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The Survivor Newsletter: Summer 2008

Inside this issue:

And much more...

FROM THE EDITOR

Photo of John Mc FarlaneNow this is what I call a hard act to follow, taking over from anybody is hard enough but from Paula! Still it's done so I had better introduce myself to those of you who have been fortunate enough not to cross my path over the years.

Born St. Patrick's Day in 1948 I contracted polio in London the following year and spent the subsequent three years in hospital. After that I travelled the world with my parents as father moved from one posting to another. I went to school in England and started my working career with Unilver before joining Cunard where I worked as a staff surveyor on their passenger ships, including QEII. I moved on to British Steel eventually rising to Director level.

In 1969 I met and later married Mary, a native of Offaly and we returned to her home county in 1997 where we built a fully adapted home. Over the years, like so many, Post Polio Syndrome has caught up with me so that I am fully wheelchair dependent. How did I get involved with PPSG, well you can thank Jim Costello for that! As well as being the new nervous editor of "The Survivor ", I also look after the web site and act as the Treasurer together with other things that get thrown my way.

Remember I am only the custodian of "The Survivor " , it is your magazine. Tell me what you want to see in it, you can find my contact details below, look forward to hearing from you soon. Nothing you send in will be ignored or wasted, if there is not room in "The Survivor " there will always be space on the Group's web site at www.ppsg.ie

Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie or Jmcfarlane1@iolfree.ie
Tel: 087-2029830

TIP

Here is a useful tip from Linda O'Leary We usually have our mobiles with us wherever we go so why not place the number which you would like someone to call should you be involved in an accident, put it under "ICE " (In Case of Emergency) in your contact list, on your mobile phone memory or SIM card. It might just be the most important number thing you ever do! The PPSG has two new members of staff, both of whom have joined in 2008.

The first is Ann Shanahan, known to many as the founder of the book club and an active member. Ann joins the staff as Regional Support Officer and will be travelling around the country helping the Social Support Groups and assisting to develop them in any way she can.

The other is Lillian McElvanny who comes in to work with Carol Robinson in the role of Services and Information Coordinator (Part Time). Lillian seen here with Carol on the left has worked in the disability field for many years having previously been with ENABLE Ireland.

But as we welcome Ann & Lillian we say farewell to Ann Doohan, she joined the staff on a short term basis in early 2006, intending to move on quite quickly. She established herself as a valued colleague known to many by her telephone voice. She left at the end of May to return to her native Tory Island in her words "to swim with the dolphins for the summer and enjoy myself ". In the autumn Ann takes up a place at NUI Galway to pursue the studies she has always dreamt of – our thanks for all you have done for members of the PPSG.

SLIGO 2008

In times gone by the cry was "Go West Young Man ", well we were before PC days! So who could resist the cry from Paula Lahiff and her organizing Committee to go to Sligo in the spring? The Radisson SAS Hotel at Rosses Point was the venue of the 2008 Annual Conference and AGM, as well as the unique event named "Creativity and Us ". The event was so well attended that overspill rooms had to be booked in the nearby Clarion, so all could be suitably accommodated.

A bright spring morning saw the delegates gather to be welcomed to Sligo by the City Mayor, Cllr Jonathan McGoldrick. The conference was formally opened by the Mr Jimmy Devins TD, the then Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children and Deputy for Sligo. He spoke warmly of the achievements of the Group and welcomed the initiatives it had taken on behalf of Polio Survivors in areas as diverse as social support and peer counselling through to the sponsorship of research into fatigue. He added that the Government was firmly committed to ensuring that people with disabilities were able to avail of all the services needed, medically and socially, to enable them to enjoy quality of life, dignity and independence.

The Chairman of the Post Polio Support Group, Mr. Hugh Hamilton, then welcomed the visitors from the Northern Ireland Polio Fellowship and the Chief Executive of the British Polio Fellowship, Mr. Graham Bell.

