The Quarterly Journal of the RTAI - Retired Teachers` Association of

Transcription

COMHNASC
T h e Q u a r t e r l y J o u r n a l o f t h e R TA I
RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION
OF IRELAND
Issue No. 7 – January 2013
Health Corner
Story and Humour
Sudoku and Crosswords
Financial and Legal Matters
Letters to Editor
and much more
Tramore Beach Under Snow. Photo: James McCartan
COMHNASC -
The Quarterly Journal of the RTAI - Page 1
Editorial Comment
Comhnasc General Editor:
Denis Desmond
I’m like a record “stuck in a groove” writing and talking
about the Croke Park Agreement. It is however the only
serious topic of conversation in the office and with the
INTO and other Public Service Unions. The
government, in talks before Christmas, informed us that
under the terms agreed with the Troika, One Billion Euro
more needs to be saved from the Public Service payroll
General Secretary, R.T.A.I.,
by end of 2015. To this end, cutbacks have to begin in
Denis Desmond
2013 and so serious talks must start very soon in January.
It is intended that much of the saving will be made by reducing staff numbers still
further and increasing workload on remaining staff at no extra cost to the exchequer.
We do not as yet know how this could impact on teaching.
On the other hand the government has held out an incentive by suggesting an
extension of the Agreement until 2016 in return for these savings. While an extension
of the core points of the agreement – no compulsory redundancies and no reduction
in core salaries/pensions – might at first seem attractive to our members, we await the
detail of implementation and will liaise closely with INTO on matters.
In the meantime we urge all members to support INTO at local level in any lobbying,
protests etc. that may be organised (Please see “Office News” on page 4). While we
all hope for a peaceful negotiated outcome to these financial matters, we must however
be prepared to go to “war” if necessary for the protection of our pensions. “Ní neart
go cur le chéile”.
You may already be aware of the government’s intention for “early implementation” of
the abolition of certain allowances for serving teachers. If carried through – and legal
opinion has been sought on this – the cuts may also be applied to pensions of retired
teachers who hold such allowances. The allowances in question are: Allowance for
teaching through Irish (Scoileanna Lán Ghaeilge), Island Allowance, Allowance for
teaching in a Gaeltacht area and Allowance for acting as Secretary to Board of
Management. A combination of 2 of these allowances could amount to 4% of total
gross salary/pension while a combination of all 4 could amount to 9% of total gross
salary/pension.
Joe Conway has constructed a very extensive article on the recent budget later in this
publication (page 11) but I take opportunity in the “Office News” (page 4) to highlight
some of the principal issues for retired teachers.
On an entirely different issue, our Annual Convention takes place in the Teachers’
Club on Tuesday 12th March with delegates from all 33 branches in attendance.
This will be the first Convention under our new rules and all nominations and motions
from branches are now with us in the office. Official branch delegates will be notified
by end of February and supplied with all relevant reports, financial statements etc.
Aithbhliain faoi shéan, faoi mhaise ‘s faoi shláinte do gach ball agus do gach duine is ansa libh
go léir ón Coiste Feidhmeannach Náisiúnta.
Copy Date for Next Issue is: Friday 15th March, 2013
Please note our new address for your submissions. It is [email protected] We welcome your stories, poems, photographs,
articles, book-reviews, humour and pictures. Best if they come by email, but we will try to manage submissions in other
formats. It is helpful to know also if they have been published elsewhere, as there may be copyright issues.
In our Next Issue. . . .
All the usual favourites such as Financial & Legal, Health Issues, Crossword, Sudoku and Annual
Convention Report PLUS many other articles
. . . all in the next COMHNASC, in the post directly to you come Easter time.
COMHNASC -
Editor:
Joe Conway
Advertising:
Joe Conway
Design & Printing:
Mullen Print
Correspondence to:
The Editor,
Comhnasc,
R.T.A.I.,
Vere Foster House,
35 Parnell Square,
Dublin 1.
Telephone:
01-2454130
Fax:
01-8749117
Email:
Office
Comhnasc
[email protected]
[email protected]
Website:
www.rtaireland.ie
Office Hours:
9.00am - 4.30pm
Monday - Friday
Comhnasc is published by the
Retired Teachers’ Association of
Ireland and distributed to members
and interested parties. Comhnasc is
the most widely circulated magazine
for Retired Teachers in Ireland.
The views expressed in this journal
are those of the individual authors
and are not necessarily endorsed by
the R.T.A.I. While every care has
been taken to ensure that the
information contained in this
publication is up to date and correct,
no responsibility will be taken by the
R.T.A.I. for any error which might
occur.
Except where the Retired Teachers’
Association of Ireland has formally
negotiated agreements as part of its
services to members, inclusion of an
advertisement does not imply any
form of recommendation. While
every effort is made to ensure the
reliability of advertisers, the R.T.A.I.
cannot accept liability for the quality
of goods and services offered.
Office News
Budget Matters. - As mentioned in the “Editorial
Comment”, Joe Conway has written an excellent
article on the Budget later in Comhnasc. I want, in
addition, to highlight a number of areas which would
apply particularly to some of our members:PRSI. The Minister announced that PRSI would apply
in future to ALL income – not just salary/wages. This
would seem to imply income such as interest,
dividend etc. on savings. Three things to note – First
of all this measure is not due to come in until 2014.
Secondly – this measure was originally scheduled to
be introduced in 2012 but officials failed to come up
with a satisfactory way of implementing it. There is
a school of thought that thinks they may again fail to
bring in a working method of doing this and that it
could possibly fall by default. Thirdly – PRSI does not
apply to any income for those over age 66 at present.
Does this mean that PRSI will now be introduced for
those over age 66??? Meantime – don’t worry – it
may never happen!!!
Household Benefits Package. This is the package of
benefits that apply to all those over 70 years of age
and also to those over 66 years of age but in receipt
of pension – Widow’s/Widower’s/ State or Old Age
Pension. The telephone allowance has been reduced
from €22.60 to €9.60 per month. Members may wish
to review the telephone package they have with their
telephone provider in view of this.
The
Electricity/Gas Allowance has now been set at a
single rate of €35 per month based on the average
market price. Previously electricity allowance was
€39.40 per month and €37.60 for gas.
TV Licence and Free Travel Pass. There is no change
in these items and all those over 70 (or over 66 if in
receipt of Social Protection Pension) are still entitled
to free TV licence. All persons over 66 are still
entitled to a Free Travel Pass.
Medical Cards – Over 70’s. People over 70 with an
income of €600 to €700 per week (€1,200 to €1,400
for a couple) will lose their Full Medical Card and
have it replaced with a GP Only Card. Those with less
than €600 (€1,200 per couple) will continue to be
entitled to the Full Medical Card. These changes will
not be introduced until a formal announcement has
been made by the Department of Health. They have
also indicated changes to the method of means
testing but no details have yet been given.
Prescription Charges for Medical Card Holders is
being increased from 50c. to €1.50 per item. Drugs
Payment Scheme is increased from €132 to €144 per
month.
DIRT. 12 months ago, DIRT was charged at 25%.
Last January it was increased to 30% and it has again
been increased to 33%. Many members might now
think of the tax free savings with An Post.
Tax Credits Certificates are being issued at present.
These are important documents and should be filed
safely for reference – after you check the details to
ascertain if they are correct. All queries to your local
tax office, contact details of which are on the
certificate.
MAJOR DAY OF ACTION – 9th FEBRUARY 2013.- INTO
will be playing a major part in the National Day of
Protest organised by ICTU for Saturday 9th February.
We have been asked to help and I would urge as many
members as possible to join the marches in your own
local area. Details will be announced in local
newspapers in plenty of time. We should join with our
INTO colleagues on the marches and be guided by their
stewards. We must protest with our teaching
colleagues for a change in the national debt
restructuring campaign in order to save our country
from ruin and to lessen the demands on ourselves for
future years.
Email contact details. Please note that the email
address for office matters is: [email protected] /
email for Comhnasc is: [email protected]
SPECIAL RATES FOR RTAI MEMBERS
“Where Do I Go for Printing?”
Book Publishing,
Business Cards,
Letterheads, Docket
Books, Party
Invitations, Magazines,
Moving Cards, etc. etc.
Page 4 - COMHNASC
-
Please quote Ref. No.: Comh010 for your RTAI Special Rate
MULLEN PRINT
RATED
ED AND OPE
IRISH OWN
Unit B1, Centrepoint, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11.
Tel: 01-8853755 Fax: 01-8853756
Email: [email protected] Web: www.mullenprint.com
The Quarterly Journal of the RTAI
•
•
Froebel 70
1943-2013
Froebel College of Education
wishes to celebrate the 70th
anniversary of the founding of
the college. This coincides with
the ground-breaking transition
from the Dominican site in Sion Hill, Blackrock to
the NUI Maynooth campus in September 2013.
T o mark this occasion, a celebratory dinner for our
alumni – Froebel 70 - will be held in the Burlington
Hotel on Saturday April 20th 2013. Cost €67.00
It is anticipated that graduates of each year group
will join us for this momentous occasion
If you wish to attend please contact Breda Stanley
Pickford at Ph. 01 2888520 or by e-mail bspickford
@froebel.ie
Your assistance in contacting your classmates
would be greatly appreciated.
Further updates throughout this year will be
available on www.froebel.ie
Bígí linn!
Camino de Madrid
I am hoping to walk part, or all, of the Camino de
Madrid next June 2013 for about 2 weeks. I am a 58
year old retired male teacher. Anyone interested in
coming along? It is supposed to be a lovely,
relatively easy walk and very quiet so company
would be nice. Dates are flexible. Please email if
you are interested. David – [email protected]
Cork Branch AGM
Pictured at the recent A.G.M. of the Cork Branch of R.T.A.I. held in Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig
are members of the Committee. From left - Mary Fitzgerald, Pat Barry, Vela Ó Brádaigh, Denis
