We held our Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) / AGM on Wednesday 22nd May, 2024 at the Ashling Hotel, Dublin. We would like to sincerely thank all the representatives from our member organisations that attended this event.
The Conference was Chaired by Joanne Farrell, INOU Chairperson. Sadly, Joanne’s first task at the Conference was to remember Ann Fergus, long-standing INOU Chairperson, who tragically passed away at her home on 26th August 2023. Joanne highlighted Ann’s work and support for unemployed people for over 30 years. During this period Ann served on the INOU’s National Executive Committee and the Officers Board, including as Chairperson for many years. Joanne said that Ann was a tireless and fearless advocate for unemployed people. She was highly regarded and respected throughout the organisation and her enormous contribution to the work of the INOU is impossible to measure. Joanne outlined that Ann is very sadly missed by the organisation and by everyone who knew her and she extended the organisation’s deepest sympathies to Ann’s son Alan, her daughter Arlene and the wider family on their loss.
John Stewart, INOU Co-ordinator, gave an overview of the work of the organisation since the last ADC / AGM. John thanked all of the staff and the Board for their incredible dedication and commitment to the INOU during what had been a difficult period for the organisation. Further details of the work of the INOU during the year can be found on our website in the INOU’s Annual Report 2023
In addition to formally agreeing the Financial and Annual Reports and reinstating our Auditors, Browne, Murphy and Hughes for a further year, the Conference also elected Joseph Doyle, INOU General Branch to the Board / National Executive Committee (NEC).
Conference Delegates discussed five motions that had been proposed. Two motions proposed by the INOU General Branch were discussed and agreed. The first motion called on the Government to increase the Community Employment and Tús payment rates and the second motion called on the Government to change the system for working part-time and signing-on to one based on the number of hours worked rather than the number of days.
Two NEC motions were also agreed – the first a call on the Government to benchmark all social welfare rates at a level which is sufficient to lift people above the poverty line and provide them with a Minimum Essential Standard of Living; and the second motion was a call on the Government to deliver wrap around employment and support services that meet the needs of people who are unemployed, regardless of whether or not they are on a social welfare payment.
A further motion, from the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, called on the Government to properly support unemployed people and others marginalised in the labour market, to participate in education, training and employment programmes that will ensure they gain access to decent employment was also agreed.
The Conference also agreed two Constitutional Amendments. The first amendment provided for a change to the INOU’s Membership Structure to facilitate the participation of a greater number of INOU Member organisations in the work of the INOU by way of submitting motions, voting at ADC / AGMs and nominating representatives on to the Board / NEC. The second amendment provided for a change to the Job Title of INOU Co-ordinator to INOU Director.
The round table element of Conference also featured a very good discussion on the INOU’s priorities for the next Government in the context of the forthcoming General Election and Pre-Budget Submission.
At the subsequent Board Meeting on 7th June, Joanne Farrell was re-elected as INOU Chairperson for a two year period. Mick Creedon was re-elected as Treasurer for a further two years and Evanne Kilmurray was re-elected to the second Vice-Chairperson position. Lisa Connell was also nominated and elected to the second Vice-Chairperson position.