19 May 2025. The Irish Red Cross is pleased to announce the election of Charlie Flanagan as the new Chair of the Board, following a vote by its General Assembly. Mr. Flanagan succeeds Pat Carey, who has served with distinction for three terms over ten years. 

A solicitor and long-serving public representative, Charlie Flanagan was first elected to the Dáil in 1987 for the Laois – Offaly constituency. A member of Fine Gael, he held a number of senior roles including Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Fine Gael Party Chief Whip, Spokesperson on Law Reform, Minister for Children, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He later served as Minister for Justice before stepping down from the cabinet in 2020. Most recently, he chaired the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, where he worked extensively on humanitarian issues.

Throughout his career, Mr Flanagan has maintained a deep interest in international affairs and humanitarian action. He has travelled extensively in humanitarian contexts, including to Mozambique with Irish Aid, to Ukraine on three occasions, and multiple visits to Gaza and the Middle East. He also currently volunteers on the board of a cross-border peace-keeping charity, Co-operation Ireland, where he serves as Vice-Chair. 

As the Irish Red Cross embarks on the first year of its ambitious 2025 – 2030 Strategy, focused on transforming the organisation and growing its reach across Ireland, Mr. Flanagan’s appointment brings timely and relevant experience. The strategy prioritises expanding national services, deepening community impact, and increasing awareness of the Red Cross’ role as Ireland’s humanitarian defence force, ready to respond and help people to recover after crises and emergencies. 

Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, welcomed Mr. Flanagan’s appointment and paid tribute to outgoing Chair Pat Carey: “Pat Carey has been a remarkable leader of integrity and compassion. Over the past ten years, he has steered the Irish Red Cross through an era of immense change and challenge, not least our unprecedented response to the war in Ukraine and the challenges faced by members, communities and the public during the COVID-19 years. Charlie Flanagan brings a powerful blend of domestic and international experience, a deep understanding of humanitarian issues, and a passion for volunteerism. I have no doubt he will be an outstanding Chair as we work to strengthen our services and build a more resilient, compassionate Ireland.”