tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post7483816451922525173..comments2020-04-20T12:54:20.387-07:00Comments on Governance Reform At Irish Red Cross: Irish Government's financial watchdog confirms Irish Red Cross had 49 undisclosed bank accountsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-52307857191442428432011-10-10T00:47:08.809-07:002011-10-10T00:47:08.809-07:00Further to the comment above about the Irish Red C...Further to the comment above about the Irish Red Cross 'brand redesign'!!!! How do you redesign a red cross???!! A red cross on a white background is always a red cross on a white background!! <br /><br />There is no need for expensive and unnecessary creative re-design. How much did this cost the Irish Red Cross? How much donor money was wasted on this ridiculous exercise. I cant tell any difference. It was a red cross before the company was hired to 'brand redesign' and its still a red cross after they did their 'brand redesign'!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-65485824563913369652011-10-09T04:33:24.267-07:002011-10-09T04:33:24.267-07:00More parliamentary questions in the Dail during th...More parliamentary questions in the Dail during the week. The question was raised by an independent TD and directed at the Minister for Defence and related to the Comproller and Auditor General's report which included a full chapter on the dysfunction at the Irish Red Cross. The question was raised on 6th OctoberAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-36454055153224771562011-10-08T03:37:20.765-07:002011-10-08T03:37:20.765-07:00came across this interesting tweet today:
@Padrai...came across this interesting tweet today:<br /><br />@Padraig_OMorain<br />Padraig O'Morain<br />The Irish Red Cross emails to thank me for a donation I haven't made. Not one bit impressed. I will give to Concern.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-32067563354096816992011-10-06T23:35:26.591-07:002011-10-06T23:35:26.591-07:00Has anyone seen any comments from the Irish Red Cr...Has anyone seen any comments from the Irish Red Cross in relation to their awarding of a contract for work to a company outside the Jurisdiction. It may appear that the buy Oirish compaign is not working !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-30898264072641548192011-10-06T08:00:08.701-07:002011-10-06T08:00:08.701-07:00As a member of the Irish Red Cross I think any for...As a member of the Irish Red Cross I think any form of a court case would be widely welcomed, it would naturally give the opportunity to formally put before the courts and the Irish people evidence which would undoubtedly prove not in the favour of the Irish Red Cross. Might I presume from this conversation, that someone once again has been threatened with court action? If so, this is a normal course of events. Over the years there have been so many threats its hard to remember who got threatened and for what. It should be taken with the contempt for which it deserves. There are those within the Irish Red Cross whose only means of defence is by way of threats. I guess this is their way of showing that they don’t have the capacity to keep to the Principles of the Red Cross. Sad really, but what can one do. <br /><br />All I can say is good luck! In the last 70 years the Irish Red Cross has not won a single case they took before the courts. They are creatures of habit, when in doubt sue! Its easy to do when your not using your own money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-84656009540231222092011-10-06T01:19:02.673-07:002011-10-06T01:19:02.673-07:00Irish Red Cross waste more money on consultants, s...Irish Red Cross waste more money on consultants, see link below where Irish Red Cross hired a company to help them with their 'brand identity'. Its a sad state of affairs that after 72 years in existence the Irish Red Cross doesnt understand that the Red Cross is not a brand but is an internationally protected emblem. The Red Cross in Geneva has detailed documents and protocols for the use and design of the Red Cross, all available for free but the Irish Red Cross wastes money going to a commercial company to get the same advice they can get internally but more importantly information they should know themselves if they bothered to understand the emblem and the Movement.<br /><br />The problem for the Irish Red Cross is nothing to do with 'brand identity' but everything to do with the leaders who have disgraced the Society. Remove them and immediately the Irish Red Cross's image problem is addressed. If they remain in place no amount of tinkering at the edges and spending thousands of Euros on creative design companies will resolved the organisation's wrecked image. <br /><br />The Red Cross emblem is portected under international law, brands arent. The Red Cross emblem is not McDonalds or Coca Cola. The link is:<br /><br />http://www.creativeinc.ie/index.php/portfolio/detail/irish_red_cross/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-4127568022837637002011-10-05T05:48:58.016-07:002011-10-05T05:48:58.016-07:00Thanks to the commenter above for reminding me of ...Thanks to the commenter above for reminding me of IRC's decision to award an IT contract to a UK company when there is no doubt an Irish company could have done the job equally well. Who are the people who made this decision? I had forgotten about it so good to keep these matters in the mind of the membership, the public and the government.