‘It’s open to anybody to set up an organisation to apply to enter on the Register of Charities, but you do have to meet the legal definition of a charity, and with it comes a lot of obligations,’ she said.
‘We encourage people to think very carefully before they set up a charity.’
The regulator said the increase in concerns highlights the importance of strong governance, transparency and effective oversight to maintain public confidence in Ireland’s charitable sector.
