The Irish Red Cross society is an independent charitable body corporate which, in accordance with relevant legislation, is responsible for the handling of its own internal affairs. Whilst I am conscious of the importance attaching to its independence, I recently commenced an exchange with the Chairman of the Society in relation to corporate governance matters and I am satisfied that progress is being made in this regard. I also asked the Chairman of the Society for assurances regarding the use to which the funds that are granted annually from the Vote of the Department of Defence are put. Comprehensive and satisfactory answers were provided by the Chairman.
My Department is also engaged in ongoing consultations with the Office of the Attorney General on the extent of changes that can be made to the Irish Red Cross Order 1939. The 1939 Order sets out the basis upon which the Society is governed and was made pursuant to the Red Cross Act 1938. Following receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, I will review the legislative changes that are proposed and consider bringing them to Government for approval. It is important to note that whatever changes may be made to the 1939 Order, a comprehensive review of all Red Cross legislation, and in particular the primary legislation, will be commenced by my Department in accordance with the Programme for Government. In this regard, I believe that an overriding principle should be to ensure that whatever legislative changes are made have the full support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
As regards the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, I am happy to leave proposals for the work programme of the Committee to its members.