<br /><br />What's even more important is the article above which reveals the Irish Government's financial watchdog investigated Irish Red Cross. How shameful for the Society and to have 49 undisclosed bank accounts is shocking. I agree with those people who have expressed the view that the Gardai should be called in immediately. Perhaps the Gardai could investigate the claim that staff emails are/were being spied on although this might be permitted under law so long as the employer adheres to certain guidelines in doing so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-23879402116226787632011-10-05T05:40:08.211-07:002011-10-05T05:40:08.211-07:00For a long time it has been obvious that a court c...For a long time it has been obvious that a court case is required to get to the bottom of all the Irish Red Cross scandals and expose those responsible. The pretext for the court case is not so relevant, what matters is that someone brings a court case and once it has a broad connection to Irish Red Cross issues then all those guilty of negligence and abuse of power over the years can be exposed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-87301960008734221312011-10-04T13:51:31.174-07:002011-10-04T13:51:31.174-07:00Court, Court did I hear someone say Court.
Yipee,...Court, Court did I hear someone say Court.<br /><br />Yipee, when is it on, can we book seats? Is it open to the public, will there be refreshments?<br /><br />Can I bring my great Aunt bessie she just loves a good farse! <br /><br />The Red Cross has been in court before, I seem to remember there being one where the Judge after hearing the Red Cross side ruled against them without hearing the plaintiff. Unique !<br /><br />I hope its near christmas because we can perhaps fit in two pantos in the one day !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-88946623598995200632011-10-04T13:45:00.002-07:002011-10-04T13:45:00.002-07:00If the Kerry Red Cross members allow this discredi...If the Kerry Red Cross members allow this discredited individual to stand on a platform and purport to represent the good name of the Irish Red Cross then shame on them, shame on them for allowing the name of the Irish Red Cross to be further tarnished by association with this individual. I am sure the persons of the Kerry Irish Red Cross Branch are people of the utmost integrity and organising the conference is a great idea. Sadly they have made a very poor choice in choosing one of their speakers. When will the national Vice Chairman get the message that the days when he and his cronies could lord it over the Irish Red Cross and act with impunity are finished. They may remain in their positions but going forward everything they have done and try to do in the future will be put into the public domain.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-72440261387949953782011-10-04T13:11:45.884-07:002011-10-04T13:11:45.884-07:00I hope the Executive Committee debated at their la...I hope the Executive Committee debated at their last meeting the awarding of the Irish Red Cross web design contract to a UK company and accusations that staff are being spied on to prevent and control dissent. Those responsible for these matters must be held to account if proven to be true. The reasons an Irish company was not chosen must be explained.<br /><br />The only way to prove these matters is in court so perhaps its best that the Irish Red Cross and/or individuals involved with the Irish Red Cross end up in court where all these matters can be brought to the public's attention. It would be good if someone could initiate a court action against someone so all involved in the Irish Red Cross scandal could be hauled up before the courts and finally held to account. A court case is always a good way to clear the air and get everything out in the open. All the Irish Red Cross skeletons can then be exposed for all to see. So bring on a court action.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-28856845572493952712011-10-04T01:05:16.298-07:002011-10-04T01:05:16.298-07:00Perhaps a protest outside the conference hotel in ...Perhaps a protest outside the conference hotel in Kerry is something to consider. Part of me wouldnt want to see the hard work by Kerry volunteers of Irish Red Cross in preparing for this conference put at risk but if they are foolish enough to ask Tony Lawlor, someone so discredited and tarnished, to speak at their event they cant blame people for protesting outside it. On balance I think a protest is warranted as people have to stand up for the integrity of the Society.