Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

Has the Minister reached a conclusion on whether an interim chairperson should be appointed? I raise this issue because I have received further negative correspondence regarding the atmosphere within the Red Cross. It has been put to me that a variety of proposals on terms and conditions were rejected, 19 to nil, by the staff. The bad press continues unabated. A mechanism must be found to bring the matter to a conclusion, such as some form of independent arbitration. While I fully accept that the Red Cross is an autonomous body, the State provides almost €1 million per year towards its running costs. It has done and will continue to do a great deal of good, but the negative reports that are surfacing must end.

I take the point that a highly qualified person is required to act as chair. Any change made in the method of his or her appointment will take time. However, is there not a strong case for appointing an interim chairperson with the skills and experience to deal with the issues arising? I do not know who is right or wrong, but this matter must come to an end.

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