Desmond (General Secretary R.T.A.I.) and Marie Denehy.
(Picture: Seán Radley)
COMHNASC -
A City with a Story to Tell
Des O’Dowd (South Dublin Branch)
How possibly could a person be bored in Dublin? Dublin, I have worked to shape
Stand on Howth Head on a bright day and look and squeeze the city’s story into
across that amazing bay sheltering beneath the a manageable presentation of
sentinel mountains. Imagine those first settlers talks and walks... but the story
who rounded the headland and manoeuvered escapes from its neat box and takes off on tangents
their flimsy craft up the Liffey to find a new that are fun to follow. The more you learn about this
home. They lived in a land of trees and shadows city, the more you will feel part of it, respect it and
and darkness and wild screams coming from the want to know and see more.
surrounding forests and hills. Picture the fervent Follow the Malton Trail, visit our silent churches
monks as they established a new haven of peace where generations prayed, believed and dreamed
and learning on the banks of the Poddle in the of better. Stand in the castle courtyard, the centre
6th Century. Viking raiders shattered that dream of Government and ‘A Devil’s Half-Acre’ for seven
but stayed to settle and build the first town. They hundred years. Behind the castle walls, slip up
too had their day when Dermot MacMurrough led Hoey’s Court where Swift was born, tread out into
the invincible Anglo-Norman army through the Castle Street where hung the severed heads of
mountains and up to the walls of Dyflyn, to Gaelic Chieftains
conquer and re-build a city of stone. Now when and make your way
we look around we see the Georgian splendour to St. Werburghs
their descendants left behind, in what was a and touch the
golden age for Dublin architecture. But that tiger baptisimal
font
had his day too and our city’s story still unfolds. where Swift was
The story of Dublin has been told well in many good christened, above
books such as Richard Killeen’s “Historical Atlas of the crypt where lie
Dublin” and Peter Somerville-Large’s “Dublin – The the remains of Lord
Fair City”, but if you want to feel the city as it lives Edward Fitzgerald.
and breathes then you must walk its streets and Have you touched
lanes. Follow the route of the old city wall, breathe the Lucky Stone of
in the musty air of the Christchurch crypt, listen to St. Audeons? If you Charles Manners, 4th Duke of Rutland, who
the ancient bells of St. Audeon’s or the echo of have, you have “. . . would teach the Irish how to drink”.
footsteps as you brushed against one of the few surviving relics of
enter
the Early Christian Dublin. Stand inside City Hall, our
h a l l o w e d old Royal (Stock) Exchange and delight in its dome
grounds
of and mosaics – then step outside and look down
Trinity College Parliament Street, built by the Wide Streets
that once was Commission to open the North Side to the Castle
the Augustinian and its administrative clutches – and let Malton’s
Abbey of All picture of the same street come to life for you there.
Hallows.
You You might later pause by the Rutland Fountain on
View from Capel Stree, looking over Essex Bridge, tread
in the Merrion Square and remember Charles Manners,
Dublin.
footsteps
of the Duke of Rutland and Lord Lieuetentant, who
Swift and Emmet, of Silken Thomas and James declared he would teach the Irish how to drink!
Gandon, of Lambert Simnell and Molly Malone – Remember how Mrs. Leeson, the leading madame
(according to St. Werburgh’s parish records, the of Dublin at the time recalled in her diary how she
fishmonger was buried in St. John’s Churchyard). and her girls were “soberly drinking our tea” when
In my conducted peregrinations in historical who should arrive at her door but ‘Honest Charley’
COMHNASC -
as she recalls, he had her
immediately placed on the
Pensions List under a borrowed
name for £300 a year. Oh... how
our city has changed!
Finish your ramblings through
Historic Dublin on the bay
where we started our musings…
this time on the Great South
Wall. Wonder at the men who
made this granite monument to
Dubliners’
determination,
ingenuity and enterprise.
How could you be bored in this
grand old city?
A group of Des’ walkers on the South Wall.
accompanied by his aide de camps and a troop of
horse with sword in hand. The latter remained on
horse-back outside until his Grace decided to
depart some sixteen hours later… but not before,
For details on how to join Des for his walks and talks,
see the advertisement below.
Carysfort Class of 1956 -’58
Remember the wonderful 50th reunion in 2008?
Meeting again for lunch in Dublin in May 2013 to celebrate 55 years.
Further information from
Maire - 042 9332454/087 7508230
Mary - 042 9376270/087 6671801
Page 8 - COMHNASC
-
Kay - 047 81524/087 7979725
Nora - 047 72072/085 7106663
extraordinary really considering our horrendous
censorship. However, banning it would have led to
even greater popularity so perhaps... it should have
been!
Is mise
Mary O Malley
Cork
From Ted Garvey
From Cyril Kelly
Dear Editor
Got the latest issue of Comhnasc today. It is
excellent; thought provoking and entertaining.
A special thanks for the inclusion of O'Connell's Rock
photograph in the story Retirement Rapparees ... the
snap adds an immediacy to the text.
Beir bua,
Cyril Kelly
From Mary Harrington
Dear Editor,
I was delighted that my article was published in
Comhnasc.It gave me a boost!
I enjoy reading Comhnasc every quarter. The graphics
accompanying each article add a lovely touch.
The "Pádraig Ó Siochrú" mentioned in "Way Ahead
Of Our Time" used to bring a sack full of logs to my
mother every Christmas as a Christmas box!
I hope that you are keeping well.
Le gach dea -ghuí,
Mary Harrington
From Mary O’Malley
Dear Editor
Let's be accurate in “Comhnasc”!
Ulysses was never banned in Ireland. It was not
readily available - (all the more so because it was
banned in the U.K. and the U.S.). This was
Dear Editors,
I hope all goes well with you and your work for retired
teachers. I refer to the submission by Michael
Mulleady of Roscommon Branch in the recent edition
of “Comhnasc”.
I think that Michael was in St.Pat's in my time possibly a "hedger" and he mentions a Jim Doyle
that I knew in Coláiste Íosagáin - a good friend of
mine. I found the article very interesting – mainly
because I set out for Rome the same year on a 500 cc
BSA with my brother on pillion, and we had rather
similar experiences. We made it!
The next year -1954-I set out again, for Spain this
time, Lourdes on the way, San Sebastian, followed
the Ebro valley and had a week in Barcelona. We
came back through Paris, then ferry to Dover, etc.
This time, my pillion rider was Denis O Driscoll--teaching in Cork at the time
I would like to commend you and co-workers on
“Comhnasc” for producing such an enjoyable
Quarterly Magazine.
Le mór mheas
Ted Garvey
Cork
COMHNASC welcomes letters from members and
readers. Please keep them as concise as
possible. Letters may be edited and they need
not refer to material in previous editions. They
should be sent by email (preferably) to
[email protected]
or to
RTAI at Vere Foster House.
COMHNASC -
Financial & Legal
Niche
BUDGET 2013
PERSONAL TAX
INCOME TAX
• There were no changes to the Income Tax rates.
• The exemption limits, tax credits and standard
rate bands applicable for the tax year 2013 are
set out in detail on the back page. There are no
changes from the previous year.
UNIVERSAL SOCIAL CHARGE
• The only change to USC is that the reduced rate
of USC for those over 70 years of age with an
income in excess of €60,000 will be discontinued
from 1 January 2013 and the standard rates of
USC will apply (as detailed below).
MORTGAGE INTEREST RELIEF
• Enhanced mortgage interest relief introduced in
last year’s budget will end on 31 December 2012.
Thereafter anyone who purchases a new
residential property will no longer qualify for
mortgage interest relief.
PENSION CHANGES
•From 1 January 2014 tax relief on pension
contributions will be allowable where the pension
schemes will deliver income up to €60,000 per
annum.
• Tax relief on pension contributions will continue
at the marginal rate of tax.
• The levy on pension funds announced as part of
the Jobs Initiative Scheme will not be renewed
after 31 December 2014.
• An individual will now be allowed a once-off
option to withdraw up to 30% of the value of
additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) preretirement. Withdrawals will be liable to tax at
the individual’s marginal rate. This option will be
available for 3 years from the passing of the
Finance Bill 2013.
TERMINATION PAYMENTS
Top Slicing Relief will no longer be available from
1 January 2013 on ex-gratia lump sums in
respect of termination and severance payments
where the non-statutory payment is €200,000 or
over.
BIK AND PREFERENTIAL LOANS
• From 1 January 2013 the specified interest rate
used in calculating the taxable benefit for
preferential loans will increase from 12.5% to
13.5%.
• The specified rate used to calculate the taxable
benefit from home loans will decrease from 5%
to 4%.
DIRT
• The rate of retention tax that applies to deposit
interest is being increased from 30% to 33%.
• The rate of tax that applies to life assurance
policies and investment fund payments made less
frequently than annually is also being increased
by 3% from 33% to 36%.
• The increased rates will apply to payments made
on or after 1 January 2013.
MATERNITY BENEFIT
• Maternity benefit will be taxable for all claimants
with effect from 1 July 2013. This benefit is not
liable to USC.
FILM RELIEF
• The film tax relief scheme is to be extended to
2020.
COMHNASC -
BUSINESS TAX
CORPORATION TAX RATE
• The Minister reiterated in his Budget speech that
the 12.5% Corporation Tax rate will remain in
place indefinitely.
EMPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENT
INCENTIVE SCHEME (EIIS)
• There is to be an extension of the EIIS from 2014
to 2020.
AVIATION SECTOR
TAX EXEMPTION FOR START-UP COMPANIES
• The 3 year tax exemption for start-up companies
is being extended to allow any unused relief
arising in the first 3 years of trading to be carried
forward.
• This is subject to the maximum amount of relief
in any one year not exceeding the eligible
amount of employer’s PRSI in that year.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT
• The expenditure allowed on a volume basis for
the purpose of the 25% R&D tax credit is being
increased from €100,000 to €200,000.
• The R&D tax credit regime will be reviewed in
2013.
CLOSE COMPANY SURCHARGE
• The de minimis amount of undistributed
investment, rental and professional income
which may be retained by a close company
without giving rise to a surcharge on such
income is being increased from €635 to €2,000.
VAT
• The annual VAT cash receipts basis threshold for
small and medium enterprises is being increased
from €1m to €1.25m with effect from 1 May