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-75756007357082568502011-10-04T00:18:09.628-07:002011-10-04T00:18:09.628-07:00I wonder will Mr Lawlor ever come to Donegal or an...I wonder will Mr Lawlor ever come to Donegal or anywhere in the North I look forward to having the opportunity to debate with him in Public, the issues which I have highlighted over the last 30 years. Perhaps if he is giving a talk in Dublin I could arrange to attend I am sure many members would delight in the opportunity to question him.<br /><br />I would like to be able to make comments o the Red Cross Facebook page, but I have been sanctioned from doing so. The Irish Red Cross has a policy, if they don't like what you say they will ban you from their Facebook page. I know this is a breach of the European convention, on the right to freedom of speech. The Irish Red Cross has shown clearly how it deals with anyone who questions its irresponsibility’s <br /><br />I wonder what Facebooks view on this would be? it is supposed to be a Social Network site.<br /><br />Gerard Moyne<br />Life Member Irish Red CrossAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-4675463023594399962011-10-03T01:10:24.764-07:002011-10-03T01:10:24.764-07:00Best wishes to those in the Kerry Irish Red Cross ...Best wishes to those in the Kerry Irish Red Cross Area with organising the conference on First Aid and Volunteering. Im sure alot of work is going into the confernce. Sadly the conference will be over shadowed by the Irish Red Cross Vice Chairman opening the event and speaking on the topic of 'The Emergency Volunteer'. The national IRC Vice Chairman has brought great shame on the Irish Red Cross and his continued presence as national Vice Chairman is in breach of good corporate governance. Calls for his resignation have extended to Dail Eireann. He should have been expelled from the IRC for his role in the Tipperary tsunami bank account scandal.<br /><br />Those of us that know and understand the Irish Red Cross know that speaking at such events is Mr. Lawlor's way of rehabilitating his reputation and more importantly maintaining his power base. Forde is trying to keep tabs on him but so long as Lawlor steers clear of Merrion Square there is nothing Forde can do to control Lawlor controlling the rest of the Society.<br /><br />Sad that the Kerry conference will be badly overshadowed by its choice of one of its key speakers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-4628563064345163482011-10-02T00:19:44.175-07:002011-10-02T00:19:44.175-07:00If Martin Mc Guinness becomes President will he ac...If Martin Mc Guinness becomes President will he act to also insure that all those who work under the auspices of the Office of President. What I mean is, will he make Donal Forde ex Head of AIB, work for the average industrial wage? This is going to be an interesting election. Of course the troubles at the REd Cross will have to be addressed by at least one of the candidates. Whilst our current President is wonderful, she did nothing to insure that good Governance was introduced into the only other organisation she is President of. <br /><br />Why is it that Presidents want nothing to do with the Red Cross?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-79705886996294628692011-10-01T11:47:45.589-07:002011-10-01T11:47:45.589-07:00I see Tony Lawlor is opening a conference for Volu...I see Tony Lawlor is opening a conference for Volunteers run by the IRC Kerry Area and he is also giving a talk on "The Emergency Volunteer" at the same conference. What a joke that he was even invited to this event, it goes to show you the type of denial the Areas and Branches are in about this sham of a man.It also says a lot about his ego that he still has the audacity to attend these events.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-49381266111867847422011-09-30T16:44:46.416-07:002011-09-30T16:44:46.416-07:00The Presidential election will no doubt be quite i...The Presidential election will no doubt be quite interesting, no doubt the candidates will be asked how they will deal with corruption within the Irish Red Cross when they become President of that organisation. This matter will be an interesting part of the debates. I wonder will any light be shed on the involvement of the Irish Red Cross in financing the provos, at least one candidate might be able to provide some information on this historical fact.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-87658778852734713162011-09-30T08:17:59.748-07:002011-09-30T08:17:59.748-07:00Its very important that parliamentary questions ar...Its very important that parliamentary questions are asked on an ongoing basis about the Irish Red Cross. Its important that information is put on public record. Well done to those people who organise them, keep it up. The questions last week in the Dail were very important especially the ones about why the national vice chairman, Tony Lawlor, is allowed remain on the board after 21 years service, never mind his track record.