The government has paid for the expertise of the Red Cross in combating the corona crisis. After the outbreak of the pandemic, around 100,000 euros flowed monthly from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the rescue organization, according to one of the APA contracts and invoices. For the “provision” of the Federal Rescue Commander Gerry Foitik there was therefore 10,000 euros a month. The Court of Auditors has announced an audit
Image: APA
The contract between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Red Cross was concluded on March 17, 2020, i.e. for the outbreak of the corona pandemic. The cooperation concerned “the cooperation with regard to consultations, the creation of concepts for the procedures in each case and the development of appropriate measures”. According to the agreement, two to three people as specialists and Foitik as a contact person were made available for a fee.
According to the cooperation agreement, a daily rate of 600 euros per calendar day and person was agreed with the Ministry of Social Affairs for the “activity of the relevant skilled workers”. The “provision of the Federal Rescue Commander” was calculated to be “about 50 percent of the work done”, which resulted in a total of 10,000 euros. The cooperation agreement signed by Social Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) was initially concluded for three months.
The contract with the Red Cross was extended, but after the first wave the sums were gradually noticeably weakened, as various e-bills show. So the compensation for “making available” Foitiks was reduced to half, or 5,000 euros. The contract with the Red Cross runs until the end of June 2021.
In a statement to the APA, the Ministry of Social Affairs pointed out that the Red Cross had provided support in establishing the crisis team in the ministry. The aid organization is available for any measures and procedures in the event of a disaster. “This was necessary to turn a traditional ministry into a functioning task force to deal with the worst health crisis in 100 years,” said the department.
In addition, the ministry confirmed that the flow of money to the aid organization decreased significantly after the first three months. A total of 347,700 euros flowed from March to November. According to the contract, which is still in force, a maximum of five people would be available on call should this be necessary. 5,000 euros are still earmarked for Foitik.
Criticism of Foitik came from the FPÖ: This is not an independent corona expert. “In truth, he was a government mercenary in terms of health policy,” said club chairman Herbert Kickl at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Court of Auditors will also accept the contract. This is currently planning an examination on the issue of purchasing consulting services in individual federal ministries, especially with regard to corona measures, said spokesman Christian Neuwirth of the APA. In the course of this, the contract with the Red Cross will also be examined.
