Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will consider encouraging the Irish Red Cross to adequately address the issue of current long-serving members still serving on the council and executive committee of the IRC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24570/11]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 427: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the fact that the vice-chairman of the Irish Red Cross is now serving for the 21st year in that position, as well as on the organisation's central council and executive committee, in breach of accepted good corporate governance principles and practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24573/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 424 and 427 together.

On 16 May 2011 I wrote to the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society regarding corporate governance, with particular reference to turnover and rotation at leadership levels in the Society. I did so as I am of the opinion that it is not conducive to good corporate governance that any individual should serve indefinitely on the Central Council or the Executive Committee, or in the same appointment.

The Chairman, in his response, advised me that the issue of turnover and rotation at leadership levels was raised by him at a subsequent Central Council meeting and that agreement was reached on a mandatory three-year break, or one full-term break, for Executive Committee members in circumstances where a member may have previously served for two full terms.

I subsequently met with the Chairman and the Secretary General of the Society. The matters raised in my letter of last May were discussed and the progress that the Society has made in relation to governance reform was outlined. I offered my support to the Chairman and the Secretary General in their efforts and I anticipate that further progress in this regard will be made in the coming months.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has met the chairman of the Irish Red Cross; the outcome of such discussions; the substance and nature of correspondence between himself and the chairman of the IRC regarding corporate governance issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24571/11]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Irish Red Cross has made a more comprehensive reform of its corporate governance arrangements following his letter to the chairman of the IRC of 16 May 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24572/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 426 together.

On 16 May 2011 I wrote to the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society regarding corporate governance, emphasising my views on turnover and rotation at leadership levels in the Society. The Chairman, in his response, advised me that the issue of turnover and rotation at leadership levels was raised by him at a subsequent Central Council meeting and that agreement was reached on a mandatory three-year break, or one full-term break, for Executive Committee members in circumstances where a member may have previously served for two full terms.

The Chairman also outlined a number of other changes and initiatives that have been taken. I subsequently met with the Chairman and the Secretary General of the Society. The matters raised in my letter of last May were discussed and the progress that the Society has made in relation to governance reform was outlined. Overall, it was a very positive meeting; I offered my support to the Chairman and the Secretary General in their efforts and I anticipate that further progress in this regard will be made in the coming months.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 428: To ask the Minister for Defence when he expects to nominate a replacement nominee to the central council of the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24574/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is my intention to fill this vacancy before the next Central Council meeting which I understand is scheduled to take place in November.