Photo of Eamonn FarrellThe first presentation by the Group's Chief Executive, Mr. Eamonn Farrell, reported on the progress of Plan 2010 that was rolled out last year and tackles the development and direction of the Group over the next 2 ½ years. A copy of Plan 2010 had been sent to very PPSG member in 2007 and Eamonn emphasized the importance it had to the well being of members and how it could be used to help deliver better and faster services. Its implementation also allows the Group to maintain pressure on statutory bodies to deliver according to the needs of Polio Survivors.

The next two speakers were introduced to the conference by Ciaran Nicholson chairing a session that looked at two areas of particular relevance to Polio Survivors. An ongoing commitment of the Group has been in the sponsorship of research into the medical problems faced by those with Post Polio Syndrome. Over the past number a years a small dedicated group, Deirdre Murray, Dara Meldrum (RCSI), Ronan Conroy (RCSI) and Prof. Orla Hardiman (Beaumont Hospital) has benefited from PPSG research grants.

On their behalf Deidre Murray presented the results of their research project from 2005 - 2007 entitled 'An Investigation of Subjective and Motor Fatigue in Prior-Polio Patients and the relationship with the Energy Cost of Walking'. An abstract of the presentation is reproduced here:

"Fatigue, problems walking, weakness and pain are recognised as common problems among Polio Survivors. This project aimed to investigate these symptoms and relationships that may exist between them. 30 Polio Survivors were compared with 30 people of the same age (controls) with no history of a neurological condition. Each volunteer attended for assessment in Beaumont Hospital. Ethical approval was granted by the Beaumont Ethics Board.

Assessment included an energy cost of walking assessment, measuring effort of walking; subjective fatigue and quality of life measured using questionnaires, mobility and pain. Quantitative Muscle Assessment (QMA), measuring muscle strength and muscle fatigue was completed.photo of Deidre Murray

Results showed that Polio Survivors had a higher body mass index with 36.7% classified as obese compared with 13.3% of controls. Polio Survivors reported more pain with a greater pain severity than controls. The legs, followed by spine and upper limb were the main pain locations. Activity was the most commonly reported pain-aggravating factor. QMA scores showed that Polio survivors were significantly weaker than controls but there was no difference in muscle fatigue of legs found. 93% of Polio Survivors compared with 13% controls reported subjective fatigue. Mobility of Polio Survivors was worse across all measures with walking speeds 55% that of the controls. 80% of Polio survivors used a mobility appliance. Energy Cost of Walking was more than 2 times greater in Polio Survivors, who showed a much bigger increase in heart rate to walk at a comfortable speed.

Investigation of relationships between the measures showed that pain influenced subjective fatigue. Elevated Energy Cost of Walking, which was influenced by pain and leg strength, had a negative impact on the Physical Component of Quality of Life. Findings emphasise the importance of minimising pain, maintaining strength and maximizing the efficiency of walking in Polio Survivors.

The proposed continuation of the Project involves investigating whether exercise can help decrease energy cost of walking and maybe help control weight ". To assist in the research continuation Deidre invited delegates to complete a Questionnaire that will be used to guide further research. A subject close to many a Polio Survivor's heart, or rather legs in most cases, whether there are better orthotics on the market. David Allen, personally known to many as the Chief Orthotist and Clinical Director of IDS Ltd, based at the Cappagh Hospital in Dublin tackled the subject. He posed the question often asked by Polio Survivors to their orthotist "Are there any new or better orthoses (callipers and braces) available nowadays ". In answer he stated "This seemingly simple question does not have a simple answer. The reason for this is that all orthotic clients are individuals, with individual requirements, capabilities and aspirations. What may be a useful development for one client may be completely inappropriate for another. Even where it is possible to identify a possible match between a client and a new product it is virtually impossible to forecast if the outcome would be positive. It has been my experience on several occasions that seemingly very similar cases have resulted in totally different outcomes.

