I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 39 together.
On 22 February I visited the headquarters of the Irish Red Cross Society and I was pleased to meet the executive committee, staff members and the central council. I expressed my appreciation and that of the Government for the work of the members over many years and for their ongoing humanitarian activities. I also confirmed the confidence the Government has in the Irish Red Cross Society in dealing with tragedies and emergencies, which was clearly demonstrated with the recent flood relief scheme, when the society distributed humanitarian aid at home to the flood victims with kindness and sensitivity, while ensuring the whole process ran smoothly and speedily to its conclusion. I also thanked the Irish Red Cross Society for its recent contribution in relation to the disasters in El Salvador and India and also for the tireless work undertaken to get essential aid to those suffering from the effects of war and natural disasters in Ethiopia and Mozambique.
I welcome the completion of the strategic review of the society which was recently ratified by the central council and I look forward to receiving a copy in the near future.