34 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his views on the sums of money being spent on consultants and legal fees by the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38091/10]

48 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his views on the reported salary of €160,000 a year for the acting general secretary of the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38090/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 48 together.

The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous charitable body with full powers to manage and administer its own affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. 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 engagement of consultants and the setting of salary levels in the Irish Red Cross are entirely a matter for the Society itself.