Vol. 534 No. 3
106 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Irish Red Cross sold its former refugee home in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; if his Department's sanction was sought for the sale of the premises; the amount raised by the sale of the premises; if his attention has been drawn by the Red Cross to its plans for the use of the money raised; if the Red Cross will develop its own refugee and asylum services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10684/01]
107 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Irish Red Cross Society sold its former refugee home in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; if his Department's sanction was sought for the sale of the premises; the amount raised by the sale of the premises; if his attention has been drawn by the Irish Red Cross Society to its plans for the use of the money raised; if it is intended that the Irish Red Cross Society will develop its own refugee and asylum services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10738/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
I have no function in the administration of the Irish Red Cross Society. I do not get involved in the day to day running of its affairs. The society is an autonomous body with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. I am also mindful that a fundamental principle of the International Committee of the Red Cross is that all Red Cross and Red Crescent societies enjoy freedom from political involvement worldwide. My Department, as in the past, is available to provide help and assistance to the society as and when requested.
The sale of the Naomh Aindrias home and the future use of the proceeds is a matter solely for the Irish Red Cross Society. I understand that the sale of the premises realised £850,000. The grant-in-aid which was provided for the Naomh Aindrias home has since ceased. However, £30,000 is provided out of the grant-in-aid for 2001 for the care of refugees and asylum seekers.
