Our Structure

The current structure of the Irish Red Cross is set out below, listing the tiers of governance within the Society, their terms of office, functions and personnel.

The President

The President of Ireland is, by virtue of his or her office, the President of the Irish Red Cross. The President’s position as President of the Irish Red Cross is an honorary position and is unpaid. Term of Office: Seven years.

Function: To act as patron of the Irish Red Cross and to promote the humanitarian values and principles of the Irish Red Cross in Ireland and around the world.

The Chairman

The Chairman of the Central Council is appointed by the President, upon the nomination of the Government, to serve for a period of three years. The Chairman of the Central Council also serves as Chairman of the Executive Committee. Term of Office: Three years.

Function: To Chair the Central Council and Executive Committee of the Irish Red Cross and to promote the humanitarian values and principles of the Irish Red Cross in Ireland and around the world.

Chairman: David J. O’Callaghan

Central Council

The Central Council is the Governing Body of the Irish Red Cross and comprises of members appointed by the Government and Red Cross Area Representatives. The Central Council meets twice a year to formulate policy and within that framework, devolves responsibility for the affairs of the Society to the Executive Committee which meet on a monthly basis. Term of Office: Three year.

Function: To formulate policy so that the policies and operations of the Irish Red Cross are being conducted in accordance with its humanitarian mandate to provide services to people who need help.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is made up of members from the Central Council and is elected every year by the members of the Council. The Executive Committee meets every month, except during August and December. The Executive Committee, established in accordance with the provisions of the Irish Red Cross Society Order, 1939 (S.R. & O. 1939. No. 206) shall exercise such powers and duties as may be delegated to it by the Central Council. Term of Office: One Year.

Function: To implement policy and thereby ensure that the policies and operations of the Irish Red Cross are being conducted in accordance with its humanitarian mandate to provide services to people who need help.

Current Executive Committee (Elected 30th May 2011)

Honorary Officers:

  • Anthony Lawlor - Vice Chairman
  • Ted Noonan - Hon. Treasurer
  • Ann Murphy - Hon. Secretary
  • David Lawler
  • Monica Middleton
  • Tom Horwell
  • Cliona Lehane
  • Joe Millar
  • Andrew Kelly
  • Julieanne Maher
  • Sheila Callan

Working Groups

There are a number of Working Groups (committees), consisting entirely of elected voluntary members of the Irish Red Cross and supported by specialist staff working in these areas.

The Chair of the Working Groups are elected by the Central Council. The Chair of the Working Group assisted by the relevant staff member then reviews nominations and assess the quality of the nominations together with the specific requirements needed to be a member of the Working Group.

The Chair and the staff member then recommend a panel for ratification by the Executive Committee. Term of Office: Two years.

Function: Working Groups should be seen as the expertise needed for the development and implementation of project plans, policies and procedures.

Secretariat (Staff – Irish Red Cross)

The Irish Red Cross is led by a Secretary General who manages the full-time and part-time paid members of staff based at the:-

1. Head Office in Dublin (Merrion Square)

2. Regional Offices in:-

  • Dublin (Mountjoy Street)
  • Limerick (Henry Street)
  • Mayo (Claremorris)

3. Overseas Delegations