TO:                 All Branch Secretaries
                        Executive Committee members
DATE:            30^th January 2015
CIRC:             020/15
RE: Funding for Scholarships for Members Families Update

Dear Colleagues, 

Further to Circulars issued earlier this week I wish to provide clarification and an update on discussions taken at the CPSU Executive Committee related specifically to the qualification and selection process for CPSU Scholarships.

I would in the first instance like to apologise for any confusion and upset caused by the Circulars issued last Monday. I am aware that some Branch Secretaries may have received criticism locally and I regret if any undue criticism was directed at them.

A full report was provided to the Executive Committee yesterday who agreed that the overwhelming response and popularity amongst members for the scheme required a further effort by the union to satisfy the demand that was experienced last Monday.

As a result the following was agreed.

1. A further ten (10) once off educational bursaries will be made available to a maximum of €350 each.
2. One bursary only will be provided to each successful applicant to cover the cost of extra curricular education at school including attendance at Gaeltacht courses or third level education. Only one bursary per family will be provided.
3. If you wish to apply for a bursary, the closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 24^th February next. Applications will then be drawn at the next CPSU Executive Committee on the 26^th February and successful applicants will be notified.
4. Bursaries will only be paid to CPSU members in good standing and upon receipt of the original copy of a receipt for any course undertaken. Members who may not have paid for their course for the coming year may make an application and the bursary will be paid later in the year once all the conditions have been met.
5. A panel of ten (10) other applicants will also be drawn and selected in the event that any of the successful applicants do not fulfil the criteria, i.e., CPSU membership and conditions applying.
6. Applications should be forwarded by post to Educational Bursary, CPSU, 19/20 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 or by email to headoffice@cpsu.ie
7. The successful applicant’s names will be published in the Aontas magazine.
8. It is intended that the Executive Committee will review the terms of the scheme for 2016 and the above ten (10) awards are being provided to meet the demand of the scheme for 2015 only.
9. Note, applications already received earlier this week will be included for this selection process and members who have already applied do not need to resend an application. Where there is more than one CPSU member in any family, only one application on behalf of that family can be considered.

Please bring this circular to the attention of all CPSU Members in your Branch area.

Yours fraternally

Des Fagan

Financial Secretary

TO:                  All Branch Secretaries
                           Executive Committee members
DATE:            26^th January 2015
CIRC:              015/15
RE:                    Funding for Scholarships for Members Families

Dear Colleagues

I would like to remind members of the availability of a scholarship scheme for members families as a result of a motion passed in 2012 by Sligo PSO Branch outlined below:

Executive to review, establish and secure funding for scholarships with immediate effect for members children in relation to educational pursuits (e.g. Gaeltacht) given the current economic difficulties being faced by members.

P.S.O. Sligo

Subsequent to that motion the CPSU Executive have agreed to the following:

1. That a maximum sum of €350 given by way of a bursary to member’s children shall be provided from the CPSU educational budget.
2. The bursary will be a once off payment to any member or their family.
3. It shall be administered on a first come first served basis.
4. It shall apply to courses that are extracurricular e.g. gealtacht and any third level course.
5. Members must provide invoiced receipts and supporting documentation in order to avail of the bursary
6. In order to protect other areas of the educational budget the grants shall be limited to a maximum in any one year of €1,750

Yours fraternally

Des Fagan

Financial Secretary