Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

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 council is by way of appointment by the Government or by election in accordance with the rules of the society.

The order establishing the society sets out its primary objects and powers which include acting as a voluntary aid society in times of war or peace. The Act of 1938 permits payment to the society of funds by way of grant. The society has certain rights arising from the Geneva Convention. Under the convention, the Government is required to discharge certain obligations to the society including: ensuring the independence of the society; protecting the emblem; and allowing it access to prisoners of war. The Geneva Convention is given effect in Irish law through the Red Cross Act 1954, the Prisoners of War and Enemy Aliens Act 1956 and the Geneva Conventions Act 1962, as amended in 1998. 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 principles of the international Red Cross movement.

On 18 May 2010 I met with the vice chairman and secretary general of the society who explained to me the intended changes to the manner in which it is organised. The changes are intended to implement a better governance structure and confirm the society's independence from Government. I support its aims in this regard as set out in the report of the working group on governance. This will require substantial amendments to the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939. Officials from the Department of Defence and the society are due to meet shortly to agree the specific changes required to the 1939 order.

See this speech in context