67 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the legal nature of his role in relation to the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47269/10]

The Irish Red Cross Society was established by the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 (S.I. No. 206/1939). The Order sets out the basis on which the Society shall be governed. I am satisfied that it is not appropriate for the Minister for Defence to be involved in the day to day running of the Society which is a body corporate and, in accordance with the existing legislation, is responsible for the handling of its own internal affairs.

73 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence when he will respond to correspondence from the recently dismissed senior manager of the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47266/10]

The position in relation to correspondence received by my Office on the 2nd of November 2010 is that a response issued on the 25th of November last. I understand that the person in question has confirmed receipt of this letter.