CUMANN NA CROISE DEIRGE IN ÉIRINN AITHEASC AN UACHTARÁIN - 18 MEITHEAMH, 1995
CUMANN NA CROISE DEIRGE IN ÉIRINN AITHEASC AN UACHTARÁIN - 18 MEITHEAMH, 1995
Tá áthas ar leith orm fáiltiú romhaimh go h-Áras an Uachtaráin arís i mbliana. Lá tábhachtach é i gcónaí i shaol an Áras Lá Chomairtais na Croise Deirge agus iarraim anois ort, a Chathaoirligh, cúntas ar imeachtaí na bliana atá imithe a thabhairt dúinn.
[Nuair a criochnaíonn an Cathaoirleach]
A Chathaoirligh,
You have given a clear and concise account of the activities of an organisation that is dedicated to the highest ideals and I thank you. In a world where suffering and distress continue to be the daily lot of far too many people, the International Red Cross seeks to fulfil its humanitarian mission, often in extremely difficult circumstances.
The list that you provided of countries in which the International Red Cross has relief missions is also a list of those regions of the world where suffering and poverty continue to take their terrible toll. In Rwanda last year I saw the result of the terrible genocide that has decimated the population of that country and the ensuing refugee crisis that has placed an enormous burden on the already meagre resources of neighbouring countries. Nearer to home, dreadful images from the former Yugoslavia still torment us and the suffering there and in other regions of conflict threaten to overwhelm us.
The example of voluntary humanitarian organisations, including that of the International Red Cross, continues to inspire us and reminds us of the importance of humanitarian aid in saving lives and of the need for the support of the international community in rebuilding whole societies.
This year sees the start of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Famine - an event so terrible that it has become part of our folk memory and given us a deep empathy with the suffering of others. The generosity of the Irish people in their response to fund-raising appeals shows how the pain and anguish of others touches us as a people and I have been proud to see the commitment with which Irish volunteers, lay and religious, are to the fore of international relief efforts. The Irish Red Cross exemplifies that great tradition of caring and sacrifice for which the Irish people are noted world-wide.
In your report you spoke of the new opportunities that have resulted from the cessation of paramilitary violence on these islands. I have just returned from a visit to Belfast where I had the privilege of meeting representatives of many groups who are working diligently, each in their own way, to build up services and facilities in their communities. Everywhere there is a palpable sense of relief that the violence has ceased and that everyday activities that are taken for granted in so many societies, can again be pursued free from the threat of violence. I am glad to note that you in the Irish Red Cross have been forging closer links with your counterparts in Northern Ireland and I wish the Society well in that enterprise.
The involvement of members of the Irish Red Cross Society in building up community services throughout the country continues to grow and I congratulate all of the members of the Society on their dedication. There is a great vitality about Irish community life at present, due in the main from the activities of countless voluntary self help group who are committed to improving the quality of life in their communities. The work of your members greatly complements that effort.
The annual presentation of the Red Cross Trophy and Awards is a welcome opportunity to value the work of the Irish Red Cross Society and to let your members know how much their work is appreciated. On behalf of the Irish people I thank you and now it is my very great pleasure to present the awards to the competition winners.