The Charities Regulatory Authority (Charities Regulator) has appointed inspectors to carry out an investigation into the affairs of the NCBI charity group including:

• NCBI (National Council for The Blind) Group (Registered Charity Number 20083328)
• NCBI Retail CLG (other registered name Vision Ireland Retail) (Registered Charity Number 20081997)
• NCBI Services CLG (Registered Charity Number 20006075)
• NCBI Charitable Foundation CLG (Registered Charity Number 20037628)
• Vision Sports Ireland CLG (Registered Charity Number 20028114)

It is important to note that the opening of a statutory investigation is not in itself a finding of any wrongdoing.

The investigation follows on from concerns raised with the Charities Regulator in March 2024 and engagement with the charity since then in relation to governance and finance-related matters.

The inspectors will prepare a report on their investigation and findings for the Charities Regulator.

The Charities Regulator will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.