Irish Red Cross.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2009

Thursday, 19 November 2009

Ceisteanna (31, 32, 33, 34)

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

24 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence his views on a report (details supplied) regarding the control of the Irish Red Cross. [42196/09]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

25 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence if the governance committee of the Irish Red Cross will report in November 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42172/09]

Joe Costello

Ceist:

34 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the role and responsibilities of the Government nominees to the central council of the Irish Red Cross; if he is satisfied that they are effectively discharging those responsibilities; if he is satisfied that they are encouraged to play a full role in policy making for the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42195/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

49 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if the views and opinions of the staff of the Irish Red Cross were sought in relation to the internal governance reform review of the Irish Red Cross; if the views and opinions of all central council members and all other relevant stake holders were sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42194/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 25, 34 and 49 together.

Although, I am aware of the magazine article to which the deputy refers I am restricted in the manner in which I may comment on its contents. As Minister for Defence, I have responsibility for enacting any legislation in respect of the Irish Red Cross Society. However, I have no function in the day-to-day administration of the Irish Red Cross and as such I do not get involved in the day-to-day running of its affairs.

The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous body, established by the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 pursuant to the Red Cross Act, 1938. The Order sets out the basis on which the Society shall be governed. The Society is an independent charitable organisation with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. The role of Central Council is set out in the Rules of the Society. It is not a matter for me as Minister for Defence to set policy for the Society but rather the Society achieves its objectives under a number of guiding principles including those of impartiality and independence. The Government has an obligation under the Geneva Convention to discharge certain obligations to the Society including ensuring the independence of the Society.

Membership of the Central Council is by way of appointment by the Government or by election in accordance with the rules of the Society. The Central Council in turn elects an Executive Committee which normally meets ten times a year. The number of Government appointees is statutorily prescribed as being not less than one third of the total membership of the Central Council. The work experience of the Government appointees covers both the public and private sector and volunteer experience with the Society.

The issue of governance is being considered by a governance committee within the Society. That Committee is expected to report to the Central Council before the end of this month. The contents of the governance report will be the subject of interdepartmental and interagency discussion, involving the Departments of Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Irish Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Thereafter, I will bring before Government any statutory changes deemed necessary.

I have received a letter from Mr. David Andrews who has informed me of his intention to retire as Chairman of the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society with effect from 31st December 2009. Mr Andrews has informed me that by his decision to retire, he wishes to convey an example of leadership to the Society having regard to proposed governance reform which includes the rotation of the post of Chairman. I believe that the high regard in which Mr Andrews is held both at home and abroad has been of enormous and enduring benefit to the Society. He brought vast knowledge and experience into his role of Chairman, as indeed have his predecessors.

I have also been informed that one member of the Executive Committee has resigned his position on the Committee due to his work commitments and that the Secretary General of the Society, a seconded civil servant, is to return to his parent Department. The Red Cross Act, 1944 provides that the President of Ireland shall, by virtue of her Office, be President of the Society. The Chairman of the Central Council is appointed by the President on the nomination of the Government. I will arrange for the Government to propose a suitable nomination to the President to replace Mr. Andrews.