33 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence when the Irish Red Cross is to appoint a new secretary general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47267/10]

The Minister for Defence has no role in relation to the appointment of a new Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross Society which is an independent charitable organisation with full powers to manage and administer its affairs. However, I understand that interviews for the post of Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross Society commenced earlier this week. In these circumstances, I would anticipate that an appointment will be made early in the new year.