Don’t forget to log in to the SGM tomorrow evening, starting at 6.30. This is your chance to have a say in the most important decision that Comhar Linn has taken since its inception.
Comhar Linn members are being asked to consider and vote on a proposed transfer of engagements involving Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union and Education Credit Union. This is the first step in the merger to create a single credit union serving the education community across Ireland.
Ongoing Work and Considerations
The Boards of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union, Education Credit Union and TUI Credit Union propose a transfer of engagements to form a single credit union serving the education community across Ireland.
This would include members from primary, post-primary, third level and education support roles.
Current Position
All three credit unions are financially stable and operate with a shared member-focused approach. Each serves members within the education sector and provides similar services.
Key Information
A proposal to bring three education sector credit unions together
All three organisations are financially strong
Members will vote before any decision is finalised
The Special General Meeting will be held online on August 26th at 6:30pm
Full details are included in your Section 130 pack.
The Section 130 pack is a detailed information document provided to members, outlining the proposed merger, its implications, and key supporting information to help inform your decision.
How the Decision Will Be Made
Step 1 – Members will receive a Section 130 information pack by post or email (if opted in).
Step 2 – Register to Vote. Registration details will be included in your Section 130 pack or click on the “Opt In” link below. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email within a few days.
Step 3 – Attend the Online Special General Meeting. Date: August 26th 2026 at 6.30pm. Members will vote on the proposal
Step 4 – Central Bank Approval: If the proposal is approved by members, it will then require regulatory approval from the Central Bank before it can proceed.
Recent impacts of “Parity” on retired teachers pensions
The RTAI recently received the following update from the Department of Education via INTO. These increases are a direct result of the sterling work carried out by INTO in the recent negotiations for the first local bargaining element of the Public Pay Agreement 2024/2026. Increase to Principal’s Allowance:This recent increase to the principal’s allowance will be applied to the pensions of those who were in receipt of the allowance at the time of retirement. Arrangements are currently underway to implement the increase on the retired payroll; however, it is expected that payments will not commence until Quarter 4.Working principal teachers received this increase on June 18th last. Recalculation of lump sums for Principals:Recalculation of lump sums for Principals who retired on or after 1 September 2025 is also scheduled to begin in Quarter 4. This represents a substantial body of work. In the meantime, priority is being given to the calculation of retirement benefits for those retiring on 31 August 2026. Appendix 6 (pages 14 &15) of Circular 0054/2026 Implementation of Local Bargaining with effect from 1 September 2025, has full details of the recently increased allowances and the eligibility criteria applicable:https://www.into.ie/app/uploads/2026/05/circular-54-2026.pdf
Affordable Ireland Protest The Affordable Ireland Campaign has called a pre-budget protest on September 19, meeting at 1pm at Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
The Campaign is calling for: 1. Supports to help with energy costs 2. Price controls on food and energy 3. Free public transport and increased support for energy saving measures such as retrofitting 4. A Living Wage and inflation busting increases in wages, benefits and pension: we need to index link the income tax system 5. A cost of disability payment 6. A freeze and reductions of rents 7. Reductions and the abolition of fees for public services including childcare and student fees.
This protest is to send a clear message that together, we are seeking an Affordable Ireland.
RTAI members are welcome to attend under the ICTU banner.
Information Evenings Áine Flynn, Director of Decision Support Services (DSS) will host two Advance Planning Information Evenings in Dublin and Limerick over the coming months.
Limerick When: Tuesday 8 September Where: Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick Time: 6-7pm
North Dublin When: Tuesday 10 November Where: Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport Time: 6-7pm
Are you interested in learning about Artificial Intelligence? Join the Age-Friendly AI team for an interactive online session to explore the project, meet the team, and get familiar with our training materials!No prior AI experience or knowledge is required to join. Event DetailsDate: Friday, September 18, 2026Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PMLocation: Online via ZoomCost: FreeRegistration: Click here to sign upWhat to ExpectThis information session is an opportunity to meet the Age-Friendly AI team, familiarise yourself with the Age-Friendly AI training material: Introduction to AI, and ask any questions you might have. During this session, you will:Get a walkthrough of our “Introduction to AI” teaching materials.Hear tips on how to deliver your own Age-Friendly AI workshop.Connect with the project team. No prior experience with AI is required to join the event. Feel free to have a look at the training materials on our Resources Page on the Age-Friendly AI website. About Age-Friendly AIAge-Friendly AI is Ireland’s national AI literacy initiative for older adults. Funded by Research Ireland and run by the ADAPT Centre and TU Dublin, the training initiative is the result of a year-long series of public dialogues that have highlighted the hopes, concerns and vision of older adults for AI in their lives. You can learn more about the project here: https://agefriendlyai.ie/.