2013.
EXCISE DUTY RELIEF FOR HAULIERS
• A rebate of excise duty on auto-diesel for
licensed road hauliers will be introduced from 1
July 2013.
• This initiative will be strictly policed to ensure
the beneficiaries are fully tax compliant.
FOREIGN EARNINGS DEDUCTION
• Foreign earnings deduction is to be extended for
work related travel to certain countries beyond
the BRICs which support exports.
Page 12 - COMHNASC
-
• An accelerated capital allowance scheme over 7
years in relation to the construction of certain
aviation-specific facilities will operate for a
period of 5 years.
CAPITAL TAXES
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
• The rate of Capital Gains Tax is increased to 33%
from 30% in respect of disposals made after 5
December 2012.
CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS TAX
• The rate of Capital Acquisitions Tax is increased
to 33% from 30% in respect of gifts and
inheritances made after 5 December 2012.
• The new thresholds are set out hereunder:
A-Parent to child 225,000 /250,000
B-Between related persons 29,887/ 33,208
C-Between non-related persons 14,944/ 16,604
PROPERTY TAX
LOCAL PROPERTY TAX (LPT)
• A new Local Property Tax will commence on 1 July
2013.
• LPT will be administered by the Revenue
Commissioners.
• The tax will be charged at 0.18% of market value
up to €1m.
• A rate of 0.25% will apply to any excess in value
over €1m.
• Only a half year will be charged for 2013.
• There will be a system of taxable bands in
increments of €50,000 for properties valued less
than €1m.
• LPT will be calculated by applying the tax rate to
the midpoint of the band.
• Properties valued over €1m will be assessed at
the actual value (no banding will apply), i.e.
0.18% on the first €1m in value and 0.25% on
the excess.
• Owners of residential properties including rental
properties will be responsible for payment of the
tax.
• The initial valuation will be valid up to and
including 2016.
• Certain properties will be exempt from LPT. These
exemptions largely correspond to exemptions
from the Household Charge.
• Where LPT remains outstanding, a charge will
attach to that property.
• In the case of the self-employed, the
RevenueCommissioners will not issue a tax
clearance certificate where there is unpaid LPT.
In addition, non-compliance will be linked to the
filing of an Income Tax return, thus exposing a
self-employed taxpayer to an Income Tax
surcharge.
HOUSEHOLD CHARGE / NON - PRINCIPAL
PRIVATE RESIDENCE CHARGE (NPPR)
• The Household Charge will cease with effect from
1 January 2013.
• In relation to the Household Charge, any arrears
that are not discharged before 1 July 2013 will
be increased to €200 and will be collected
through the LPT system.
• The NPPR charge will cease with effect from 1
January 2014. However, unpaid arrears together
with any interest and penalties will remain a
charge on the property.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT)
• A REIT is an established internationally
recognised model of property investment which
is to be introduced in order to allow investors to
access property investment in a risk diversified
manner. Qualifying income and gains in a REIT
will be exempt from Corporation Tax at the level
of the REIT Company. The REIT is required to
distribute profits annually for taxation at
investor level.
FARMER TAXATION
STOCK RELIEF
• Stock relief of 25% has been extended for a
further 3 years to 2015.
• The Young Trained Farmer stock relief of 100% is
also extended for a further 3 years to 2015.
• There is an extension to the definition of
registered farm partnerships to include other
registered farm partnerships, such as beef
production partnerships for the purpose of the
50% rate of stock relief.
RELIEF FOR FARM RESTRUCTURING
• To enable farm restructuring, relief from Capital
Gains Tax will be available where the proceeds of
the sale of farm land are re-invested for the same
purpose.
• The initial sale or purchase transaction must
occur within the period commencing 1 January
2013 and ending on 31 December 2015. The sale
and purchase of the farm land must occur within
24 months of each other.
REDUCTION IN THE FARMERS’ FLAT RATE
• The farmers’ flat rate addition will be reduced
from 5.2% to 4.8% with effect from 1 January
2013.
MISCELLANEOUS
CHARITABLE DONATIONS
• A simplification of the scheme of tax relief for
donations to charitable and other approved
bodies is being introduced to give a blended rate
of relief of 31%.
EXCISE DUTIES
• No increase on excise duty on diesel and petrol.
• Excise duty on a packet of cigarettes is increasing
by 10 cent.
• Excise duty on a pint of beer or cider and a
standard measure of spirits is being increased by
10 cent.
• Excise duty on a 75cl bottle of wine is being
increased by €1 with pro-rata increases on other
products.
• These increases will take effect from midnight on
5 December 2012.
MOTOR
• Motor tax rates and VRT will increase with effect
from 1 January 2013.
CARBON TAX
• The Carbon Tax will be extended to solid fuels on
a phased basis. A rate of €10 per tonne will be
applied with effect from 1 May 2013 and a rate of
€20 from 1 May 2014.
COMHNASC -
MEDICAL CARDS
According to the Department, the changes to over
70s medical card entitlements will not take effect
until a formal announcement in 2013 - the
implementation date will be announced and
published in advance by the Department and HSE.
In the meantime, the current eligibility rules will
continue to apply. Current eligibility rules can be
checked and applications for cards made at
www.medicalcard.ie.
During 2013 the medical card weekly income limits
for people aged over 70 will decrease from
€700/€1,400 (single person/couple) to
€600/€1,200.
The medical card will be replaced with a GP Visit Card
if weekly income is in the range €600-€700 for a
single person or €1,200-€1,400 for a couple.
UNIVERSAL SOCIAL CHARGE (USC)
From 1 January 2013, the standard rates of USC will
apply to those aged 70 years of age and over and
medical card holders earning €60,000 and above. A
10% rate continues to apply to self-employed
income over €100,000.
The Death of Innocence
Michael McKeever (Sligo Branch)
Death came early to my son
Aged eight or nine;
I knew he wasn’t ready
It wasn’t the right time.
He tumbled into bed that night
And again he stared at me;
Was wrong so strong in this sad world
That he would have to see?
His startled eyes looked up at me,
I mumbled what I could;
I should have said a prayer with him
I think I really should.
An innocence had died that day
As he watched the TV screen
Of a strange event not long ago:
I sensed a silent scream.
JKF had died that day
In a souless Texas sun:
My child recoiled in horror
The nightmare had begun.
Retired Teachers’ Association of Ireland
– Members Only Offer –
from €49*
1DBB p.p.s.
Enjoy 1 nights’ Bed & Breakfast with one 3 course evening meal served
in our award-winning JWs Brasserie, for just €49.00 pps.
*Offer valid 1st January.-31st March 2013, excluding certain dates.
T&C apply, offer subject to availability.
The Wyatt Hotel, The Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo Tel: 098 25027
Tel: 098 25027 Fax: 098 26316 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.wyatthotel.com
Page 14 - COMHNASC
-
My Beautiful Lambretta
Mairead Doohan (Dublin South Branch)
Shortly after being appointed to my first teaching
post, and being flush with money (£6 10s 6d a week
– if I remember correctly!) I decided that I needed a
faster mode of transport than my old pedal cycle! I
had nothing but the greatest respect for the
venerable bike that had served me heroically in the
past. In my second year in Mary Immaculate
Training College, I plucked up enough courage to
bring the bike in with me after the summer
holidays. It saved me doing a sprint up Henry Street
after finally seeing the end of one of those “Carry
On” films which formed such a vital part of our sex
education in the Confraternity City of Limerick at
that time! Though I must confess that most of the
double entendres of the films passed over our Child
of Mary heads in those innocent days!
I think the
first inkling
that I had to
start divorce
proceedings
between
myself and
my beloved
old Rudge
came one
morning as I
was cycling
along a quiet country road to school.
I was in a happy mood, admiring the changing colours
of the autumn leaves when a Volkswagen passed me
by. Now I knew that car as every teacher in the district
would know it!
It was the dreaded Cigire, a man who had the
unmannerly habit of arriving early at the school gate,
sitting in his car, checking the arrival times of
teachers.
I tried to put on a spurt of speed much to the surprise
of my faithful old bike which didn’t respond. I had
forgotten to pump up the back tyre the night before
and it’s not easy to do a Stephen Roche on a soft tyre!
I was saved by my Principal, a very hospitable man,
especially to Cigirí and - it being a nippy sort of
morning - ushered him out to his equally hospitable
wife for a “warmer upper” – his name for a glass of
whisky! When the Cigire eventually honoured me with
his presence, he was most affable, declared everything
“an-mhaith ar fad,” having totally forgotten the
straggler on the bike! So in the interest of professional
punctuality, the bike had to go!
But what to get in its place, that was the rub! I didn’t
have money for a car but I had a friend who travelled
in style on a red Lambretta scooter and she told me it
took her everywhere! It certainly had the “ swish ” of
its Italian birth! More pertinently, it wasn’t a bit
thirsty - in other words, cheap to run! Miles and miles
for a half crown, a fill of petrol once a week and that
was it! I would have liked a red one like hers but didn’t
like to steal her thunder so I settled for a sombre blue.
She came with me to collect it and we rode it out to a
quiet road, with me pillion. There she gave me a short
lesson on the gears, brakes, and so on. I ran into the
ditch a few times but felt brave enough to ride it home,
a distance of 22 miles!
Luckily there were very few cars on the roads in those
days or I wouldn’t be penning these words. My mother
nearly fainted when she realised I had come “all that
way on your own!” But she eventually plucked up
enough courage to sit on the pillion seat and enjoy a
short ride!
That scooter was my freedom provider for the next
three years. It did indeed carry me everywhere! Every
morning in hail, rain or snow, it carried me the 24
miles to school and home again. I felt I owed it to the
bike never to be late or absent, as most of the teachers
thought I was crazy not to have got a car. So I took on
the weather without a care in those harsh winters of
‘61, ‘62 and ’63. Freedom and independence were all.
I had a few tumbles in the frost but I used wear an old
sheepskin jacket of my brothers and, even though it
made me look like the Michelin Man, I didn’t really
care. It kept out the icy blasts until I got a windshield
