Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 67, 70, 87, and 96 together.

The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous body, established by the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 pursuant to the Red Cross Act 1938. The society is an independent charitable organisation with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the central council. Membership of the central council is by way of appointment by the Government or by election in accordance with the rules of the society.

In accordance with Article 9 of the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939, the chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society shall be a member of the central council and shall be nominated by the president of the society. The Red Cross Act 1944 provides that the President of Ireland shall by virtue of her office be president of the society. I am following up on the good work of my predecessor in ascertaining a suitable candidate to be proposed by Government to the President, for appointment to the post of chairman of the society. In the interim, the vice chair of the society acts in lieu of the chair.

The society has been subject to some adverse publicity in recent times but this fact does not fully reflect the true standing of the society and its international governing body in the eyes of the public. It is important for the morale of its volunteers that the society's unique position be properly recognised and that change, as appropriate, be effected.

As independence from Government is one of the fundamental principles under which the Red Cross conducts its business, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the question of an independent investigation into the governance and management of the Irish Red Cross Society. National societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their Government and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the International Red Cross movement. I am anxious to ensure that all my dealings with the society continue to be conducted in accordance with the society's basic principle of independence from Government.

The working group, which was established by the society to propose changes in governance, forwarded its findings and recommendations to the Minister for Defence in January 2010. Officials in the Department have commenced dialogue on the contents of the report with officials in the Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs, and the Irish Red Cross Society. When the consultative process is concluded, I will bring before Government any statutory changes deemed necessary.

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