One client had a change from a conventional calliper, i.e. leather and steel, to a contemporary plastic design. She found this to be a huge success, with very few disadvantages. However, she was rather annoyed that such a design had been available for some decades and was frustrated that she had not reaped the benefits many years before. Another client who presented with much the same clinical condition and who had a similar change found the new orthosis to be totally unacceptable, mainly because it was just so different. This can lead to a big problem – if a client is dissatisfied with a new orthosis, who is to pay for replacing the orthosis with the original design? There is currently no process within the HSE funding system for this and if the orthosis is not accepted by the client the HSE is very unlikely to pay for it at all, no matter how much work the orthotist has already done. This is only one of several funding issues which need to be addressed.Chart showing Use of Mobility Appliances among Polio Sufferers

To be specific about new developments – they are mainly in the areas of components and materials. Some orthotic knee joints are now available with improved safety or stability functions and some new materials are lighter and more rigid. However, the overriding issue remains suitability for individual clients needs ". He ended by advising delegates "If you are interested in investigating new developments you should contact your orthotist to discuss this ".

Although it was not possible for the speakers to answer questions on individual cases delegates asked a series of queries many of which addressed areas regarding ethics and availability of on a range of treatments and aids and appliances in the public and private sectors. Lunch called a halt to the session but both Deidre and David stayed on to talk to individuals on a private basis for some considerable time.

Delegates regrouped in the afternoon for the formal part of the day, the Annual General Meeting of the Post Polio Support Group, where they were addressed by the Chairman and Officers of the Group and received the Annual Accounts. These were adopted, and resolutions regarding the re-appointment of the Auditors and four of the Directors were taken and passed unanimously. Then came "A Very Special Performance ", in fact so special that the organisers had kept it a closely guarded secret. Everybody was intrigued when, as it turned out, four local amateur actors took up centre stage. Firstly they related and recalled statements that the audience quickly recognized as telling the stories of Polio Survivors, their experiences, heartaches and triumphs. The actors then took on separate roles in a specially written play, one couple taking the part of a male Polio Survivor and his wife, the other their son and his wife returning from Australia to discover the father has Post Polio Syndrome; is not coping with life and driving his wife demented by inaction over his condition and refusing to change his life or surroundings. Told with great humour and sensitivity it looked at what could be done to improve the parents' lives, simple things like moving a rug that the father fell over. Getting in touch with "some Group called the Post Polio Support Group " and asking for advice. Soon the audience were in fits of laughter as they recognised themselves and their own kin in the words and actions of the actors. To say the audience was rolling in the aisles may be a little extreme but they were certainly rocking with laughter both at the performance, and perhaps more importantly themselves. One line that struck home hard effectively said that although you can not take it with you and you want to leave something behind you when you depart this mortal coil, most of our relatives would prefer us to have the things we need to enjoy our lives now, it is all about quality not necessarily quantity.

All too soon the performance ended, it is to be hoped that perhaps it can be recorded so all can enjoy the warmth and sincerity of those Sligo actors and the enjoyment they brought to all. The evening saw a dinner where 185 sat down to a sumptuous three course meal with old and new friends. Many were surprised when the big drop down TV screens came into view. Paula had one last surprise up her sleeve. Before many had even enjoyed their breakfast she had been interviewed with Evelyn Wainwright for RTE News, and it had appeared as the third item on the 6.01 News. Although it was bounced down the running order by other fresher items, and was late because of the football, Paula appeared on the screens to deliver a plea that the Government and HSE deliver the services that Polio Survivors need now. It was met by embarrassment by Paula and rapturous applause from everyone else.

Then the fun began started by a bumper raffle and a Ceilidh that went on late into the night, or rather the early hours of the next morning. A job well done and enjoyed by all.

OVERHEARD ON THE WEEKEND

'I've got my women all mixed up!'
(Hope he got them sorted out by nightfall)

'I couldn't get my legs into bed, I had to get help!'
(It was not caused by post polio syndrome!)

