Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I have raised this issue on many occasions. I am continuing to receive a considerable number of representations. The Irish Red Cross is an important organisation and is part of our national life. It has contributed to projects overseas and at home. I understand quite a number of young people are being recruited into it. The continuing bad publicity is not helping matters. I understand the review group report on the governance of the organisation stated the society's general council would be replaced by an elected general assembly and that a chairperson would be elected by the general assembly. I do not know if a decision has been taken on that matter, in the context of the legislation which must come before the House. My concern is that there is a need for a chairperson who can do a job and grasp the issues which have to be addressed in the society. No matter how good the person is, unless the governance framework is in place this cannot happen. It seems to me that what the Minister of State outlined, namely, the number of consultations which are taking place, that this process will go on forever. That is not good enough. This matter needs to be urgently addressed.

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