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.
I looked for some wise words to get the new year going positively (plenty of negative media out there) and found a few Maeve Binchey quotes among my WhatsApp posts that I’ll share:
“I don’t have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turning into confident ducks.”
“The great thing about getting older is that you become more mellow. Things aren’t as black and white, and you become much more tolerant.”
“Nobody is ordinary if you know where to look.”
“We are all the heroes and heroines of our own lives. Our love stories are amazingly romantic; our losses and betrayals and disappointments are gigantic in our own minds.”
“If you don’t go to a dance you can never be rejected, but you’ll never get to dance either.”
“The whole art of life is knowing the right time to say things.”
“We’re nothing if we’re not loved. When you meet somebody who is more important to you than yourself, that has to be the most important thing in life, really. And I think we are all striving for it in different ways.”
“I think you’ve got to play the hand that you’re dealt and stop wishing for another hand.”
“We get courage from other people’s stories. We get consolation from the way they tell about failures, disappointments and crises. It means that we are not alone.”
“Learn to type. Learn to drive. Have fun. Write postcards. (Letters take too long and you won’t do it; a postcard takes two minutes.) Be punctual. Don’t worry about what other people are thinking. They are not thinking about you. Write quickly. (Taking longer doesn’t usually make it better.) Get up early. See the world. Call everybody by their first name, from doctors to presidents. Have parties. Don’t agonise. Don’t regret. Don’t fuss. Never brood. Move on. Don’t wait for permission to be happy. Don’t wait for permission to do anything. Make your own life.”
Once again we are deferring our Summer Lunch and Monster Raffle.
With the widespread vaccination programme progressing, let’s keep our fingers crossed that we’ll all meet up later in the year.
My new hobby – visiting Gardens. My first excursion was Sunday last to Patthana Gardens in Kiltegan. I took the scenic route with Google Maps prompting, through Talbotstown.
RTAI publishes its newsletter, “Comhnasc” three times a year. It contains the most up-to-date information on issues of immediate interest to retired teachers, including, pensions, salary, social welfare, health and changes in taxation and budgetary matters. Articles written by our members are also included.
An archive of previously published magazines (back as far as 2015) is available on artireland.ie
Want to start the New Year creatively? Poemathon with Older People hopes to brings a spotlight to our voices, imagination and creativity. You only have to compose ONE LINE.
The contributions will be combined to form a longer poem that captures the thoughts and imaginings of older people right now in society. John Sheahan, one of Ireland’s best known musicians and member of The Dubliners, has penned the opening line of the poem: “Intrepid intruder, stalker of unwashed hands”.
A reminder that there is a four-year time limit for claiming tax back, for example on health expenses and flat rate expenses.
In particular, you are reminded that you can claim a tax credit for Teaching Council renewal fee, and for flat rate expenses incurred in the course of your employment.
The deadline for 2016 claims is 31 December, so now is a good time to check that you have claimed all of your entitlements.
RTA Kildare Branch. Due to Covid 19 the usual AGM will not be taking place. The NEC has authorised the Branch Committee to act on behalf of the general Branch meeting.
