Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
491. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the expected total amount of the grant in aid to the Irish Red Cross in 2013; if there will be a cut on this year's amount or if it will be at the same level as last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51364/12]
View answer492. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of the grant in aid to the Irish Red Cross in 2012; if he has received a report from the Irish Red Cross on the way this grant was utilised; if he will outline the way this grant was utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51365/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.
The total grant-in-aid paid by my Department to the Irish Red Cross Society for 2012 amounts to €869,000. This consists of a grant of €739,000 towards the salary and administration costs of running the headquarters of the Irish Society and the Government’s annual contribution of €130,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
A report on how the grant will be utilised in 2012 was provided by the Society earlier this year and a further report will be provided early next year showing the 2012 outturns. I am satisfied that the grant will be properly accounted for and is being used for the purposes for which it is granted.
With regard to the total amount of grant-in-aid to be paid next year, the position is that this matter is being considered at present as part of the Estimates process in my Department.
