Charlie Flangan elected chairperson of the Board of the Irish Red Cross

FORMER Minister for Children, Foreign Affairs and Justice Charlie Flanagan takes on the role as the new chairperson of the Board of the Irish Red Cross.

A solicitor and long-serving public representative Mr 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 chairperson 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-chairperson.

In welcoming Mr Flanagan’s appointment the Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross Deirdre Garvey said: “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.” In accepting his appointment Mr Flanagan said: “I am proud to join the Irish Red Cross as chair at a time of renewal and ambition. Ireland is a great country for volunteering and the Red Cross exemplifies all that is best about civic duty and compassion. It has always been held in high regard. I look forward to listening to, learning from and supporting our volunteers and members, whose dedication makes this organisation so special.”