'CREATIVITY AND US'

BEHIND THE SCENES IN SLIGO
With Paula Lahiff

It all started with a remark by Eamonn that there seemed to be a lot of talent among our members. That got me thinking about how we could bring all this creativity into one place and have an exhibition. Then the idea of publishing a companion book to 'Polio and Us' took hold, and it took off from there. Of course the first big stumbling block was the funding and this project had to be self-funding. Always the eternal optimist, I set about enquiring into the various funding bodies which might come up with the money including the Arts Council, HSE Arts and Health Programme, Sligo Co. Council, CAWT, and People in Need. We got some negative and some positive replies to our request, but we were successful in getting enough funding for the first part of the project – the exhibition. I am still awaiting word from the People in Need Organisation, and if they agree to assist us, we may also have enough funding for phase two – the companion publication to Polio and Us.

Sligo Co Council Arts Service were extremely helpful in showing us how to go about putting an exhibition together – they also offered to assist with hanging the exhibition in the Primary Care Centre in Sligo for three weeks as part of the Bealtaine Festival of Creativity in Older Age, which was right after our Conference/AGM in April. Letters went out to all members asking for expressions of interest and we were delighted that 40 members said they would like to take part, including members of Polio Fellowship N. Ireland which brought a nice cross-border element to the project. We arranged collection points around the country and eventually the paintings started to arrive in my house. Each painting I opened was wonderful – I was, and still am, amazed at the talent!

Then we had to organise stands and hooks and hanging string, screw eyes and name tags. We found an artist who agreed to help us to hang them to best advantage. Then we had to think of the craft items which people were to bring with them to the Conference. Each item was unique and special, from bog oak carvings to wood-turnings, from tapestries to knitting, from embroidery to poetry, and we even discovered that we had seven published authors among our membership. We engaged the services of a professional photographer to take photos of all the exhibits and the exhibitors, and these will form part of the publication, which hopefully and depending on funding, will be undertaken before the end of the year. Many thanks to all the exhibitors for allowing us to share in their wonderful talents, and to everyone who assisted us to bring this exhibition to fruition, it is a credit to one and all.

NIGHT AT THE RACES

(with apologies to the Marx Bros.)

Ann Dinneen reports that the Cork Post-Polio group went to the dogs on January 19th – literally! Their post- Christmas get-together was held at the Cork Greyhound Track Anyone who has not been 'to the dogs' in decades will be amazed at the comfort and comparative luxury in which one can watch the dogs run around the track after the hare - whilst still sitting, eating and drinking in total warmth and comfort. In fact, it was like checking into a hotel!

The suite, to which we were ushered had been booked for the sole use of PPSG members, soon filled with forty-four plus members, partners and family. We had a prime position overlooking the stadium, looking down on those less favoured in the 'public' restaurant! Evelyn, as usual, had done us proud and had commissioned a suite in which we had a 180-degree view of the greyhounds and circuit.

When everyone was seated to their satisfaction with family and friends, menus were quickly handed round by the many efficient waiters and choosing from the large and varied choice was our first delight of the evening. The food, which was served piping hot within a short waiting time, was excellent and unobtrusively served so as not to detract from the animated conversation of the members and the serious and tough job of picking the winner of the first… and subsequent races. On my table, we were extremely lucky to have the expertise of Sunny who enlightened us as to what all the letters, numbers and signs after and above each dog's name meant. When just about to pick a particularly interestingly named dog, she would caution 'Wait! He is too heavy " Eh? How do you know that! "Just look at this column here " or "He has been run too recently, he may be tired ". (Was she psychic, we wondered?). "No, no, just look at this column here, it will tell you. " We took her advice very seriously when her winnings grew and ours decreased …rapidly! The agony of trying to pick a winner in between mouthfuls of food while leaving the tried and failed intuition behind and instead trying to work out 'form' with our newly acquired knowledge was interesting to say the least – a whole new world and a whole new language to learn.

