Deputy Finian McGrath (Ind) has come out strongly in favour of urgent reform at the Red Cross as a matter of urgency. He has also called on the Ministers for Defence and Foreign Affairs to make this a priority issue in the Dáil this term.

Some people at the senior level in the organisation have got to wake up and get back to their own principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The people and the taxpayers of this Country want their Red Cross to act in a caring and professional manner. This is not happening at the moment.

My concerns are as follows:

1. The Minister should appoint a highly qualified Chairperson to reform the Red Cross.
2. We need an investigation into the undeclared Tipperary bank account where €162m raised for flood victims was not spent.
3. We need a new Secretary General.
4. Following these actions we need a full general assembly of members, staff and volunteers.
5. Next we need a full investigation of the affairs and operations of the Red Cross.
6. The status quo should end.

McGrath said that he will be raising these matters in the Dail with the relevant members. Reform and change are the only way forward for
The Red Cross.