National Convention March 2015
Seán Mc Mahon President. INTO, Noel Ward Deputy General Secretary INTO, Denis Desmond our own General Secretary and brother Kevin Crowley Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless in Dublin addressed the meeting. Ita Sweeney incoming President paid a special tribute Denis Desmond who is retiring from RTAI after 21 years service. Through his dedication, commitment, negotiating skills and financial acumen he is leaving RTAI organization in a structurally and financially sound situation. Above all Denis’ sensitivity, care and interest in the welfare of members was never found wanting as he assisted and advised members seeking help in difficult times of bereavement, separation/divorce, illness, addiction and accidents.
Professional Counseling service is now available – 3 sessions free of charge: You pay extra for extra sessions. The service is confidential and is administered from Northern Ireland.
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| N.E.C. 2015 |
In the space of 21 years RTAI under Denis’ guidance has risen from 2,300 members to 9,350. Between 1998-2004 our pensions were increased by 79% . Now that is eaten away by FEMPI (the emergency legilation) which was introduced. RTAI , NEC through the Alliance of Retired Public Servants, The Congress of Trade Unions and SIPTU (100.000 members) wants this legislation repealed. Then the restoration of our pensions to the ‘pre cuts’ position can take place.
The emergency is over and all political candidates in the forth coming elections should be canvassed to reduce the burden on Puiblic Servant’s Pensions and Salaries. Brendan Howlin said that he would start with the lowest paid who have an average pension of 19,000 euro, next comes the group on 23.000 euro and teachers have an average of 30,000–40.000 euro so we get little sympathy in the public eye. We need the leverage of INTO and the Alliance to address our cause as we don’t want to wait too long to have it reversed.
Health Insurance: A motion was passed that the NEC would use all possible means at its disposal to negotiate a reduction on Health Insurance Premiums. Clarity of plans was necessary as there are 247 plans with over 48 restrictions. It is a nightmare to trawl through this maze. Dermot Good offers a free service through Cornmarket to sort the plan most suitable to your needs. Contact him about 6 weeks prior to your renewal date. Members say he is excellent.
Tax/ Revenue.
Tax Consultant Damian Wilson will summit a Tax return for you for 185 euro. Contact Head office for information.
Appointment of the National Secretary.
There were 24 applications. They were wilted down to 11 and then 5. After due diligence and due process was followed under the guidance of O Donavan’s Associates one candidate emerged a clear front runner and was offered the position. The candidate’s name will be disclosed on the 25th March when the contract has been signed.
Medical Card is based on the gross salary – the ‘old gross’ is still left on the pay slip. This is incorrect when deciding the eligibility on acquiring a Medical card. Watch out for this.
Brother Kevin Crowley:
Delegates were immensely impressed with Brother Crowley’s address to members. A frail man of 80 years of age with the heart of a giant helps to feed over 800 destitute people on a daily basis at the Capuchin Day Centre on the Quays. Every Wednesday volunteers distribute 1800- 1850 food parcels to those in need – the homeless,
Brother Kevin expressed great concern for the continual major drug problem affecting so many in our city. Mothers and children who walk the streets have no homes and are obliged to seek shelter in hotel rooms with no cooking, laundry or home work facilities for children. Many are dying on our streets with no notice taken.
It costs 2.3 million euro to run the Centre and the government gives 450.000 and the shortfall comes from donations. The Centre has a full time nurse and the service of a dentist and a doctor. Brother Kevin was most grateful to the ambulance service who rescues the people from the streets. He is a firm believer in the power of prayer and that the Lord will provide. He hopes to take early retirement when he retires at 90!
Donations can be sent to Brother Kevin Crowley or Theresa at 29 Bow St. Dublin 7.
Phone 018720770
Bank of Ireland Smithfield, Dublin. IBAN IE12 BofI 90009282128752: Bic Code: BofIIE2D