We did not even have to leave our table to put on our bets!! How time has moved on from queuing up in the cold before a tiny window and then pushing your way back to your seat and then back again for your winnings, if you were lucky. We had a very amiable bet-taker who came to our table and in nano seconds he had our money taken, our bets recorded and a receipt given. He was greatly entertained by the fairly raucous energy coming from our table from time to time "Come on, come on! COME…ON! Ohhh, noooooo! Wait…! Yes.. Yes! Yes!!! We've won, we've won!!.. while jumping up and down with glee… or rather sliding down in despair in most cases. However, the will to win got us going again and we batted our wits and new knowledge up against the Racecourse to the last race. At the end, we were all satisfied with our bets as by the end of the night we had lost less then we had came prepared to lose – if you understand me – and went home winners or rather happy losers! That was on our table at any rate… other, quieter tables, may have done much better. But, the rush of adrenaline was worth every penny! The four course meal lasted up to the last race, though there was no undue waiting in between courses. The staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. The venue was accessible and warm. Drinks bar right behind us…friendly members, a great night out… But, not finished yet, it seemed. As we made our way out of the suite we found we could either continue our conversations in the elegant bar next door or… boogie away to some really "smoochy " music from a live band further down the corridor! Some did! Did I say it was like being in a hotel?

Our heartfelt thanks again to Evelyn (Wainwright), who is an administrator extraordinaire, the perfect host who somehow manages to ensure at every get-together everyone is welcomed immediately, included and made comfortable. She keeps her eyes peeled to make sure that they are enjoying themselves and on the venue to make sure that everything is as previously arranged, quickly picking up on any departure to what she may have ordered and putting it right, quietly and efficiently. Thank you, Evelyn. A wonderful evening… Cork has certainly gone to the dogs this year! Looking forward to the next one!

ACCESSIBILITY IN MANILA

by Charlie Smith

A while ago I was very lucky to obtain a grant to enable me to travel to the Philippines. One of the objects of the trip was to see how getting around was for those that had difficulty in mobility. I flew from Dublin to Amsterdam and then onto Manila. At the airports porters took me by wheelchair and on the 'planes the staff could not have been more helpful. Fortunately I can walk and I was able to go to the toilet myself; the flight from Amsterdam to Manila was 14 hours. I really don't know how a person who relies on a wheelchair would cope; the toilets on aeroplanes are not known for room!

I booked the hotel over the internet, and it was clean but basic. The rooms all had en-suite facilities with a lift to each floor. There were no steps inside the hotel so it was wheelchair friendly. I had a contact in the country that is a wheelchair user and they found no difficulty in moving round the hotel. To go around Metro Manila in a wheelchair is a nightmare! You have to have a carer with you as very little consideration has been made for those who find difficulty in moving. There are some extremely high steps from the road to the pavement and often there is a lot of furniture on the pavement itself.

However I found the city to be most interesting and the way of life totally different from cities in Western Europe. There are quite a few museums in Metro Manila that I found fascinating. If you are adventurous and want a little more from a holiday I can highly recommend going to the Philippines. As I have stated primarily I went to the Philippines to find out how people with mobility difficulties coped. If you would like to read a longer report please contact me on charlie12smith@eircom.net.

EVER WONDER...

(courtesy of Jo Hayden, Boca Area Post Polio Group, Florida, USA)

TRANSPORT AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: PART III – AIR & FERRY SERVICES

by Paula Lahiff

This is the third and final part on our research into Transport and People with Disabilities and will focus on Air and Ferry Services. We wrote to all ferry companies and airlines asking the following pertinent questions:

We received a response from Ryanair and Aer Arann and from Irish Ferries. Aer Lingus also sent an acknowledgement saying that a member or their Customer Care Team would be in touch with us – but to date there has been no follow-up contact made.