A SGM of Comhar Linn INTO CU has been called for Wednesday 26 August at 8pm. This meeting wil take place online. Members who wish to attend must register for the meeting. Full details on how to register will be given in the booklet that each member will receive by post. The meeting will use the Zoom platform. The purpose of the meeting is to give members the opportunity to vote on the proposed transfer of engagements by the Education Credit Union (ASTI Secondary Teachers CU) to Comhar Linn CU.
This will result in a significantly larger Comhar Linn CU, with a much larger membership base, and a larger loan book and asset base, allowing for future stability and growth.
It is important that our members in Dublin South register for and attend and vote on this most important and innovative move, which will go a long way towards future proofing the stability and growth of Comhar Linn CU. Registrations will close at midnight on August 21.
With September fast approaching, it is time to start thinking about a class for the upcoming autumn term: a class that will exercise the mind and the body.
Why not consider joining our very successful and enjoyable Ballroom Dance Classes, which are held in the Teachers’ Club, Parnell Sq, with Tina & Michael as our dance teachers?
Steps taught include slow waltz, slow foxtrot, social jive, rumba, cha cha-cha, quickstep +++
No previous experience OR partner required—- just comfortable footwear, a bottle of water and a willingness to put FUN to the fore at each class
The classes will commence on Thursday, Sept 24 with the beginners’ class starting at 10;30 hrs and improvers at 11;30 hrs. There will be a series of 10 classes, and the cost of same will be €100.
So why not swap the sofa for the dance floor? Discover the joy of dancing and dance your stress away. Remember,dancing improves physical fitness, enhances heart health, improves coordination & balance, strengthens memory & concentration, encourages social interaction, provides relaxation & enjoyment and builds confidence
Join the classes and learn to glide, spin, and smile your way through every step. Your next favourite hobby could start on Thursday, Sept 24.
If you would like to know more about the classes or wish to register for them, please contact me at mmacfhlann@gmail.com OR at 087-6305440, and I will gladly assist you.
If you have already attended a set of classes, we would dearly love to see you participating again.
We were blessed with the weather and the golf was glorious too! A truly great day was had by all, and some members not only played golf but went for a swim afterwards!
Our sincere thanks to the Branch and to Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union who sponsored the outing and provided the lovely prizes.
The winners were: 4th Prize Bernie Cleary 3rd Prize Helen Noble 2nd Prize Emily Nevin 1st Prize Matt Reville Best Lady’s Prize Anne Reville Best Man’s Prize John Harding Visitor’s Prize Sean Murray
Inside this issue, you will find information on the Autumn Break and dates regarding the Summer closure.
We are also asking you to support the INTO’s Budget 2027 campaign, by using their handy website tool to email your TDs and demand 1,000 more primary teachers.
We have designed a step-by-step guide for our members to help them getting set up online to receive their digital payslips.
We also have details of a new method to contact the Department with your queries.
We have great news from Cornmarket, who have extended their offers for new customers until December 31st.
Also contained within are details regarding open submissions for Dublin City University’s Age-Friendly conference, Generations at Work: A Fairer Future for Learning, Earning and Longevity
The RTAI are delighted to announced details for this year’s Autumn Break to Athlone.
Event Details
Dates: October 4th – 7th, 2026
Location: Sheraton Hotel, Athlone
Package Rates
The packages are offered on a DBB (Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast) basis:
Duration
Sharing (pps)
Single
3 Nights
€315 per person sharing
€465
4 Nights
€420 per person sharing
€620
Booking Information
How to Book:
Please book directly with the hotel by contacting 090 645 1000.
Bookings open on April 27th
For More Information:
Contact Marian Ryan at 0876742884
e-Payslip step-by-step Guide
In December 2025, the Department of Education & Youth made a reduction on how many printed payslips retired teachers will receive throughout the year. As a result, there is now a digital option for retired teachers to sign up to that will allow you to access your payslips digitally.
Retired teachers who wish to continue to receive a payslip every two weeks may register for the e-Payslip service. The e-Payslip is delivered using MessagingIE which is a secure mail delivery solution that will provide individuals with the ability to receive their Government communications (letters, messages and documents) in a single, safe and secure digital platform.
