Report on AGM 2014

The impact of this on membership levels has yet to be clarified as eircom management are fully taken up with current major restructuring. The President did confirm however that the Association is fully committed to continuing to serve the best interests of the estimated 2000 eircom pensioner members who remain in membership.

The adoption of a Constitution for the Alliance of Retired public Servants was heralded as a breakthrough development in securing ministerial recognition for an umbrella organisation representing public service pensioners. Following the dismissal of representation for pensioners during the Haddington Road talks the Alliance mounted an effective campaign in the campaign and at political level and eventually secured recognition of its representative credentials. The Alliance has already engaged in talks with officials on the need for the Minister to set out a programme for the Government to exit its public service pension emergency reduction measures. A meeting with the Minister is pending.

The Hon. Secretary, Brian Fitzpatrick, speaking to the Annual Report, paid tribute to the former Treasurer, Martin Lawlor, who died after a short illness in July last. In the course of the meeting a special motion was passed unanimously to donate €5,000 in Martin’s memory to the Rowland Hill Memorial Fund of Ireland to support its welfare services to serving and retired members of An Post and eircom who are in need.

He also highlighted efforts being made to support the work of Branches of the Association including the creation of a web site to better inform members and help build greater engagement across the Association. He drew attention to the energy and leadership of the Vice-President, Mary Farrell on this development.

The most memorable aspect of the AGM was undoubtedly the discussion and determination of resolutions including a number of amendments to the Rules. Among the Rule amendments the 2 key provisions passed were the increase in the Membership Subscription to €10 per annum and the establishment of an Annual Consultative Forum for Branch officers and Council members.

The meeting also passed a range of motions on pension levies and cuts, emerging taxes and charges, including discriminatory features effecting public service pensioners. Other motions passed highlighted benefit reductions including health and medical card developments.