The relevant agencies-bodies under the aegis of the Department are the Irish Red Cross Society and Coiste an Asgard. The information sought by the Deputy in respect of each of these bodies is as follows: The Irish Red Cross society's accounts are audited by a duly qualified auditor appointed by the Central Council of the Society. The executive committee submits its report and accounts to the central council on an annual basis and the report and accounts for 1996 were submitted on 17 May 1997. The books and accounts of the society are available, if required, for examination by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The society does not have a register of members' interests. Non-members are not entitled to attend meetings of the society. However, membership is open to all citizens. Board papers or minutes are not normally available for public inspection, except for research purposes. However, they are circulated to members for information. The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous body with full power to control the administration of its affairs. It is free to publish advice relevant to the public without recourse to me.
Coiste an Asgard is a company limited by guarantee established under the Companies Acts. Annual accounts are lodged with the Companies Registration Office where they are available for inspection by the public. The accounts of An Coiste are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. An annual report is not published.
Details of other directorships held by directors of An Coiste are filed with the Companies Registration Office. In accordance with the company's articles of association, the Minister for Defence is ex-officio a director of the company and chairman of its board of directors.
Members of the public are not allowed attend meetings of the board of directors and board papers or minutes are not available for public inspection. The powers and duties of the Minister and other directors are laid down in the memorandum and articles of association of the company.
