I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 to 155, inclusive, together.
The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable body corporate which, in accordance with relevant legislation, is responsible for handling its own internal affairs. On 16 May 2011, I wrote to the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society regarding corporate governance, emphasising my views on turnover and rotation at leadership levels in the Society. I did so as I am of the opinion that it is not conducive to good corporate governance that any individual should serve indefinitely on the Central Council or the Executive Committee, or in the same appointment. The Chairman, in his response, advised me that the issue of turnover and rotation at leadership levels was raised by him at a subsequent Central Council meeting and that agreement was reached on a mandatory three-year break, or one full-term break, for Executive Committee members in circumstances where a member may have previously served for two full terms.
The requirement for a break in service after two three-year terms will apply to any position on the Executive Committee and therefore, it will not be possible to serve two terms in one position and then a further term immediately afterwards in another position on the Committee. With regard to the length of time that the Treasurer of the Society has served, I am informed by the Society that whilst the person in question has been elected to the Society's Executive Committee for the past ten years, he was first elected as Treasurer in 2009 and, earlier this year, was re-elected for a third term in this position.
Following my letter, I subsequently met with the Chairman and the Secretary General of the Society. The matters raised in my letter were discussed and the progress that the Society has made in relation to governance reform was outlined. Overall, it was a very positive meeting; I offered my support to the Chairman and the Secretary General in their efforts and I anticipate that further progress in this regard will be made in the coming months.
When the Office of the Attorney General has finalised its work on the proposed amendments to the 1939 Order, I will bring the draft legislation to Government for approval. Regardless of whatever changes are made to the 1939 Order, a comprehensive review of all Red Cross legislation, and in particular the primary legislation, will then be commenced in accordance with a commitment given in the Programme for Government.