The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) has investigated 36 charities since its investigatory powers began in February, it has revealed.

A spokeswoman told civilsociety.co.uk that the types of aberrations under scrutiny were “a real mixed bag”.

“Most of them aren’t statutory investigations, so we wouldn’t expect to use the severest powers.

"They are often things like not having AGMs, or accounting matters such as the accounts not being filed on time, or not being done professionally enough."

However, she added: “There are a few on the horizon that are pretty serious; some reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.”