We have created a step-by-step guide, with images, to assist with getting set up on the e-Payslip service.
Persons who require a copy of a payslip for tax, or other purposes, may submit this request via the Customer Contact Form: https://cs.education.gov.ie/.
Cornmarket is pleased to announce a suite of new savings opportunities for 2026, designed specifically to help new customers reduce their insurance costs. Whether securing a vehicle, a home, or upcoming travel plans, RTAI members can now access significant discounts across three key areas:
Car Insurance: New customers can receive up to €200 off their premium when taking out a new policy by phone.
Home Insurance: A discount of up to €200 is available for new customers looking to protect their property with a new policy.
Travel Insurance: For those heading abroad, Cornmarket is offering an immediate 15% discount when using the promotional code RTAI15.
How to Access These Offers: To take advantage of these limited-time savings, members should contact Cornmarket directly at 0818 601 601. These offers are available for policies taken out before 31.12.26.
The Irish Labour History Society, in association with the Women’s History Association of Ireland, are pleased to announce details of a conference “Eva Gore-Booth: Centenary Celebration of a Radical, Rebel and Reformer” taking place on 24th and 25th July in Coach House, Lissadell House, Sligo.
Official opening by Sabina Higgins.
Places limited, with early booking strongly advised.
Please note your time on the timesheet and be sure that you arrive in plenty of time to partake of breakfast, check in and be ready to play at your allotted time! Should you require a buggy, please contact the club directly.
Financial institutions are constantly trying to maximise their customer base. If you don’t grow your customer base, you cannot grow your lending and a static loan book can leave an institution mired in the doldrums.
Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union currently may accept membership only from Primary School Teachers. That is a finite customer base. The obvious solution is to combine with like-minded credit unions and thereby increase the membership and ultimately the loan book. The following paragraphs explain the current plan for a merger between Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union and other educational credit unions, to create a single credit union for the entire education sector, embracing primary, second level and third level under one umbrella. Each credit union in the merger will maintain current staffing and continue to serve their current members; but the overall membership will be significantly increased and the new body will have significantly more “clout” and be better able to serve all its members better.
Important Update: Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union Strategic Merger
Where Comhar Linn is Today
Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union is built on a clear focus: supporting members working across the education community through a personal, trusted, member-first service that has developed over many years. That focus remains central to everything we do and it will not change.
What is being Proposed:
The Boards of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union, TUI Credit Union and Education Credit Union propose to come together in a transfer of engagements to bring the three credit unions together as one.
If approved, this would create a single financial cooperative serving Ireland’s education community – Primary, Post Primary, Third-level educators and education support staff.
This proposal is about strengthening what already exists, ensuring the credit union continues to meet members’ needs into the future.
Continuity for Members
A key priority throughout this proposal is ensuring continuity for members.
The personal, member-focused service that members value will continue
Staff will remain in place, continuing to support members as they do today
Services will continue to be delivered from existing offices and locations
The credit union will continue to operate with the same strong focus on the needs of educators
The strategic merger is not about changing the core experience for members, it is about supporting and sustaining it. All three credit unions are financially strong and share:
A common membership base within the education sector
A similar approach to member service
A shared commitment to the credit union model
The financial services environment continues to evolve, with increasing member and regulatory expectations requiring greater scale to deliver for tomorrow.
By coming together, the combined organisation will deliver several practical benefits for members:
Stronger member support
Building on the combined respected experience and resources of all three credit unions
Stronger financial resilience
Supporting a sustainable service model for generations of educators to come
Improved Digital services
Increased investment in online and mobile services to meet member expectations
Broader range of products and services
including expanded and enhanced offerings tailored to educators, including mortgages
Better value for Members
Greater scale supports improved competitiveness across products
Member Decision Process
The proposal will be put to members for approval at a Special General Meeting.
Members will be able to join and vote online
Full details will be communicated directly to members
Member participation in this process is important, as the decision ultimately rests with the membership.
The Board of Directors is fully committed to this strategic merger, an important step in strengthening and protecting the future of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union. We will stay true to our roots, proud of what we’ve achieved, confident in what we are building, and committed to shaping what comes next together with you, our members, at the very heart of it all.
Ultimately, the decision to agree this merger rests with you, the members. Your vote should be an informed one. I hope that this mailing is a step on the road to keeping you informed on this important and essential step to ensuring that our credit union remains an essential and vital part of the financial infrastructure of primary education and primary teachers into the future.
