Irish Red Cross

Irish Red Cross

The Irish Red Cross Society was formally established on 1 July 1939 under the terms of the Red Cross Act 1938. Its constitution is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005 (the Geneva Conventions), to which Ireland is a party, Acts of the Oireachtas and relevant provisions of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The organisation has been supervised by the Irish Department of Defence and it receives €1 million p.a. from the State; its management is currently being reformed.

Formerly the Irish White Cross had worked in the Irish Free State in 1921-28.

The society is organised on a voluntary basis. In Ireland, its activities include mountain rescue, first aid education of the public, the provision of first aid and ambulance services at public events, as well as other community services including therapeutic hand care for the elderly and training of carers. Outside of Ireland, the society provides relief and humanitarian services in response to natural disasters and in regions of conflict.

The headquarters of the Irish Red Cross is located at 16 Merrion Square North, Dublin 2. The society is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Read more about Irish Red Cross:  Organisation, Use of Red Cross Insignia, Controversies

Famous quotes containing the words irish, red and/or cross:

    I hope you will not be washed away by the Irish sea.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    Swift blazing flag of the regiment,
    Eagle with crest of red and gold,
    These men were born to drill and die.
    Point for them the virtue of slaughter,
    Make plain to them the excellence of killing
    And a field where a thousand corpses lie.
    Stephen Crane (1871–1900)

    He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.
    Bible: New Testament, Matthew 27:42.