THE IRISH Red Cross Society faces major restructuring in how it is run following the completion of an internal governance review which coincided with David Andrews's announcement he will retire as the organisation's chairman after almost a decade in the post.
Mr Andrews informed Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea of his intention to retire from the voluntary and unremunerated position in a letter received by the Minister earlier this month.
One of the main proposals arising from the internal review is that members of the board, including the chair, should step down after two consecutive terms. Another recommendation proposes changing how the chair is appointed. Mr Andrews, a former minister for foreign affairs, was first nominated as chairman in 2000. He served three three-year terms, and was reappointed for a fourth time by Mr O'Dea in May.
In a Dáil exchange with Mr O'Dea the following month, Labour TD Brian O'Shea referred to allegations regarding poor governance within the organisation - barrister Jennifer Bulbulia resigned from its central council earlier this year, citing concerns over accountability and transparency.
The Labour deputy claimed Mr Andrews's reappointment "was not greeted internally with any great enthusiasm". He noted the Minister also appoints 14 members to the council. "One of the allegations is that these people and the chairman are political appointees to an independent organisation," Mr O'Shea added.
Mr Andrews told The Irish Timeslast night he wanted to see the internal review completed before he retired from the post.
He said it was his intention to give a lead on the question of the voluntary length of service of the chair.
"It has been important for me to oversee the completion of this plan, and I now believe that it is time for a new chair to take over and implement the plan," he added.
Mr Andrews thanked council member Prof Roger Downer, his governance subcommittee and the board for their work on the plan.
"I believe it will help the Irish Red Cross to continue to develop in the future. I also pay tribute to the volunteers, branch members, delegates and staff who work tirelessly with those in need of humanitarian aid at home and abroad. It has been a great privilege to work with them," he said.
In a statement, the organisation said the reform package, which is likely to require changes in legislation, was necessary to "meet the current governance requirements of the International Red Cross movement and to amend the governance structures of the society to reflect the demands of the 21st century and best practice both nationally and internationally".
John Roycroft, secretary general of the Irish Red Cross, also announced his intention to return to the Department of Justice following the completion of a two-year period of secondment to the organisation.