and that was all that mattered. A fashion statement I
most certainly was not! But they were Bohemian days
anyway, so I was probably regarded as an oddity.
I knew my
pupils were
green-eyed
with jealousy
and that helped too!
So why did I sell it? Pressure I suppose from parents
who thought, reasonably enough,that four wheels had
COMHNASC -
to be safer than two. So I did the dastardly deed and
sold it for £65!
Not alone did I sell it but I gave the purchaser an
hour’s tuition on how to ride it! He was a big
lúdramán of a fellow who fell off a few times and I had
to support him and the bike until he got the hang of it.
I felt like a traitor leaving it in his clumsy hands and
sensed he would not care for it like I had.
Even at this distance, I feel the sense of sorrow and
loss that Judas must have felt when he pocketed
the 30 pieces of silver! I didn’t go out to the nearest
tree and hang myself but I felt like it!
APARTMENT TO RENT BIARRITZ, S.W. FRANCE
Studio Apartment to let. Overlooking the Grande Plage
in Biarritz. Sleeps 2.
Dining table, chairs. Kitchenette with fridge, microwave,
2 cooking plates and all kitchen equipment.
Excellent location on the beach in town centre.
10 minutes from Biarritz Airport. Guggenheim, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pyrenees,
Lourdes, etc. all easily accessible by adjacent public transport.
For enquiries and bookings [email protected]
The Cana Wedding
Br. Malachy Buckley (Cork Branch)
Peter and Andy, big James and John,
Barty and Philip; Matthew and Tom,
Wee James and Simon; Judas and Jude,
And Jesus, too, joined in the jovial mood.
They mixed with the crowd and joined in the laughs,
They toasted the groom and the bride in large draughts
for they filled up their glasses again and again
The likes was ne'er seen, for the wine flowed like rain.
With water they filled all the jars to the brim.
He laid his hands on them and said with a grin "
Take some to the M.C." they did so in haste,
Your man took a sip and was chuffed with the taste.
Then Mary appeared with her sleeves rolled up high,
‘The jars are all empty, the place is gone dry
" My time is not yet, Ma! What do you expect?'
She just looked at the lads and said "Follow his beck"
‘I'm your Master and Lord, stay with me to the last,
enjoy the good times, when I'm gone you will fast.
Go out to my people and show them by love.
say there's room for them all in my mansions above"
At its November meeting of the National Executive
Committee, the RTAI instituted for 2013 two
bursaries to promote Lifelong Learning among its
members. These bursaries will be worth €500
each and will be presented at a joint ceremony,
with the INTO and Comhar Linn, in February of
2013.
Applications for the bursaries will be accepted
from any member who is engaged on a course of
learning, or will undertake one in 2013. There is
no application form – interested members will
write a letter to the Bursaries Committee,
indicating the nature of their lifelong learning
course and details thereof.
These application letters must be with the
Bursaries Committee at Vere Foster House on or
before Thursday, 31st January, 2013. The
decisions of the Committee will be final.
RTAI Bursaries for Lifelong Learning
COMHNASC -
PENTHOUSE APARTMENT TO RENT ON MARBELLA’S GOLDEN MILE, SPAIN
•
•
•
Rooftop terrace with view to the mountains and the sea
Barbecue and Sun Loungers on your own Private, Secluded
Roof Top
Sitting room with great views out to the Med and the
shipping coming through Gibraltar leading to a sunny
balcony for a relaxed breakfast
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two twin bedrooms, Two bathrooms
Swimming pool, gym, sauna, book exchange and free WiFi
All mod cons including Sky with Irish tv and radio
Beautiful walks on the prom to Marbella and Puerto Banus
Close to bus, underground parking, supermarket, seafront
and restaurants
Great location for touring the famous white mountain
villages or Malaga City and hinterland
Phone 086 389 4688
Email: [email protected]
Page 18 - COMHNASC
-
HEALTH CORNER
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, also known
as the “Fair Deal”, provides financial support to
people who need long-term nursing home care.
The scheme is operated by the HSE.
Under this scheme, you make a contribution
towards the cost of your care and the State pays the
balance. The scheme covers approved private
nursing homes, voluntary nursing homes and
public nursing homes. You can get the list of
approved nursing homes from the HSE.
Anyone who lives in the State ordinarily and is
assessed as needing long-term nursing home care
can apply for the scheme.
Nursing Home Subvention
This subvention has been replaced by the Nursing
Homes Support Scheme. The Nursing Home
Subvention scheme closed on 27 October 2009. If
you were getting a subvention on that date, you can
choose to continue to receive it or you can move to
the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
What is covered by the NHSS
The scheme covers long-term nursing home care
only. It does not cover short-term care such as
respite, convalescent care or day care although
these types of services may be provided in some
nursing homes.
The Act defines “long-term residential care
services” as maintenance, health and personal care
services. The Department of Health has further
clarified that this includes: bed and board, nursing
and personal care appropriate to the level of care
needs of the person, laundry service, and basic aids
and appliances necessary to assist a person with
the activities of daily living.
Other goods and services may be available under
schemes such as the Medical Card or Drugs Payment
Scheme.
There is a set level of funding for the scheme each
year, so there may be situations where a person’s
name must go onto a waiting list until funding
becomes available. If this is the case the HSE will
let you know when it writes to advise you whether
you are eligible for State support.
The “Fair Deal” Scheme
Rules
You must apply to the HSE on the standard
application form.
There are 3 steps in the application process:
Step 1 is an application for a Care Needs
Assessment – see below. The Care Needs
Assessment identifies whether or not you need
long-term nursing home care, that is, whether
you can be supported to continue living at home
or whether long-term nursing home care is more
appropriate.
Step 2 is an application for State support – see
below. The information that you give will be
used to complete the Financial Assessment – see
below - which decides how much you contribute
to your care and how much State support you
get. The Financial Assessment looks at your
income and assets in order to work out what
your contribution to the cost of your care will
be. The HSE will then pay the balance of your
cost of care. This payment by the HSE is called
State support.
All applicants must complete Steps 1 and 2.
Step 3 is an optional application for the Nursing
Home Loan, that is, if you want to defer paying
the part of your contribution which is based on
your home or other property.
The application form should be completed and
signed by the person who is applying for nursing
home care. However, in certain cases, another
person, called a Specified Person may apply on
their behalf (see page 22).
Care Needs Assessment
The Care Needs Assessment will be carried out by
appropriate healthcare professionals appointed by
the HSE, for example, a nurse. It can be completed
at any time in a hospital or a community setting
such as your own home and may involve a physical
examination.
The assessment will take into account:
• your ability to carry out the activities of daily
living,
for
example,
bathing,
shopping,dressing and moving around
COMHNASC -
• the medical, health and personal social
services being provided to you or available
to you both at the time of the carrying out of
the assessment and generally
• the family and community support available
to you, and
• your wishes and preferences.
When the Care Needs Assessment has been
completed a report will be prepared. Based on the
report, the HSE must decide whether or not long
term nursing home care is the most appropriate
option. Once a decision is made, you will be
notified in writing within 10 working days. You will
be given a copy of the report and the reasons for
the decision.
You must be assessed as needing nursing home care
in order to be eligible for either State support or
the Nursing Home Loan.
The HSE may use the Care Needs Assessment to
identify other health or personal social service
needs. However, there is no legal requirement for
them to provide the services identified.
Financial Assessment
The Financial Assessment looks at your income and
assets in order to work out what your contribution
to care will be. The HSE will then pay the balance of
your cost of care. For example, if the cost of your
care was €1,000 and your weekly contribution was
€300, the HSE will pay the weekly balance of €700.
This payment by the HSE is called State support.
The Financial Assessment looks at all of your
income and assets.
In the case of a member of a couple, the assessment
will be based on half of the couple’s combined
income and assets. For example, if a couple’s
income was €600 per week, the assessment of the
person needing care would be based on 50% of
€600, or €300. In other words, the person
needing care would be considered to have a total
income of €300 per week.
Income and assets
Income includes any earnings, pension income,
social welfare benefits or allowances, rental
income, income from holding an office or
directorship, income from fees, commissions,
dividends or interest, or any income which you have
Page 20 - COMHNASC
-
deprived yourself of in the 5 years leading up to
your application.
An asset is any material property or wealth,
including property or wealth outside of the State.
Assets are divided into two distinct categories,
namely cash assets and relevant assets.
Cash assets include savings, stocks, shares and
securities. Relevant assets include all forms of
property other than cash assets, for example a
person’s principal residence or land. In both cases,
the assessment will also look at assets which you
have deprived yourself of in the 5 years leading up
to your application.
The assessment will not take into account the
income of other relatives such as your children.
Your contribution to care
Having looked at your income and assets, the
Financial Assessment will work out your
contribution to care. You will contribute:
• 80% of your income (less deductions below)
and
• 5% of the value of any assets per annum.
However, the first €36,000 of your assets, or
€72,000 for a couple, will not be counted at all in
the Financial Assessment.
Where your assets include land and property, the
5% contribution based on such assets may be
deferred and paid to Revenue after your death. This
is known as the Nursing Home Loan.
