DECEMBER AGM REPORT

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW COMMITTEE

Chairperson: Carmel Gleeson

Vice Chair: Michael Minogue

Secretary: Mary Kennedy

Míle buíochas to out-going officers, Martin Hoban and Fidelma Farrell for their wonderful service. We appreciate all the time and effort you have put in on our behalf.

DELEGATES TO ANNUAL CONVENTION:

Carmel Gleeson, Michael Minogue, Mary Kennedy and Geraldine McHugh will attend Convention in Croke Park on 28th March. Our branch nomination for President is Mary McCarthy and for Vice President is Charlotte May.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

TRIPS AND OUTINGS:

After 8 years of organising tours and trips for us, Rena McAllen is resigning as chief organizer – you’ll be sadly missed, Rena, but I’m sure you will share your expertise with next organizer. Many branches join together to make up numbers for outings and Mary McCarthy, our new President, is assured that members from ARTI Laois Branch would be happy to join with us if numbers were required. Some of the small branches joined together in September 2022 for a few days in Westport – a great time was had by the 80 attendants and there were lots of activities over the few days. This year an Autumn break (8th – 11th October) to Kilkenny is planned. it is open to members from all branches. Please see www.rtaireland.ie for booking details.

GOLF OUTING:

RTAI GOLF CLASSIC 2023 – Mon 22^nd May

VENUE: Mountrath Golf Club, Co Laois.

ACCOMMODATION: Midland Park Hotel, Portlaoise.

To ensure our branch gets an opportunity to enter a team, please book through Mary Kennedy, Branch Secretary – booking accepted till 7th May

NATIONAL BRIDGE CONGRESS

A Bridge congress is being planned for 2023 – more news to follow

DANCE CLASS

Our Dance Class continues every second Wednesday in the Town House Hotel. Check it out!

WANTED: VOLUNTEERS FOR READING PROGRAMME

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Would you like to support children with reading?

We are recruiting volunteers to the

BETTER BASICS BOOSTING READING PROGRAMME

Training will take place over 2 Wednesdays – 30th Nov and 7th Dec

Contact: aine@countykildarelp.ie or 045 895450 to register

SOME NEWS FROM RTAI

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Branch Secretaries Conference Wednesday October 26th 2022

Brief summary of the happenings – I’ll be brief as Billy will brief us all at AGM and it will also appear in the next CONÁSC

Firstly, Money Matters

BUDGET 2023

20% tax band expanded by €3200 (should be worth about €640)
Slight adjustment to USC (worth about €40)
PAYE and Personal Credits both up by about €75 (worth €150)
TOTAL SAVING worth about €830 p.a.
PENSION ISSUES – abatement while subbing continues; Retention of age 66 as age for State Pension (higher pension for those working on after 66 to max 70); increases in PRSI to follow; Coordinated Pension – ask Billy about this?

2. Billy’s retirement – his post was advertised in the Times 27th October. but he assured he’s not disappearing immediately. he will be working with his replacement as soon as possible.

3. Three short workshop presentations by members

Organising activities for members and connecting with local organisations: Cavan Branch have a committee who link with outside agencies to provide activities and information.
Organising Prayer/Remembrance service: Wicklow Branch organised an Ecumenical service after Covid
Organising National Events – a very successful outing to Westport was organised by the Kilkenny Branch for small branches as a pilot. There were very positive reports and so it will be extended next year to all branches on a first come first served basis. Vice President Mary McCarthy also organised a very successful Golf Tournament with reps from all branches invited.

If you need to contact RTAI, it’s best done by email

info @ taireland.ie

generalsecretary@rtaireland.ie

Also keep an eye on their web page, for all updates.