THE WHEEL ANNUAL REVIEW 2008

6 REPRESENTATION
6.2 THE CHARITIES ACT
The Wheel has taken a leadership role to ensure that the Charities Act is as supportive as possible
for organisations in the sector, and to help organisations to prepare themselves for the
implementation of the Charities Act. From the publication of the Heads of Bill in 2006, through
to the publication of the Bill in 2007 and during the Bill’s journey through the houses of the
Oireachtas throughout 2008, we worked hard to ensure that the sector’s concerns were reflected
in shaping the Bill. We prepared briefing papers, attending meetings with senior government
officials, conducted seminars and published documents to help charities prepare for regulation.
If you would like to keep abreast of The Wheel’s work in relation to the Charities Act, then you can
join our Network of Interest in Charities Regulation by emailing ivan@wheel.ie.
6.3 TRAINING GRANT SCHEME
The Wheel succeeded in its advocacy work to ensure a replacement Training Grant Scheme from
the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs - the original being the ‘White Paper
Training and Support Services’ scheme. We were successful in persuading the Department to allow
organisations who deliver training and supports to apply for grant support. The Wheel will continue
to work as hard as we can to minimise the negative effects of the current economic situation on
this and all other government funded support-programmes for the sector.
6.4 GETTING INVOLVED
If you would like to become involved in The Wheel's work to deliver a supportive development
policy for the Sector, just contact our Director of Advocacy by emailing ivan@wheel.ie. The Wheel
holds regular policy meetings (not just in Dublin - but in the regions too!) and we actively
encourage members to participate in delivering a supportive environment for voluntary activity.
For detailed and up-to-the-minute information on all of our activities in the policy and advocacy
areas, visit www.wheel.ie/policyandadvocacy.
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