Your principal residence will only be included in the
financial assessment for the first 3 years of your
time in care. This is known as the 15% or ‘three-year
cap'. It means that you will pay a 5% contribution
based on your principal residence for a maximum
of three years regardless of the length of time you
spend in nursing home care. [At time of press, there
are murmurings of this being increased to 7.5%
(cumulatively 22.5%). Nothing official, but keep a
weather eye out
for any changes.]
In the case of a
couple,
the
contribution
based on the
p r i n c i p a l
residence will be
capped at 7.5%
where
one
partner remains
in the home while
the other enters long-term nursing home care, that
is, the ‘three-year cap’ applies. If you opt for the
Nursing Home Loan in respect of your principal
residence, your spouse or partner can also apply to
have the repayment of the Loan deferred for their
lifetime
There are safeguards built in to the Financial
Assessment which ensure that:
• nobody will pay more than the actual cost of
care
• you will keep a personal allowance of 20% of
your income or 20% of the maximum rate of
the State Pension (Non-Contributory),
whichever is the greater
• if you have a spouse or partner remaining at
home, they will be left with 50% of the
couple’s income or the maximum rate of the
State
Pension
(Non-Contributory),
whichever is the greater.
A couple is defined as a married couple who are
living together. It also includes a heterosexual or
same sex couple who are cohabiting as life partners
for at least 3 years.
Deductions
In relation to income, the following deductions are
allowed:
• Income tax, social insurance contributions
and levies actually paid
Summary table for 5% yearly contribution re assets
5 % per
Option to take up
Option to
Asset
year
3 year cap
Nursing Home Loan
further defer
Chargeable asset
Yes
No
Yes, if they are a landbased
No
assed in the Irish State
Otherwise no.
Principal Private
Residence
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Farm/Relevant
Yes (but certain
Yes, if they are a landbased
Business
Yes
qualifying criteria)
asset in the Irish State
No
If you have already been in a nursing home for 3
years, then you do not pay the 5% on your principal
residence.
After 3 years, even if you are still getting long-term
nursing home care, you will not pay any further
contribution based on the principal residence. This
‘three-year cap’ applies regardless of whether you
choose to opt for the Nursing Home Loan or not.
All other assets will be taken into account for as
long as you are in care.
The ‘three-year cap’ also extends to farms and
businesses in certain circumstances.
• Where a person owns their principal
residence, interest on loans for the
purchase, repair or improvement of the
principal residence.
• Where a person rents their principal
residence (i.e. is living in rented
accommodation), rental payments in respect
of the residence can be deducted where the
person’s partner or a child aged under 21 of
the couple lives in the residence.
• Health expenses allowable for tax purposes,
excluding contributions payable under the
Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
COMHNASC -
• Maintenance payments in respect of a child,
spouse or former spouse made under a
separation agreement or a court order.
In the case of assets the net value of the asset is
assessed, that is, its value minus any borrowings
incurred specifically for the purchase or
improvement of the asset.
Payment of your contribution
Public Nursing Home: You pay the assessed
contribution to the HSE.
Private Nursing Home: You pay the assessed
contribution directly to the nursing home. The HSE
pays the balance of the cost of care to the private
nursing home.
Financial support will only be paid where a nursing
home is identified as being appropriate to your
needs.
How to apply
You can fill in the application form yourself, or ask
someone else to help to fill it in. If a person has
reduced mental capacity, then a Specified Person
can apply on their behalf.
Applying on behalf of someone else
If the applicant is not able to apply personally, a
Specified Person can act on his/her behalf for Steps
1 and 2 of the application process.
Only a court appointed Care Representative can act
on the applicant’s behalf for the Nursing Home
Loan.
After you send in the application form
When the Care Needs and Financial Assessments
have been completed, the HSE will write to you and
inform you of your contribution to care, and your
eligibility for State support and the Nursing Home
Loan (if applicable).
At this stage you will also be provided with the list
of nursing homes that are participating in the
scheme. This list will include public nursing homes,
voluntary nursing homes and approved private
nursing homes.
You may choose any nursing home from the list
subject to the following conditions:
• the home must have a place for you, and
Page 22 - COMHNASC
-
• the home must be able to cater for your
particular needs. The nursing home will have
to carry out an assessment to determine
whether it can meet your particular needs.
Your choice of nursing home is not connected in any
way to the level of your contribution to care.
Payment by the HSE
Since 1 October 2011 the date of payment of State
support and ancillary State support (nursing home
loan) will be paid either from the date that the
application is approved, or date of admission to the
nursing home whichever is the later.
People who applied before 1 October 2011 received
the payment from the date of application or the
date of admission to the nursing home whichever
was the later.
Paying your contribution
If you select a public or voluntary nursing home,
you will pay your contribution to the HSE or
voluntary nursing home as appropriate each week
and the State will pay the balance on your behalf.
If you select an approved private nursing home, you
will pay your contribution to the nursing home
provider each week and the State will pay the
balance on your behalf.
Where to apply
You can download an application form (pdf). They
are also available from any health care setting in
your area including your Local Health Office and
hospitals, or contact the HSE Infoline on 1850 24
1850, Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm.
Nashville
Helena Kane (Galway Branch)
My brother is a dyed-in-the-wool country music
fan who has made several trips to Nashville over
the years to immerse himself in the music, the
legends and the atmosphere of this iconic town.
Last year he prevailed on me to accompany him
on one of these. Being recently retired I was a
sitting duck! His sons tend to view his passion
with mild horror and one of them solicitously
asked me whether I was sure I was ready for the
endless twanging of steel guitars! Well, I bit the
bullet and away we went via New York to Atlanta
followed by a short hop to Nashville, going
through so many time zones en route that at
journey`s end I felt ready for a lengthy stay in a
home for the terminally befuddled.
We travelled with a group of fans most of whom had
made the trip before, indeed some of them several
times. Making their acquaintance in the hotel that
night and listening to them talking about their
plans for the days ahead made me realize that for
them this was a pilgrimage and I was the heretic
who might fail to worship at the shrine.
Next morning after breakfast we went on a tour of
the town. Nashville, I soon learned, has much more
to offer than just country music. To begin with, it is
the state capital of Tennessee although smaller
than its neighbour, Memphis. Nashville is often
spoken of as “The Athens of the South” because it
has a thriving cultural life stretching back to before
the Civil War. Indeed there is a full-sized replica of
the Parthenon, now an Art museum, built in
beautiful Centennial Park as part of the Tennessee
Centennial Exposition in 1897, when the local
citizenry wished to show the rest of the world that
they too knew a thing or two about classical
culture. Nashville has twenty-four third level
institutions for a population of 160,000, the best
known being the Vanderbilt University founded by
Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1873. There are many art
galleries and an active theatre scene with many
professional and community theatre groups. There
is even a Shakespeare festival held annually. A very
fine Performance Arts Centre is home to both the
Nashville Opera and the Nashville Ballet and the
addition in 2006 of the Schermann Symphony
Centre ensures that the good people of Nashville
can do more than just “keep it country”.
Music City - as it is called locally - is a bright modern
city of gleaming glass and steel towers, the best
known of which is the AT&T building known here as
the Batman Building because of its twin `bat-ear`
spires. Nashville has always been prosperous,
situated as it is on a port on the Cumberland river
which facilitated trade and commerce in the old
days. The Battle of Nashville was fought here in
1864 during the Civil War because of its significant
location for transportation of soldiers and supplies,
thus making it the first state capital to fall to Union
troops. In fact, much of the civil war was fought in
Tennessee and there are several battle fields to visit
in the Nashville area alone. There are many fine
classical buildings reflecting the wealth of the city
and several beautiful ante-bellum mansions which
are open to the public. One of these, The
Hermitage, is the former home of seventh US
President Andrew Jackson(1829-1837). He was an
army general who was known to his troops as Old
Hickory because of his staunch courage and iron
will and, to his political opponents, as Stonewall
Jackson because he never backed down . Jackson
had Irish connections – his parents had emigrated
from Carrickfergus to South Carolina before his
birth. It was he who led the American army which
defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans in
1815, the last major battle of The American War of
Independence and which was later immortalised in
COMHNASC -
song by the late Lonnie Donegan. History appears
to regard Stonewall as having been a good
president but, despite the pleas of a growing lobby,
he refused to abolish slavery. He himself was a
slave-owner and a slave cabin still stands behind
his mansion. Interestingly, he is buried beside his
favourite slave in the mansion grounds. He also had
strong ideas about the indigenous Indian
population and introduced the Indian Removal Act
in1830 which resulted in 15,000 Cherokees being
led from Georgia by troops in the depths of Winter
to reservations in the far West. Many died along the
way and the route they followed is now named The
Trail of Tears.
Religion seems to be a very important part of life
in Nashville. The city has several seminaries and
700 churches. These are chiefly Baptist with some
Methodist and a sprinkling of Catholic churches.
