Tionoladh Crinniú Cinn Bliana Múínteoirí Scortha na Gailimhe i Óstán Menlo Park i Mí na Nollag. Tar éis Aifreann na Marbh (an cheann deire ag an am seo den bhlian) leigh an runaí na mion tuaraiscí. Moladh iad, síneadh iad agus glacadh leo. Thug sí cuntas freisin ar staid airgid an Chumhain.
Ar an 30adh de Mhéan Fómhar bhí suas le 7,822.09 euro idir an Cuntas Reathe agus an Cuntas Taisce sa Bhanc..
Election of Officers
The officers were elected to serve until May /June 2013 at the June meeting.
Chairperson: Vincent Higgins
Vice Chairperson: Mary Howley
Secretary: Mary Kyne
P.R.O. P. J. Callanan
Auditors: P.J. Callanan and Sylvester Cassidy
Denis Desmond - National Secretary's Address.
Usually Denis comes to the meeting bearing glad tidings but on this occasion his opening sentence was “ I have no good news – the good times are gone”. However he made the following points:
1. The NEC believe that the Croke Park agreement will hold but the government are looking for ways to take away allowances without breaching the agreement.
2. In the past allowances were given to entice teachers to take positions in Gaeltacht and Island schools but now these positions are seen as a life style choice. Any allowance that doesn’t involve extra work will be abolished such as the Gaeltacht, Island School and Scoil Lán Gaelach. This will have a drastic effect on teachers’ gratuity and pension when retiring.
3. Increments are related to a salary being leveled out over a life time period – they are not an increase in salary.
4. In January 2011 the government announced a drastic cut in resource and substitute work payment. The Department didn’t implement the reduction and only noticed it in October. Those who were over paid must pay back the money - 10 euro a week. The money has to be paid, as it is the law of the land.
5. Budget 2012: The local property tax will replace the household charge that will come into effect in July 2013. People are advised to pay the household charge that now stands with penalties at 127euro by April as it will be raised to 200 euro and added to local property tax.
6. Dirt Tax is now 33 %
7. The amount you can leave tax free in your will has been reduced from 250,000euro to 225,000euro.
8. Free Social Welfare Allowances: Reduction in Phone, TV and ESB while the Free Travel wasn’t interfered with. The allowances come to 700euro approx per year and should cancel out Property Tax.
9. It was agreed that the Galway Branch would support the NEC motions to The National Convention March 2013 to support financially the INTO in the event of a campaign they may have to mount to protect pensions and to seek equal pay for newly qualified teachers.
10. Comhar Linn: The Department will with draw the facility to deduct member’s Comhar Linn contributions if the number of teachers availing of this facility doesn’t increase to 2,000.
Denis then answered questions from the floor.
Elected delegates to the National Convention:
Vincent Higgins, Mary Kyne, Mary Howley, P.J.Callanan, Carmel Niland and Brian Hynes were elected to attend the meeting.
Mary Kyne was proposed by P.J.Callanan and seconded by Carmel Niland to go forward for NEC Committee
This concluded the business of the meeting. 50 teachers enjoyed a Three Course lunch afterwards.
Runaí: Mary Kyne