The Tanaiste says she's deeply concerned by recent revelations about Console and other charities.

Frances Fitzgerald was speaking in the Dail during a debate about tighter regulation of the sector - put forward by the Social Democrats.

New rules will impose greater control on charities from next week, including a clampdown on mass cards.

While, new investigation and enforcement powers for the Charities Regulator will come into force from the start of September.

The board of Console is also meeting today to discuss outstanding pay for staff at the charity.

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said that although the regulator doesn't have a criminal remit, it will work with other state bodies to ensure that justice is done: