Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1760: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will support a matter (details supplied). [32078/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent statute-based charitable organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. The Minister for Defence has no function in the administration of the society and does not get involved in the daily running of its affairs. As a state party to the Geneva Conventions, Ireland is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. National societies carry out their humanitarian activities in conformity with their own statutes and national legislation. They must always maintain their autonomy so they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the International Red Cross Movement. The principles under which the society achieves its objectives are humanity, universality, unity, impartiality, independence, neutrality and voluntary service. The society has certain rights arising from the Geneva Conventions. The Government is required to discharge certain obligations to the society; for example, to ensure its independence. The Geneva Conventions have been given effect in Irish law. The society, while being a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, is legally separate and independent from the federation. The federation acts as a resource, rather than a monitoring body, to the society. It does not have a policing role. The structure of the society is governed by legislation. It is my intention that much-needed reform in this area should be progressed without undue delay. I am confident that the recent appointment by the President of Mr. David J. O'Callaghan as chairman of the central council will help expedite matters in this regard. The Irish Red Cross Society receives partial funding by way of an annual grant-in-aid from the Defence Vote. It is important that Exchequer funds and funds received by way of public donation be properly accounted for. I understand that the society is reviewing its processes in this regard. The society has been the subject of intense media coverage recently. Some of the coverage relates to internal matters that are the subject of ongoing internal disciplinary and legal proceedings. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on such matters.