Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Obviously there have been ongoing problems with the Irish Red Cross Society for a number of years and it is important that the Minister addresses the matter. Whereas he wants to keep at arms length from the organisation, the laws passed by this House give him the authority to get involved. This issue has been festering. I met the acting secretary general and the chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society some time ago. Like Deputy O'Shea I have been receiving letters from members of the Irish Red Cross Society. A recent blog on Saturday, 17 April again reflected that rumours of serious industrial relations unrest at the society intensify. Matters seem to be getting worse and not better in the Irish Red Cross Society. While I am not taking any sides, those issues need to be addressed because the Red Cross is a very important and closely knit organisation. The wrong message is going out to people throughout the world as regards what is happening in Ireland. When we see people with the reputation of Mr. David Andrews and the highly regarded civil servant Mr. John Roycroft resign before their time, this obviously raises questions.

That blog laid out a challenge to the Minister, in regard to whose role it states:

If, however, the Minister does not indicate in the near future his intentions, it can only be assumed that he plans to follow the example of his predecessor and put his head firmly and deeply in the sand. The former Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, not only refused to do anything to address the problems in an organisation his Department contributes nearly €1 million to annually, he actually exacerbated them by reappointing members to the Red Cross board who were there for years beforehand.

This is to lay down a challenge to the Minister. Given that he is contributing €1 million from his budget and by statute he is entitled to become involved in the governance of the Irish Red Cross, he should act.

Enough money has been spent on consultancy fees in examining the Irish Red Cross. We know there is a problem. What is needed as soon as possible is new legislation and the setting up of a new structure for the governance of the Irish Red Cross, as well as the definition of the composition of the Government body and the central executive, which is too big and unwieldy at present.

Will the Minister give a commitment that it is his intention to bring legislation before the House? We will give him every possible help with it in order to reform the Irish Red Cross and ensure that the current problems are addressed. When does the Minister intend to appoint a new chairman, which is important? I know the Minister will act prudently in the appointment of that person and will appoint somebody with an international reputation with vast experience not only in this country in the context of providing Irish Red Cross services, but also internationally. Such people are available.

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