Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012
183. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of engagement between his Department and the Irish Red Cross; if he is satisfied that problems related to the internal governance and financial management of the Irish Red Cross have been satisfactorily resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52529/12]
View answer184. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding given by his Department to the Irish Red Cross for each of the past two years 2011 and 2012; the purpose of such funding; if he is satisfied that the Irish Red Cross has a fully professional overseas relief and development department within its headquarters; the number of staff employed in this Department; the current number of Irish Red Cross delegates serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52530/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
My Department is aware that the Irish Red Cross has recently undertaken a comprehensive reform of its internal governance structures. However, as the Deputy will know, issues related to the internal governance of the Irish Red Cross fall under the mandate of my colleague, the Minister for Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D. The engagement of my Department, through the Irish Aid programme, with the Irish Red Cross is focused upon the work of the International Department of that organisation.
Funding provided to the Irish Red Cross is channelled exclusively through the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) under a Partnership Agreement signed between Irish Aid and the IFRC, initially in 2010 and renewed again in 2012. Under this agreement, the IFRC allocated a total of €800,000 to the Irish Red Cross for its overseas operations in 2010 and 2011. Of this sum, €700,000 was provided in support of an ongoing livelihoods, food security and capacity building programme in Niger, whilst €100,000 was allocated to health and education programmes in Malawi.
In 2012, as part of the wider Partnership Agreement with the IFRC, the Irish Red Cross received €400,000 for its activities in Niger, one of the poorest and most vulnerable countries in Africa. The programme continues to prioritise activities to reduce food insecurity, whilst also addressing water, sanitation and hygiene issues. A key element of this programme is to build the preparedness and response capacity of the Niger Red Cross and vulnerable communities, including through the implementation of preparedness and disaster management initiatives.
The International Department of the Irish Red Cross is small but effective, currently staffed by six officers at headquarters, including one part-time staff member. There are also five Irish Red Cross delegates deployed overseas in South Sudan, India, the Maldives and Niger. The Irish Red Cross also employs a number of local staff to assist in its operations in Niger, where it works in close partnership with the Niger Red Cross.