Bus for Slieve Bloom Walk Wednesday, 24th June 2026
RTAI South Dublin Branch has decided to hire a 53 seater coach to facilitate members who wish to travel to Kinnity on Wednesday 24th June for our annual walking day out!
Corduff Travel coach will do a pick up at:
Foxrock Church carpark 7.50am.
Rathmines 8.30am (possibly beside Aldi across from Swan Leisure, exact location to be confirmed nearer the day)
Red Cow Luas carpark 9.00am. Please note there is a €4 per day parking charge at The Red Cow Luas carpark, ticket to be purchased on platform.
Arrive Kinnity 11.00am
Coach will leave Kinnity to return to Dublin at 18.30.
RTAI South Dublin Branch will subsidise the cost of the coach and the dining charges.
Travel by Coach (seat reservation will be on a first come first served basis)
€15 per passenger for the return journey.
Booking options:
Online by submitting €15, by Friday, 19th June to: IBAN: IE09 AIBK 9332 9514 4160 65 BIC: AIBKIE2D. Please include your full name with the online banking transfer.
In addition, send an email to marcellaosullivan@hotmail.com (or text 087-6838424) giving your full name, mobile number and the stop where you will board the bus.
Send €15 by post to: Marcella O’Sullivan, 5 Mount Alton Court, Dublin 16, D16 ER24, by Friday, 19thJune and include your full name, mobile number and the stop where you will board the bus. Please note that delivery of post can be slow.
Revolut €15 to 0879848424 with your full name by Friday, 19th June.
In addition, send an email to marcellaosullivan@hotmail.com giving your full name, mobile number and the stop where you will board the bus.
Coach travellers will be invited to join a WhatsApp group to facilitate up to date information on coach data.
Giltrap’s, Kinnity
This year there will be a charge of €25 for tea/coffee/scones on arrival and dinner later in the day.
The €25 for food, (exact cash only please), will be collected on arrival at Giltrap’s.
Míle, mile buíochas to Carmel Dempsey and her team in Kinnity who put in trojan work and ever and always make the Kinnity Walking Outing such an enjoyable day for us all.
Sliabh Bloom Walk Wed 24th June. Duration 3 – 4 hours This walk is mainly on forestry roads and paths with an escape route for a shorter walk. Water, boots or runners & wet gear . Meet at 11.30 in Giltraps pub in Kinnity village for coffee, tea and sandwiches. BBQ meal after . Cost ———. ( cash if possible ) The people travelling by bus will sign in and pay on the bus. It will save a big queue forming while we are having tea /coffee etc. For further info contact Carmel 087 242 0554 or Deirdre 087 774 1953 by Friday 19th . NO need to contact us if you are on the bus.
Directions for Sliabh Bloom Walk
Take the N7 (M7) and drive for approximately 45 minutes to Exit 15 (R422). Drive through : Emo, Mountmellick ( keep left at second Roundabout at END OF TOWN), Rosenallis, Clonaslee, Cadamstown, Kinnitty. Approx 1hour 50 minutes.
Alternative Route: Drive M7 to Exit 18 and take the R445 to Mountrath. Turn right at the lights and take an immediate left onto R 440 for Kinnitty. Drive for 5km and then turn right at House ( stone façade) still R440. Drive up over the Sliabh Blooms. On descent keep left for Kinnitty (a winding road).
Some people like to go on M6 and Exit 5 (N52) Tullamore and then onto Kinnitty There is on street parking in Kinnitty village and at the Community centre.
Because of the inclement weather this morning and in the interest of safety, we decided to defer the RTA cycle trip to Sallins to next Thursday, 18 th June. Those interested in participating in this cycle should note that it will take place on Thursday next, 18 th June and not on Tuesday. The cycle route, from the meeting point in Inchicore to Sallins, is beside the Grand Canal, is 30km each way, and is entirely off-road. Our destination is Sallins where we will have lunch (Café Grange) before returning by the same route. Those who cycled this route last March sang its praises and were keen to repeat it before the Summer holidays beckon. The newly-developed stretch of the Grand Canal cycle way from Lucan to Hazelhatch was opened in late 2025 thus opening the cycle way right through to Sallins. We look forward to a good turnout for this lovely cycle – ordinary push cycles or electric bikes welcome. We will meet at the Blackhorse Inn (now closed) in Inchicore and set off at 10.30. All cyclists are required to wear a helmet. This cycle will be the last of the school year; the RTA cycling will resume in early September. Pat Fitzgerald Mick Griffin
Dublin South RTA 
