ABSTRACT
The impetus for this chapter is the interesting history of statutory-nonprofi t relations in Ireland. Core social, education, and health services have historically and to date been delivered by nonprofi t organizations and funded by the state. The nature of the relationships underpinning service delivery has variously been described as informal, fragmented, ad hoc, heavily dependent on personal relationships, and fl exible. Concern with the management and regulation of the relationship has long been expressed by nonprofi ts and by the various state agencies and government departments interacting with these organizations. More recently, external factors have combined with public interest in accountability and transparency of nonprofi t fundraising, and both state and nonprofi t concerns about poor regulation to drive the development of a regulatory framework for Irish charities.
