New Chairman of the Irish Red Cross

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Mr. O?Callaghan is a former Secretary General of the Department of Defence, from 1995 to 2004. He previously held the post of Assistant Secretary in that Department from 1993 to 1995 and prior to that was Personnel Manager in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. He is Chairman of the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and Chairman of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board.The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable organisation with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. The Central Council of the Irish Red Cross Society consists of members elected from the Society?s Areas and members nominated by the Government.Minister Killeen said ?I am very grateful to Mr O?Callaghan for having agreed to take on the role of Chairman of the Irish Red Cross and oversee the reform process.?The Council, Executive Committee, and management of the Irish Red Cross welcomed the appointment of Mr David O'Callaghan as the new Chairman.Board member, Mr Ted Noonan, said that the Irish Red Cross continued to help and assist people at home and abroad through its network of 6,500 volunteers in its Irish branches and the support provided to other Red Cross National Societies throughout the world."We are honoured to continue to have the support of many Irish citizens and companies who regularly support our appeals for donations. Working with our new Chairman, Mr O'Callaghan, we will continue to grow this support and provide emergency services and assistance in Ireland and in countries of need," he said.