Jack Wall
Question:93 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence when the strategic review of the Irish Red Cross Society will be completed; if he has asked for a copy of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4177/01]
Written Answers. - Irish Red Cross Society.
I am informed that the draft strategic review will be discussed by members of the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society at their meeting on the 22 February. When the final strategic review is completed I look forward to receiving a copy from the society to enable my Department to respond to any legislative changes which may be required.
Jack Wall
Question:94 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to visit the headquarters of the Irish Red Cross Society to meet the staff and management of the society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4178/01]
I propose to visit the headquarters of the Irish Red Cross Society on next Thursday, 22 February, at the invitation of the chairman. I expect to meet with the executive committee, staff representatives and members of the central council during the visit.
Jack Wall
Question:95 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence his plans to have the Irish Red Cross Society included in the list of public bodies covered by the Freedom of Information Act, 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4179/01]
The Irish Red Cross Society, while performing an important statutory function in the dissemination of information on humanitarian law, the Geneva Convention and its additional protocols, to which Ireland is a signatory, is an autonomous body, run by the central council through its executive committee. The society receives an annual grant-in-aid from my Department amounting to £509,000 for 2001. The grant-in-aid is in respect of staff salaries and related costs and for refugee support services.
The annual audited accounts of the society are available for inspection by the Comptroller and Auditor General and any queries raised are answered by the society. It is considered that in view of the unique position held by the society it should remain outside the remit of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997.