National Convention March 13, 2013
Five delegates from the branch attend the first National Convention held under the new rules of RTAI in Dublin. Anne Fay, President INTO, Noel Ward INTO, Christy Mc Conghale TUI and Sussie Hall ASTI addressed the meeting. They expressed concerns about the cuts envisaged in salaries and pensions in the New Croke Park agreement. This was the most difficult agreement that INTO had ever to negotiate, as there was no perception of fairness in it. In justice the Retired Teachers Unions should have been included in the talks but they were not. INTO negotiated on our behalf and we are indebted to them for their efforts in securing the best deal possible for our members.
It was brought to our attention that:
1. Members receiving a UK State pension is entitled to a fuel allowance of 200 euro a year as well as a European Medical Card.
2. Members should make a will and put their affairs in order.
3. Members are asked to join our own Credit Union and if at all possible to consider having a small sum of money deducted at source form their pension.
Motions Passed:
1. NEC to give funds to INTO fighting fund in the event of Industrial action being taken in support of teachers’ salaries, pensions and conditions of work.
2. An allocation of 11 euro per member be paid to Branches.
3. RTAI Convention fully supports the stance taken by the INTO in its campaign for fairness and equality of treatment of newly qualified teachers, serving teachers and retired teachers.
4. Convention calls on the Government to introduce Medical cards without means testing for all on reaching 75.
Mary Kyne was elected to the NEC to represent Galway, Mayo and Sligo.