SecUpdate April2022
Beannachtai, members Laois RTAI,Just a notice re. a number of items/upcoming events/changes etc.
The next Social Meeting of Laois Branch RTAI is scheduled for TUESDAY week next 12th APRIL and it is planned to have a TABLE QUIZ (by Mick Linehan)as part of the get-together.As outlined in previous correspondence Mountrath Golf Club was the venue in mind for this but it is currently not available on Tuesdays. An alternative venue has to be organised and I will let you know of venue in advance (still awaiting suggestions/ a venue that serves teas-coffees). Re. The table quiz situation and in light of the recent developments in the Covid pandemic just be aware that social distancing would not be possible so perhaps it would be preferable if masks were worn or if people at high risk would not attend (opinions anyone ??)
The Golf Outing was also fixed for Mountrath but there is a change to the venue and time for that event. It will now take place in RATHDOWNEY GOLF CLUB on the same day as planned THURSDAY 14TH APRIL but with an assembly ( starting) time of 1.00. Mary Dooley will be the co-ordinator for this and I will issue more information re. same in advance.
The RTAI National body is holding its Annual Convention/AGM in Croke Park on Wednesday next 6TH April and the Laois branch will be represented by myself and Bernadette Clear. Other Laois members will attend in a different capacity-Mary McCarthy as National Executive Committee member and incoming National Vice-President,Sheelagh Coyle as ex National President,Catherine Coleman as member of Standing Orders Committee and Anne Curtin as member of Financial Supervisory Committee.
Laois branch have a motion for this convention -Convention demands that all services obtained from a GP for those 70 years and older with a GP visit card to be free of charge. This motion was prompted by the practice of some health centres in charging over 70s for things like blood tests etc. while others do not ,and the motion is intended to clarify the situation and clear the inconsistenties. To help us with proposing the motion I would welcome some more evidence re the situation-if you are over 70 and have been charged for such services please let me know (e-mail/phone) before Tuesday next.
I have been contacted by a member, who in her concern for the plight of refugees from Ukraine to Ireland, attended the Parish Centre in Portlaoise to see what assistance she could offer to help the situation .She would suggest that like-minded retired teachers might consider likewise by attending a MEET AND GREET meeting in the Portlaoise Parish Centre on any Tuesday at 12 noon. Our member believes that our colleagues would have the necessary experience in helping out with oral language for pre-schoolers and conversation for adults and is hopeful of a good response for this request.If you think you could be of benefit in helping Ukranians with English learning or in any other way please attend the Meet and Greet.
Sean Mullaney (Runai RTAI Laoise 2021) rtailaois@gmail.com 087-6324547
(Laois website www.rtailaois.com Administrator paddybates42@gmail.com)
Laois Branch RTAI (RTAI Laoise) is a constituent branch of the Retired Teachers Association of Ireland (R.T.A.I.) having its registered office at Vere Foster House, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
(Vere Foster House eircode DO1 ET 35 Phone 01-2454130 Web www.rtaireland.ie e-mail info@rtaireland.ie )