<br /><br />Like Michael Fingleton of Irish Nationwide a number of Irish Red Cross board members are disgraced and their reputations will rightly be forever sullied. There will always be the scent of suspicion around them. Like Fingleton they have no honour and so give the two fingers to Society. This they think makes them look like big men. Sadly they dont realise its only small men who lack honour.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-4431624824016220662011-09-29T15:05:20.099-07:002011-09-29T15:05:20.099-07:00The Irish Government is the most wonderful cash co...The Irish Government is the most wonderful cash cow to the Irish Red Cross. Who else would hand over millions and not even ask how it is being spent. Of course the Govenment is getting some information, but only what Lawlor and co decide is appropriate. The Irish Red Cross could run a world renowned course on creative book keeping.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-10584030469252127282011-09-28T12:30:46.161-07:002011-09-28T12:30:46.161-07:00Alan Shatter is showing up to be a Minister being ...Alan Shatter is showing up to be a Minister being wagged by the dog, which is the Dept. of Defence. The current Chairman of the Irish Red Cross used to head up the Department of Defence and so he has to protect his former colleagues. Minister Shatter is a pre-recorded public servant who will only act if it means that he will benifit himself and the party. His party gave an undertaking at the general election to reform the Irish Red Cross and to date he has been told to take a hike by the board of the Irish Red Cross. What he will do about this is anyones guess, but so far he is being made an absolute fool of by Lawlor and his buddies who are totally ignoring him and continuing on as they have always done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-84701957016345538092011-09-28T04:04:14.237-07:002011-09-28T04:04:14.237-07:00One good thing about the Comptroller and Auditor G...One good thing about the Comptroller and Auditor General's report is that it confirmed beyond doubt that under legislation the government is allowed to intervene directly in the affairs of the Irish Red Cross including in its finance and administration.<br /><br />So Minister Shatter, there is no excuse. Intervene and sort this mess out once and for all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-89420632712227236542011-09-27T07:24:37.148-07:002011-09-27T07:24:37.148-07:00Accountability and Transparency IRC style!
The Nat...Accountability and Transparency IRC style!<br />The National HQ of IRC can disclaim responsibility for Branch accounting as does their auditors with their audited accounts 2010 statement; <br /> “Branch, area accounts and region accounts are not consolidated in the Head Office financial statements”. <br />With such a disclaimer it is presumably up to Branches independently to provide accounting for any disaster or other contributions made at their level. The bank accounts recently discovered at Branch level should not come as a surprise given that there has apparently been no requirement for them to be disclosed. Given the lack of transparency at HQ Merion Square level, what level of transparency and accountability should be expected to be demanded from IRC Branches?<br />The IRC has failed to publicly address the accounting problems: Lack of transparency other financial issues such as its still secret property portfolio gives no reason to believe that the situation is to improve. Surely some accounts must exist for these undisclosed properties to show income, maintenance costs, utilities, depreciation or appreciation etc? Surely there must be property deeds and records at the IRCs lawyers’ office? Why the secrecy despite years of auditor’s qualification statements such as:- <br />“Properties given for use by and owned by the Society are not currently recognised in the Society’s financial statements. This is at variance with Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting for Charities’ which requires that assets given for use by the charity should be included as income when received and an equivalent amount capitalised on the balance sheet.”<br />Note also the auditor’s statement: “The rules of the Society require the Honorary Treasurer to provide financial statement which gives a true and fair view of the results and state of affairs of the society.”<br />No satisfactory explanation is given as to why the money donated for the immediate relief of suffering in the tsunami disaster was held for years in the hidden Tipperary account.