Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on correspondence sent to him recently by a former senior manager at the Irish Red Cross in relation to a chapter of the recent Comptroller and Audit General report on the affairs of the Irish Red Cross; if he is satisfied as to the purpose his substantial grant in aid to the IRC is put; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28014/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the correspondence was addressed to an independent office holder, the Comptroller and Auditor General, it would not be appropriate for me to express any views on the particular issues raised in relation to his recently published 2010 Annual Report and Appropriation Account. However, at a general level, I welcome the Report's conclusions and I am satisfied that good progress in relation to governance reform of the Society is being made.

In relation to my Department's annual grant to the Society, I am satisfied that nothing has come to light to indicate that the grant has not been properly accounted for, or used for purposes other than which it is provided. However, in light of recent controversies, I recently asked the Chairman of the Society for assurances in this regard and for information about how the grant is utilised. Comprehensive and satisfactory answers were provided by the Chairman.