RYANAIR

They replied that reduced mobility assistance can be provided at all 135 airports the Ryanair currently operate flights to/from. They have a safety limitation of four reduced mobility passengers on each flight and notification of a passenger's condition and any request for special assistance must be made by special designation phone numbers on the same day as the original booking is made.

From personal experience, this is more difficult than it appears on paper. You have to make the booking first, and then phone the number designated. This puts you through to an automated answering machine, which tells you to phone another number, which is then charged at premium rate! You are then informed if you are one of the four only reduced mobility places available – if there are four seats already booked, I dread to think what happens then! Have any of our members had this experience? I would strongly suggest that if you are travelling with Ryanair, you read carefully the Special Needs Section on their website, which can be accessed via the Travel Questions on www.ryanair.com. This gives lengthy information as to what is and what is not provided and Ryanair takes no responsibility – so you MUST INFORM YOURSELF before you travel. Having said all that, once I was checked in, all went very smoothly and the staff were more than helpful.

AER ARANN

They tell us that they provide support to passengers who may require assistance on all routes across their network through a third party company. In Dublin, this service is provided by 'Fernleys'. A 'meet and assist' service is provided to passengers who may require assistance with hand baggage from the check-in desk to the departure gate and upon arrival from the aircraft to the baggage reclaim area. This service can also include a wheelchair for passengers who feel the walk from check-in to the departure gate may be too tiring. A 'lift on/off' service is provided where it is not possible to ascend/descend the steps of the aircraft. Passengers are asked to advise their call centre when making reservation to ensure the correct comments are placed in the booking and that assistance can be pre-booked to avoid delay upon check-in. From personal experience both with Ryanair and Aer Arann, the walk to the Departure Gate is very long at Dublin Airport, and if you have any difficulty in walking long distances, get into that wheelchair and travel in comfort, and no heroics about not wanting to appear 'disabled'! Also be prepared to be thoroughly searched, the machine will beep like crazy if you are wearing a calliper or even if you have a joint replacement. However, I have found that the Airport Security staff are very efficient and courteous and have seen all sorts of strange walking aids and prostheses before.

IRISH FERRIES

They replied that they are delighted to welcome passengers with disabilities and have some very dedicated facilities for these passengers on board. They tell us that all their staff have Disability Awareness Training. They also offer discounts of 20% on all Irish sea routes and 10% on all Ireland/France Direct routes to members of the DDA and the IWA. Just inform them at the time of booking and email your membership number and booking reference. You are asked to arrive early and identify yourself to staff, who will position your vehicle near the lift They attached a printout of their homepage, www.irishferries.com which give detailed information on designated seating areas and accessible cabins and food outlets. I have no experience of travelling with Irish Ferries, so if any of our members would like to tell us of their experiences, please do write in and let us know.

NEW LAWS ABOUT AIR TRAVEL

The European Disability Forum is currently drawing attention to changes in the law concerning disabled air passengers. The new EU regulation places a duty on airlines not to refuse to carry people on grounds of disability other than in exceptional circumstances. This came into force in July 2007. In addition a new requirement for airports to provide ground handling and other services to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility will come into effect in July 2008 Please note that there are many ferry companies offering crossings to the UK and near Continent as well as other airlines operating from Ireland to internal and external destinations. The ones mentioned in the article are just some of these. It is not the policy of the Post Polio Support Group to endorse any one product or service provider. However, we are always interested to hear of your experiences, good as well as bad.

35 YEARS LATER……!

Photo of Jimmy Kenahan, John Mangan, Ciaran Nicholson, Noel McMahon, Robers Alcorn and Harry PierceThe Group pictured left to right are Jimmy Kenahan, John Mangan (wheelchair), Ciaran Nicholson, Noel McMahon, Robert Alcorn and Harry Pierce (wheelchair). They originally met in Park House, Stillorgan Grove, Co. Dublin when it was run by the Polio Fellowship. After leaving all went their own ways in life, finding work, getting married, just the way everybody else does. They had not been together since then, it took the Sligo Conference to get them back together – and they say they will have a reunion a little more often in the future!