Nashville is often referred to as the Buckle of the
Bible Belt or the Protestant Vatican. God is
frequently invoked in conversation in a manner that
suggests He is living just down the street and could
drop by any time to say “ Ain`t seen y`all in a
month of Sundays “, such is the feeling of His
everyday reality and presence. Country music has
its origins in the gospel music of the churches
where the poor and the slaves came for succour and
in the blues music where they framed the laments
for their harsh lives. The enduring nature of
religious belief here is evidenced by the number of
Christian music publishing houses and recording
studios.
But when the tourists come here, what they are
looking for is the unique Nashville music scene
which gives the city its colour, flavour and
atmosphere. Downtown there is an area of about six
blocks locally known as The District and it is here
that the honkytonks and bars spill music into the
streets day and night. Bluegrass , Cajun , Creole ,
rock`n roll, jazz and of course country music in all
its forms pour from their doorways augmented by
the sounds of the many street performers as the
hordes of visitors ebb and flow stopping to peer
into doorways to catch a glimpse of the action
inside. And action indeed there is because this is
why we are all here – to savour the music, to sing
along, to watch the bands, to dance, to ogle the
Page 24 - COMHNASC
-
crowds, to drink, to cheer because this is the footstompin`, beating heart of Nashville where the
greats such as Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson were
discovered in Tootsies, belting out the songs that
led them to fame and glory. Our favourite spot was
Roberts, a long narrow room where the décor was
unchanged since the fifties and the waitresses wore
pink cowboy boots. A small stage and dance floor
ensured that the fun never stopped. Some
establishments offered line-dancing lessons which
I couldn`t resist taking part in, while my brother
watched pityingly. Cowboy boots are widely worn
and a visit to some of the many shops in the area
selling them is not to be missed, if only to marvel at
the great variety of colours. Cowboys must indeed
have exotic tastes.
Must-see places in Nashville are the Ryman
Auditorium where the Grand Old Opry , the radio
show which first broadcast country music to the
nation began in 1929 and which continues to this
day - although mainly in a new purpose-built
location now. We were lucky enough to attend a
performance in the Ryman and it was fascinating
to be told at intervals that `we must pause now for
a word from our sponsors’. Another place not to be
missed is the Country Music Hall of Fame where
plaques and awards to famous names line the walls
and original costumes, guitars and music
paraphernalia abound. In the attached museum,
Elvis` gold Cadillac and his grand piano have pride
of place and in Studio B, also part of the museum,
the original recording equipment used by the likes
of Jim Reeves, Merle Haggard and Roy Orbison still
stand. The Country Music Awards, a major event in
the industry, took place while we were in Nashville
and all the stars were in town. Tickets cost a
prohibitive $150, so huge crowds lined the streets
to catch a free glimpse of the celebrities. The music
history of Nashville is deeply rooted in the lives of
the people of the area. It was the hardship of the
Depression era and the lack of work in the
surrounding countryside that drove the young to
seek their fortunes in Music City. Music promised a
way out of abject poverty and their musical
heritage enabled them to profit from it. Today an
entire street, Music Row, is devoted to the music
industry.
A trip to Memphis enabled us to see the motel, now
run-down and seedy, where Martin Luther King was
shot while making a speech on the balcony. We also
visited the famous studio, Sun Studio, owned by
the legendary Sam Phillips. Here Johnny Cash
Stars - like Kris Kristofferson - are left in peace by the locals
to stroll around on their own.
famously knocked on the door looking for his first
break and later he, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl
Perkins recorded together and were dubbed The
Million Dollar Quartet. Elvis also recorded his first
song “That’s all right Momma” there at the tender
age of eighteen when he had just finished highschool and started work as a garage mechanic.
Of course we were all curious about today`s big
names in country music. Some such as Taylor Swift
and Brad Paisley, rising young stars, were on stage
in the Bridgestone Arena one night along with
Keith Urban but this did not slake our thirst for
Nashville celebrities, so we took a bus tour of the
stars’ homes and rubbernecked our way past the
houses of such luminaries as Garth Brooks, Nicole
Kidman, Justin Timberlake, Dolly Parton, Reese
Witherspoon and many others. Some were in gated
enclaves but others were surprisingly exposed to
passers-by. Many major sports stars have also
made their homes here. Nashville appears to be
perceived as being a desirable place for celebrity
living and certainly the sight one day of Kris
Kristofferson strolling about alone in a public
place might suggest that the local populace are well
used to these people living in their midst and are
willing to leave them in peace.
All in all, it was a most enjoyable trip. Great
shopping, restaurants and warm, courteous,
southern manners all added to our enjoyment.
While I`m still not a fully-fledged aficionado of
country music , I am definitely a fan of the sheer
excitement and joie de vivre of Music City and I even
bought the cowboy boots to prove it. Yee-haw!
Day Oncology Ward
Sheelagh Coyle (Laois Branch)
Greetings over cannulas,
‘This your eighth? I’m halfway today.’
Settling into armchairs they pore over
Crosswords, magazines, sports results
Or knit or devoutly pray
Clasping pictures of Padre Pio.
‘Blood on the way, Timmy.’
A young doctor, head full of ginger curls
Leans over scarfed and wigged women.
Male bald heads are on show
Body hair ravaged by chemotherapy.
‘Nearly done now, Liz.’
New scripts, more tablets
To ease pain, reduce tumours
Stop nausea, but keep those bowels moving.
Soup and sandwiches, syringes and scripts
Sit side by side on trolleys.
‘See you in three weeks, Leo.’
This poem was written while my husband, Leo Dunne, was undergoing
treatment for cancer in a Dublin Hospital. Unfortunately, the treatment
was not successful and Leo died unexpectedly on Oct. 9th, 2012.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
COMHNASC -
SUDOKU
EASY
HARD
MEDIUM
8
5
4
3
1
7
2
9
6
1
3
7
8
2
4
9
6
5
9
3
1
5
6
4
7
8
2
6
1
9
4
5
2
8
3
7
9
5
8
3
6
1
2
4
7
5
4
8
3
2
7
6
9
1
2
3
7
9
6
8
5
1
4
4
2
6
9
7
5
3
1
8
2
7
6
1
8
9
3
4
5
9
8
5
6
3
4
1
7
2
6
7
2
1
9
8
4
5
3
3
2
7
9
1
5
8
6
4
7
6
1
2
9
5
4
8
3
8
9
5
4
3
6
7
2
1
1
6
9
4
7
8
5
2
3
4
2
3
7
8
1
6
5
9
3
1
4
2
5
7
8
9
6
4
8
5
2
3
6
1
7
9
3
7
8
1
2
6
9
4
5
5
8
9
7
1
2
6
3
4
6
5
2
7
9
1
4
3
8
5
4
6
8
7
9
3
2
1
2
4
1
6
8
3
5
7
9
7
9
4
8
5
3
2
1
6
1
9
2
5
4
3
7
6
8
7
6
3
5
4
9
1
8
2
8
1
3
6
4
2
9
5
7
Solution to Sudoku page 33.
SCRIBBLE PAD
Comhnasc Crossword No. 7 by Pastmaster.
A draw for €50.00 will be made from all correct entries.
Simply complete the crossword and send to
Comhnasc, R.T.A.I., Vere Foster House, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1,
before close of business on Friday 15th March 2013.
1
2
3
5
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
12
16
15
14
17
19
18
20
Across:
1. An evil Slanderer! (8)
5. Its all new information for me! (6)
10. Dont know whether to smoke this or to ride it - deciding is giving me the hump!
(5)
11. We can really and truly sit around this actual piece of furniture, now that its
lunch time! (9)
12. This monarch took a gaze out at the weather on Boxing Day! (9)
13. You’ve got a lot of neck but you must regret standing there on one leg in your
finest plumage! (5)
14. You wont hear anything about 5 across from me! (4,2)
15. Is this the way you fun run, you rascal? (7)
18. Where do you stand, if not with a prince of the church? (7)
20. I’ll get it out of you one way or another! (6)
22. I mostly sit to partake of these - even those coming on wheels! (5)
24. Hurry up and get that primer covered up before nightfall! (9)
25. Dont you just miss the ‘good old days’? (9)
26. I was pretty once, but never enough to make page three! (3-2)
27. Sounds a bit like you bang on too much - stop that whinning! (6)
28. He ducked out of another obligation - the rat! (8)
21
22
23
Solution to Crossword No. 6 on page 33
24
Down:
25
26
27
28
Name: ..............................................................................................................................
Address:..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
Payroll No.:....................................................................................................................
Page 26 - COMHNASC
-
1. One of these is All Black, the rest are pretty boys - all bright and colourful! (6)
2. Fill me up with lemons, sugar, eggs and butter - that’s sweet of you! (5,4)
3. What wouldn’t we all have given for a glittering send-off like those bankers!
(6,9)
4. You’ll need to completely cover that present in bubble wrap before you put on
the Christmas paper! (7)
6. This ancient Java man could stand up for himself! (15)
7. Often comes between green and red,but that’s not set in stone! (5)
8. We’re the people who voted them in! (8)
9. Don’t expect hot, plump chips with your meal in the States! (6)
16. It may sould like it’s for an individual, but it includes everyone on the team! (9)
17. I’m going to end my year in Scotland! (8)
19. I’m retired! All the more time to hang around the sofa! (6)
20. Chess - like any other endeavour - will have to draw towards a conclusion. (7)
21. It would be silly to paint the kitchen black - that’s just not bright! (6)
23. Now that’s my cup of tea! (5)
The Liberation of Tolka Estate
Geraldine Gough (Dublin North Branch)
On a wet and windy Sunday morning, the 30th of
September last, the first 83A came to pick up the
residents of Tolka Estate. These six bus stop signs were
decommissioned during the night of Sept 27th 2011
when the 19 Bus Route was abolished. From that date
the feeble and elderly were housebound.
The campaign was relentless to restore mobility. The
petition of 13,500 signatures was ignored. Twelve street
protests were ignored. Dublin Bus headquarters were
occupied twice. Senior managers failed to keep any
commitments made at community area council meetings.
Dublin City Council passed a motion condemning the
abolition of the 19 Bus Route at their March meeting.
T.Ds and councillors were all lobbied on this urgent issue
constantly. The complaints to Dublin Bus about the
unreliability and overcrowding of buses were concealed
or ignored or served with platitudes.
Passengers are a nuisance to this transport company.
They do not see their role as meeting the travel
requirements of workers, students, shoppers, patients