<br />Nobody is held to account. <br />Still tsunami money remains unspent: Current 2010 audited accounts show that money donated by concerned people for the 2004 tsunami relief to the tune of €2,003,558 remained unspent as at 1 January this year. During the past year IRC spent or pledged to spend a paltry €695,461. <br />What a disgrace that IRC is unique in holding on to 2004 tsunami donated money which was needed for immediate relief or early recovery by those so devastatingly affected? IRC must be aware that there has been serious international criticism of those holding onto tsunami money as far back as 2007. <br />Surely there are good people in the Branches or at HQ who as humanitarians or otherwise can expose these and other irregularities under the new whistleblower protection scheme to start the process of reorganising IRC?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-82721696641471569612011-09-26T11:15:23.776-07:002011-09-26T11:15:23.776-07:00The same financial watchdog knew that the Irish Re...The same financial watchdog knew that the Irish Red Cross in 1970 was facilitating the purchase of weapons in Northern Ireland. To this day not a sigle person has been held accountable.<br /><br />When the irish Red Cross was hiding away millions in banks accounts so they could make money on deposits, not a single word other than the dismissal of James Walsh for speaking to the press. When money was being shifted into the EBS not a word... Thee are stories to be told when will Alan Shatter expose the truth or will keep sitting on his hands?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-17083204522170031122011-09-26T03:14:08.818-07:002011-09-26T03:14:08.818-07:00Good article in the Sunday Independent yesterday (...Good article in the Sunday Independent yesterday (25th Sept) critisising the Irish Red Cross and Comptroller and Auditor General's report. <br /><br />Fair play to the Sunday Independent for always highlighting the scandals of the Irish Red Cross. The public has a right to know as its their money funding the place. Link to article:<br /><br />http://www.independent.ie/national-news/campag-report-into-affairs-at-red-cross-inaccurate-2886889.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012489272112463047.post-84079602872048263032011-09-25T07:50:53.179-07:002011-09-25T07:50:53.179-07:00Accountability and Transparency IRC style!
The Nat...Accountability and Transparency IRC style!<br />The National HQ of IRC can disclaim responsibility for Branch accounting as does their auditors with their audited accounts 2010 statement; <br /> “Branch, area accounts and region accounts are not consolidated in the Head Office financial statements”. <br />With such a disclaimer it is presumably up to Branches independently to provide accounting for any disaster or other contributions made at their level. The bank accounts recently discovered at Branch level should not come as a surprise given that there has apparently been no requirement for them to be disclosed. Given the lack of transparency at HQ Merion Square level, what level of transparency and accountability should be expected to be demanded from IRC Branches?<br />The IRC has failed to publicly address the accounting problems: Lack of transparency other financial issues such as its still secret property portfolio gives no reason to believe that the situation is to improve. Surely some accounts must exist for these undisclosed properties to show income, maintenance costs, utilities, depreciation or appreciation etc? Surely there must be property deeds and records at the IRCs lawyers’ office? Why the secrecy despite years of auditor’s qualification statements such as:- <br />“Properties given for use by and owned by the Society are not currently recognised in the Society’s financial statements. This is at variance with Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting for Charities’ which requires that assets given for use by the charity should be included as income when received and an equivalent amount capitalised on the balance sheet.”<br />Note also the auditor’s statement: “The rules of the Society require the Honorary Treasurer to provide financial statement which gives a true and fair view of the results and state of affairs of the society.”<br />No satisfactory explanation is given as to why the money donated for the immediate relief of suffering in the tsunami disaster was held for years in the hidden Tipperary account.<br />Nobody is held to account. <br />Still tsunami money remains unspent: Current 2010 audited accounts show that money donated by concerned people for the 2004 tsunami relief to the tune of €2,003,558 remained unspent as at 1 January this year. During the past year IRC spent or pledged to spend a paltry €695,461. <br />What a disgrace that IRC is unique in holding on to 2004 tsunami donated money which was needed for immediate relief or early recovery by those so devastatingly affected? IRC must be aware that there has been serious international criticism of those holding onto tsunami money as far back as 2007. <br />Surely there are good people in the Branches or at HQ who as humanitarians or otherwise can expose these and other irregularities under the new whistleblower protection scheme to start the process of reorganising IRC?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com