Irish Red Cross

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2011

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Ceisteanna (157, 158, 159)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

181 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current vice chairman of the Irish Red Cross intends to go forward for another term on the board of that organisation at its council meeting of 25 May 2011 next bringing his total service to date on the board to 20 years; if he considers this is compatible with best practice governance guidelines especially with regard to board rotation and renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12024/11]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

182 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence in view of impending new legislation and a new constitution for the Irish Red Cross, he will consider asking the current long serving vice chairman of the IRC to follow the example set by the former distinguished chairman and step down and not go forward for election this year in order to allow for a new start for the Red Cross in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12025/11]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider incorporating specific term limits for members of the executive committee of the Red Cross into any new proposed Red Cross legislation; if he will consider including the concept of retrospection that is previous service being taken into account for any new members of the executive committee going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12027/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 to 184, inclusive, together.

My Department is engaged in consultations with the Office of the Attorney General on the extent of changes that can be made to the Irish Red Cross Order 1939. Following receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, which is expected in the coming weeks, I will review the legislative changes that are proposed and consider bringing them to Government for approval. Amongst the issues that will be considered will be the question of introducing mandatory breaks in service.

With regard to the Deputy's Question concerning the term of Board members and best practice governance guidelines, I have commenced an exchange with the Society concerning governance matters.