Fire Brigade waiver: no fixed rules retirees told

At last week’s meeting, Gemma McDonnell said that over 65’s could receive a waiver for the charge.  During the week, member, Helen O’Connor, telephoned “Citizens Information Bureau” who checked with the Chief Fire Officer for Mayo.

The position is that there are no set rules on the Waiver of Fire Service Charges as each case is assessed on a case by case basis. In general, if a person has a house fire they should claim on their house insurance for any Fire Service charges.

Therefore it is important that a household should have sufficient house insurance. Also clarified was the position that if you had to call the Brigade for an outbreak in a neighbour’s house it is the beneficiary of the Fire Service that is liable for the cost.

It was decided that the branch would apply to act to register for the” Task Community Care” alarms system mooted at the previous week’s meeting.

Trip to Venice

Paddy Flynn, coordinator of the trip to Lake Garda, Venice and Verona advised the participants to ensure that their Travel Insurance was in order. As part of the Bealtaine Festival there will be two workshops on Art and Photography on May 24th.  Weekly walks by members are to resume again shortly.

Rose Armstrong and Donal Murphy attended the A.G.M. of the Connacht Region of Active Retirement Ireland. It was attended by Ms. Maureen Kavanagh, C.E.O., A.R.I. and outgoing President, Tom O’Mahony. 

Tom’s outlook on life is “keep healthy, keep active and walk tall.”  An interesting discussion took place regarding the Active Retirement insurance. I was pointed that personal possessions are not insured. In the case of accidental mishaps it must be proven that personal negligence was not involved. Non members are not insured. The only non members insured are spouses/partners and carers.

The following forthcoming events are planned: the monthly visit to Attymass on Tues. 21st; table quiz on Wed. 22nd ; Bowls Competition in Galway on 27th  and Fun Day on March 1st.