Phil Hogan
Question:91 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence if the Red Cross will participate in any international exercises during 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9227/99]
Written Answers. - Red Cross Society.
The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous body governed by a central council.
Any decisions regarding the society's participation in exercises is a matter solely for the society.
Billy Timmins
Question:92 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the expenditure allocated to the Red Cross for each of the years 1997 and 1998; the amount availed of in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9231/99]
In each of the years 1997 and 1998 a grant-in-aid of £535,000 was allocated to the Irish Red Cross Society of which a payment of £100,000 per year was made to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva. The full provision was availed of in both years.