and school children. Leo Varadkar, the Minister for
Transport, wrote that he had no role in this matter. The
National Consumer Agency refused to deal with Dublin
Bus. So too does the Ombudsman for Public Bodies.
There are two thousand houses in the area of Griffith
Road, Close, Heights, Drive, Parade, Crescent and Tolka
Estate. Over thirteen months, the elderly residents had
no option but to get taxis to collect their pension, go to
the Warfarin Clinic for tests, and other much needed
journeys. Many had to drag shopping up a steep hill from
the nearest bus stop. This area has no tram or train
service.
The winter was long and miserable for many elderly.
Depression and isolation were beginning to set in. We
suggested turning every third 83 into the Estate on
September 27th to alleviate the situation at no cost to
Dublin Bus. There has been a huge drop in the number
of buses as you can see from the big crowds waiting at
bus stops all over.
Persistence paid off and the 83A emerged once an hour
from 10am. Dublin Bus was forced to distribute
timetables after a week. The life has come back into the
area again and people are getting out and about as they
did when the 19 was available for forty years. The relief
is palpable.
The RTAI
supported the campaign with email
submissions and many members lifted the phone and
complained to Dublin Bus. Many thanks to all who
played their part. Community for Change is a new group
of bus- users and we are seeking a Judicial Inquiry into
the removal of the 19 Bus Route which was an essential
part of Dublin life for so many people for so long.
St. Pat’s Graduate Class of 1971-1973
The St. Pat’s Graduate Class of 1971 - 1973 wish to mark their forty years of service,
1973 - 2013, with a gathering at Club na Muinteoiri on All Ireland Football Final
weekend September 2013, beginning on Friday September 20th at 20:00 hours.
Suggestions for Golf, Escorted City Walk etc.
Please contact the following as soon as possible:
Áinnie O’Neill on [email protected]
Brendan Ryan on [email protected]
John J. O’Carroll on [email protected]
COMHNASC -
Comhnasc Cryptic Crossword No. 3 by Pastmistress.
1
3
2
4
8
6
7
11
14
13
12
15
16
22
23
26
27
28
31
17
21
20
19
24
29
Across:
8.
9.
10.
9
10
18
5
25
30
32
Did you hear that I used to tread the boards! (8)
Do crosswords make you weary?(6)
Sounds as if this is even better than the cat’s
whiskers! (4)
11.
He’s drawing attention to that hit tv show - Mad
Men! (5)
12/18. Sounds like you will sign on to either eat or burn
these seasonal chunks! (4,4)
13.
I’m totally lost! Am I in a farm in Athenry or in
Holland? (3-5)
16.
She wrote about all her thoughts and secrets - not
like you find in most autobiogrpahies! (6)
18.
See 12 across
20.
I can see through you - like an open book . . . (5)
21.
. . . but not the kind to carry in a young scholar’s
schoolbag! (4)
22.
A patterned Gaelic sweater that’s not Irish! Its
Scots man (6)
23.
Rich enough to live in luxury! (8)
26.
This might put a stop to your hostile and threating
carry on! (4)
28.
Hey soldier! What comes between GI? (5)
30.
I hear this is ‘deep and crisp and even’ every
Christmas! (4)
31.
Don’t inflate my ego and then poke holes in my
opinions! (6)
32.
Not any more! (2,6)
Solution to Cryptic Crossword No. 2
Down:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
14.
15.
17.
19.
20.
24.
25.
27.
29.
30.
SCRIBBLE PAD
Page 28 - COMHNASC
-
I cant dance as good as Torvil and Dean! (6)
Will you pack it all away? (4)
Am not that Keen, ya know, to go so far hunting
animals! (6)
Whitish mineral salt used as an astringent. (4)
Bring on the subs - but not the underwater types!
(5-3)
Takes a pair of horses to pull a sled like this! (4)
My mother’s brother is home from America looking
a little like a clown! (5-3)
Hearty and still full of life and vigour! (5)
What might you find in a Peruvian dungheap? (5)
A lacklustre finish! (5)
Attacks and charges from packs of rugby players!
(8)
This may be on my head but I just can’t seem to
describe this dingy place! (4,4)
He was no saint! In fact he was downright wicked!
(6)
That door is shut . . . (6)
. . . so that’s all right then! (4)
I had to prong him one, to get him to fork out what
he owed me! (4)
I’ve hit rock bottom! (4)
OLYMPIC SYNDROME
Tony Wallace (Meath Branch)
The email congratulated me. I had secured some
tickets in the London 2012 Olympics allocation. I
was ecstatic. A lifetime wish was fulfilled but
now I wanted more. These were the first
symptoms. I was developing London Olympics
Tickets Syndrome or LOTS in its abbreviated
version.
I began to trawl the internet meticulously at the
most godly and ungodly hours. A satisfying shriek
from my study at perhaps 4am suggested another
ticket had been procured for some Olympic event. I
was open to any discipline available at any venue.
We LOTS people do not consider any sport obscure
or any less appealing than the more popular ones.
In relation to the clandestine activity in my study
in the early hours, my wife accepted my explanation
with some bemusement. I began to fill the Olympic
calendar with anything ranging from archery to
taekwondo.
‘. . . I saw Usain Bolt compete!”
Speaking of archery, the competition was held in
the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground which also
afforded your writer the opportunity to visit the
MCC Museum where a notable piece of memorabilia
on display is the Ashes urn. And on the topic of
taekwondo, it is far from an obscure sport. It is
practised by millions across the globe and
originated in Korea. In general the art involves
kicking from a mobile stance. So that’s what the
lads were trying to do in the yard when we were on
supervision duty! Could we have stymied the
careers of potential champions in martial arts?
One of the highlights of my Olympic odyssey
occurred at Earl’s Court ticket booth on the first day
of competition. When the
genial
lady
tapped
my
code into her
ticket machine, it responded with a
satisfying
disgorgement of my supply for the next two and a
half weeks! This was my passport to bliss.
On that first day, July 28th, I attended volleyball at
Earl’s Court, boxing at ExCel and finished with
gymnastics at Greenwich! The games had truly
begun. Taking a giant long jump forward, my final
ticket on August 11th saw me witness Robert
Heffernan’s heroics in finishing 4th in the men’s
50k walk up and down London’s Mall.
Sandwiched in between was a sports junkie’s
holiday of a lifetime visiting Olympic Park (I saw
Usain Bolt compete!), Wembley Stadium, Eton
Dorney and a host of other venues. What a treat to
witness the thrills and spills, the highs and lows,
tears of joy and sorrow, but especially to be part of
the greatest sporting spectacle in the world.
London can take a bow. Access to venues was
hassle-free, security was efficient but not intrusive.
For many visitors, the abiding memory will be the
cheery, courteous attitude of the thousands of
volunteers who took to their task with unbridled
zeal. Aw wight my luv? Enjoy your day!
‘. . . no such thing as an obscure sport”
COMHNASC -
Don’t Give Up on Those
New Year Resolutions
Joe Conway (Waterford Branch)
It is the turn of the year that does it...when the last
cacophonous note from “Auld Lang Ayne” has ebbed
into silence and the final droplet of Superquin Shiraz
has been licked inwards from those much-pumelled
lips, the goodly and the guilty among us all will begin
to resolve. What will we do forthwith that will...make
us a nicer person, make our BMIs closer to the norm,
increase our fitness, make us more provident for next
Christmas and change us into an altogether more
outgoing and socially-proactive individual?
The answer, as they say, is within ourselves. According
to the University of Scranton Journal of Clinical
Psychology [Published December 2012], forty eight per
cent of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions. There is
no way of knowing but it is fairly reasonable to assume
that we here would not be all that different in Ireland –
so perhaps half of us are “resolvers”. The journal above
lists the top ten resolutions as follows, in order:
Published: 12.13.2012
Rank Top 10 New Years resolutions for 2012
1
Lose Weight
2
Getting Organized
3
Spend Less, Save More
4
Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5
Staying Fit and Healthy
6
Learn Something Exciting
7
Quit Smoking
8
Help Others in Their Dreams
9
Fall in Love
10
Spend More Time with Family
Most of us would readily identify with one to six above
and, if we have a titter of wit at all, we will all have packed
in the ciggies long ago. But how are we to help others in
their dreams...well, I’m at a loss. And falling in love –
isn’t that a bit like death? You just never know when or
where it will happen, in whose company or at what cost!
Number ten is the one I like most...but, oftentimes, this
is not just a function of your wishes but your family’s. You
may very well resolve to spend more time with them but
it may be negatively reciprocated in that they are
resolving to spend less time with you! But all in all, there
can be lots of positivity in your resolutions. Take these
two, for example.
The first goes
back to many
late-evening
conversations
I had with our late colleague, Paddy Greene from
Longford. He and I would regularly shoot the breeze on
the ‘phone well after news time, and on one such
occasion I asked him if he would eat or drink anything
before bedtime – he was probably in his one hundred and
fourth year at that stage. “Yes” he replied, “I having a
whiskey and milk”. “And would you have one of those
every night?” I queried. “I would, aye...and two o’
them!” was his doughty rejoinder. So, there’s a pointer
for you...a long and active life can be attributable to
supporting the indigenous dairy and distilling industry.
And, of course, there’s chocolate! We are told that this
heavenly product – especially the dark stuff with a good
high cocoa-content – is especially good for the heart. Be
careful though to eat it no later than mid-afternoon, as
cocoa can afflict some people with sleeplessness, and we
can all do without that. So there...promoting longevity
and a healthy heart may be your resolution and no chore
at all.
Perhaps the focail scoir should be left to Helen Fielding
in Bridget Jones’s Diary who speaks much truth when
she says, “...I do think New Year's resolutions can't
technically be expected to begin on New Year's Day, don't
you? Since, because it's an extension of New Year's Eve,
smokers are already on a smoking roll and cannot be
expected to stop abruptly on the stroke of midnight with
so much nicotine in the system. Also dieting on New
Year's Day isn't a good idea as you can't eat rationally
but really need to be free to consume whatever is
necessary, moment by moment, in order to ease your
hangover. I think it would be much more sensible if
resolutions
b e g a n
generally on
January the
second.”
Amen to that,
I say.
COMHNASC -
The Royal Visit*
Seamus McRory (Longford Branch)
In this most hallowed place
Where we remember
“All those who gave their lives
In the cause of Irish Freedom”
The English monarch took a laurel wreath
And placed it on the stand of Irish nationhood.
Impassively, respectfully, she stepped back;
Stood stoically
And bowed her head slowly, gracefully.
Not a word was uttered
Not a sound was made.
Just our nearest neighbour acknowledging our
troubled history.
Yet, this significant symbolic act
Painted more than a thousand words
In the first chapter of the Book of
Reconciliation
Between two neighbouring countries
Who, for many centuries, had shared
A litany of confrontation, hostility and
continuous strife.
A minute’s silence
The Sounding of the Last Post
Two heads of state
Standing together
For the first time as equals
With a mutual respect for each other’s
traditions.
Both remembered the past
And what it meant
But did not feel trapped by it
As they looked to the future.
God save Ireland.
God save Eilís a Dó, Banríon na Breataine.
This previously unpublished poem * is penned by Seamus McRory, a member
of the Longford Branch of RTAI. It is one from a collection of forty which he
hopes to publish in the autumn of 2013 in book form
Luxury Apartment to Rent in Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
One bedroom (En-Suite Double) apartment with spacious
seating and lounge area, in a gated residential community.
Balcony with sea view.
Air conditioning/heating units in bedroom and sitting room.
Sat T.V. Safe in bedroom.
All mod cons, full oven and hob, microwave, washing
machine, very well equipped kitchen.
Use of communal pool and sun loungers.
Less than 5 minute walk to sea, promenade, supermarkets
and good restaurants.
Beautiful walks on island to suit all abilities.
CONTACT:
087 9508810
Page 32 - COMHNASC
-
The Winner of Crossword No. 6 was:
Séamus Hennigan (Cork Branch),
Mallow, Co. Cork.
Solutions
Answers to
CROSSWORD No. 6
HARD
EASY
8
5
4
3
1
7
2
9
6
9
3
1
5
6
4
7
8
2
6
1
9
4
5
2
8
3
7
5
4
8
3
2
7
6
9
1
7
6
1
8
9
3
4
5
2
3
7
9
6
8
5
1
4
2
9
8
5
6
3
4
1
7
2
3
2
7
9
1
5
8
6
4
6
9
4
7
8
5
2
3
7
6
1
2
9
5
4
8
3
1
4
2
3
7
8
1
6
5
9
4
8
5
2
3
6
1
7
9
5
6
5
2
7
9
1
4
3
8
9
4
8
5
3
2
1
6
1
3
6
4
2
9
5
7
3
7
8
1
2
6
9
4
5
4
6
8
7
9
3
2
1
7
1
9
2
5
4
3
7
6
8
8
1
3
7
8
2
4
9
6
5
9
5
8
3
6
1
2
4
7
4
2
6
9
7
5
3
1
8
6
7
2
1
9
8
4
5
3
8
9
5
4
3
6
7
2
1
3
1
4
2
5
7
8
9
6
5
8
9
7
1
2
6
3
4
2
4
1
6
8
3
5
7
9
7
6
3
5
4
9
1
8
2
MEDIUM
Scribble Pad
GUIDED TOURS
FROM CORK
Lourdes/Shrines of France
Ex Cork - 8 Days
Monday March 25th to April 1st
Paris (2 nights), Nevers (1 night),
Rocamadour (1 night), Lourdes (3 nights)
Contact Patsy Foley,
RTAI Member, Cork Branch
021-7337159 / 087-6798810
COMHNASC -
www.comharlinnintocu.ie
Tel: 1850 277 377
OFFICE USE ONLY
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Applicant’s Name:
Nationality:
Applicant’s Home Address:
Lenght of Time at this address:
If less than three years at this addres please provide previous address:
Tel. No.: (Home)
(Mobile):
E-Mail:
Retired Teacher:
Name (As per payslip):
Pension Payroll No.:
PPSN:
Date of Birth:
I hereby apply for membership of and agree to abide by the rules of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union Ltd. and
declare that the information given by me on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief
and that I am not, nor have been a member of any Credit Union other than those listed hereunder
Are you a member of any other credit union:
If Yes, please list names of credit union(s):
Yes
No
Please specify your correspondance address:
If different from above:
Applicant’s Signature:
Date:
PLEASE ENCLOSE WITH THIS APPLICATION
PROOF OF
IDENTITY:
A copy of either will be
acceptable:
Driver’s Licence or
Passport
PROOF OF
MEMBERSHIP OF THE
COMMON BOND:
Recent Payslip
Family Member
Application Form
PROOF OF
ADDRESS:
Either of the following
will suffice:
P60 or Utility Bill
PROOF OF PPSN:
P60
Payslip
Official Form
Our Reference:
OFFICE USE ONLY
CONSENT TO USE AND DISCLOSURE / DATA PROTECTION ACTS, 1988 AND 2003
I understand that under the Data Protection Acts, 1988
and 2003 (the "DPA"), my consent may be required for the
credit union to process personal data, which it may have
in its possession concerning me (including disclosure to
third parties). I note that this personal data may include
sensitive personal data within the meaning of the DPA, the
processing of which requires my explicit consent. I also
understand that under Section 71 of the Credit Union Act,
1997, the credit union, subject to exceptions listed in the
Section, shall not disclose or permit to be disclosed,
without my consent, any information that concerns an
account or transaction of mine with the credit union.
For the purpose of assessing my application for
membership, assessing any loan applications which I may
make to you and generally for administering and
monitoring any accounts I have with the credit union,
including any loan accounts I have from time to time with
you, I consent:
1) to you seeking information concerning applications for
loans and my credit history from the date of my
original consent from any credit union, any credit
reference bureau or agency and for that purpose you
may disclose any relevant information in any loan
appliation which I may make to you or which you may
have concerning me to any such credit union, credit
reference bureau or agency.
2) to any credit union, credit reference bureau or agency
disclosing information to you concerning applications
for loans and my credit history from the date of my
original consent with such credit union, credit
reference bureau or agency.
3) to the processing of any information relating to me,
either contained in this form or otherwise, for the
purpose of assessing applications and administering
any accounts I maintain with the credit union; and
4) to the processing of any information relating to me,
either contained in this form or otherwise, for the
purpose of the credit union, or third parties selected by
the credit union, informing me of goods and services
which might be of interest to me.
The use of your details for marketing purposes will
depend on the preference that you express below:
Opt-In
(Marketing by email, text message and fax)
I consent to the credit union, or third parties selected by
the credit union, informing me of goods or services that
may be of interest to me by email, text message or fax.
Opt-Out
(Other forms of marketing)
Please tick the box above if you do NOT want the credit
union, or third parties selected by the credit union, to
inform you by phone or letter of goods or services that
may be of interest to you.
Please note that you have the right to access personal
data held about you by the credit union and to correct any
inaccuracies in such data.
Applicant’s
Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PENSION DEDUCTION MANDATE
This mandate must be returned to the OFFICE and NOT to the Dept. of Education & Skills
Credit Union Account Number:
To:
Accountant, Dept. of Education & Skills
I herby authorise the Pension Payroll Division of the Department of Education and
Skills, to make a deduction directly from my pension in respect of Comhar Linn
INTO Credit Union Ltd. and to pay this amount to Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union
Ltd. on my behalf. I understand and agree that:
• The deduction at source facility is being
made available solely as a matter of
convenience to me.
• Beyond paying the sums deducted to
Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union Ltd.,
the Dept. of Education and Skills accepts no responsibility of any kind in the
matter.
• The deduction is to commence as soon
as possible and to continue until and
unless I serve further written notice to
Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union Ltd.
• Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union Ltd. has
the right to alter the amount of this deduction in line with agreed amendments
in the rate of subscription.
• Any arrangements for refund of deductions or collection of arrears are to be
made directly with Comhar Linn INTO
Credit Union Ltd. and that the Dept. of
Education and Skills will not be responsible for such matters.
• It is my own responsibility to ensure the
correct deduction is made from pension
and to notify Comhar Linn INTO Credit
Union Ltd. if I wish to amend or cancel
the deduction from my pension.
• There may be a delay in commencing or
ceasing my deduction due to payroll
scheduling and the fact that amendments to mandates are submitted to the
Dept. of Education and Skills on a
monthly basis
• I will correspond directly with Comhar
Linn INTO Credit Union Ltd. in relation
to the deduction from my pension or the
product that I am availing of.
Surname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(as on pension payment advice)
BLOCK CAPITALS ONLY
Home Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................................................................................................
Position Held:
Retired Teacher
PENSION PAYROLL NUMBER
DEDUCTION DETAILS:
€
cent
cent
€
Special Share Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Budget Account . . . . . . .
Regular Share Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Members’ Draw . . . . . . .
Loan Account 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Family Account . . . . . . . .
Loan Account 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TOTAL Fortnightly Deduction:
Deductions to Commence From:
/
Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date:
/20
/
/20
Please Sign
Pension Deduction Mandate
(see overleaf)
Help Retain This Service.
Just €5 Per Fortnight Will Do!
To Join
Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union Ltd.
Complete The Forms Overleaf
GREAT
P R IZ E
* R
DRAW FO
NTS
PARTICIPA
Post all forms in the envelope provided
&
Enter a Draw for One of These Prizes
WEEKEND AWAY
CASE OF WINE
DINNER FOR TWO
PRIZEBONDS
TRAVEL VOUCHER
SAORVIEW APPROVED TV
ONE4ALL VOUCHER
DYSON HAND HELD
VACUUM CLEANER
TOPAZ FUEL VOUCHER
SPA PAMPER DAY
33 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
Tel: 1850 277 377 • Fax: (01) 873 3253
Email: [email protected] • Web:www.comharlinnintocu.ie
*No cash alternative. Draw will take place at March 2013 R.T.A.I. AGM.

The Quarterly Journal of the RTAI - Retired Teachers` Association of

Transcription

Similar documents

When Colette Foisy-Doll arrived in Qatar last year

Nursing Education Initiative Application Checklist PLEASE

Implications El Projecto de Agua Pura/The Clean Water Project: An

You Bet - SAFE Planning

Private Nursing

Nursing in Care Process in Health

Patient Safety Culture Survey 2009

April 2015 - Riverside College

Comhnasc Spring / April 2013 - Retired Teachers` Association of

RN-BSN Program - the UC Irvine Health Home Page

Comhnasc Issue 19, Spring 2016 - Retired Teachers` Association of