BOOK CLUB

with Anne Shanahan

It was great to talk to so many enthusiastic readers at the AGM in Sligo. New friends were made and many books were discussed in the congenial atmosphere. Many thanks to my partner Terry Fairtlough who helped to collect books for the stand from members and friends. We gave out about 250 books. I was delighted to know that so many of our members are interested in reading but I had no idea that there were so many authors in PPSG!

This will be the fourth book-club session. The first three were really a trial effort – trying to find out what kind of books members like to read etc. I am reducing the number of suggested book titles to three and hope that this will result in more feed-back. So please copy or cut out the Book Review Form below and share your opinions with other members. Suggested titles for the next session will be very welcome.

Happy reading
Ann

BOOK TITLES FOR SUMMER 2008

1. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
Subject: Fiction

The Uncommon Reader is none other than HM the Queen who drifts accidentally into reading when her corgis stray into a mobile library parked at Buckingham Palace. Her reading naturally changes her world view and her relationship with people.

'A masterpiece of comic brevity.'
(Robert McCrum, Observer)

2. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker, translated by David Colmer
Subject: Fiction

Reminiscent of Per Petterson's Out Stealing Horses which we read last session. This is a prize-winning debut novel set in the Dutch countryside. A captivating family drama. Shortly to be made into a film.

3. Speaking For Myself: the Autobiography by Cherie Blair
Subject: Autobiography

Maybe this will change your views on Cherie Blair

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

The Board of Directors and Trustees of the Post Polio Support Group have always endeavoured to set the highest standards possible in the way that the Group is run for the benefit of members and Polio Survivors. Therefore, at a recent Board Meeting a formal complaints policy was adopted in line with international practice. Should you have a reason to complain please contact the Complaints Officer who is also the Company Secretary. Copies of the policy may also be viewed on line at the Group's web site at http://www.ppsg.ie/about_policies.html

COOLE HOSPITAL CONFIRMATION CLASS 1958

On the back page of the last edition a photo of the class was published and we asked did you recognise yourself or anyone else? This drew the following response from Ciaran Nicholson:

"Jimmy Keenahan's photo of Coole Hosp. Confirmation 1958 I recognise I am standing next to Jimmy in the 2nd row (last on the left). Paddy (or is it Barney?) McGlynn is on the floor on the right. Most of those depicted were affected by Polio, but others were affected by cerebral palsy, amputee, diabetes, etc. It's nice to recall that I looked innocent if not angelic once upon a time! "

PLEASE REMEMBER THE POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR WILL, OR REQUEST DONATIONS TO POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP IN LIEU OF FLOWERS…. BE ASSURED ALL BEQUEST AND DONATIONS WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE THANK YOU

POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP SPONSORED SWIM

WILL YOU COMMIT TO

CONTACT:

ANN BURNS 01-453 4150

SPIRITUAL CORNER

Joan Bradley.

Mary

To get away on holiday, to have a rest.
It is a must.
Far off East, historic Greece, or sunny Spain,
A tan to gain.
Mary is a worker too, a simpler mind
One couldn't find.
She had no mental powers to choose, to make a plan,
Or brochures scan.
She went away on holiday and had a rest
In Finglas West.
The sand, the sun, the golden tan she never missed.
And she was blessed.

CARER'S ALLOWANCE: WHEN I'M 65? – NO ANY AGE

In the last edition of the Survivor, we looked at some of the state pensions and benefits. In the third and final part of the series we concentrate on the Carer's Allowance. The whole field of Pensions, Benefits and Allowances are complex so we can only give a general outline. Remember if you think you may qualify – CLAIM. These Allowances, Pensions and Benefits are not charity – if you qualify, they are your right under law. If you are turned down – APPEAL and ask for a full review with reasons in writing. A large number of claims initially rejected go through on appeal!

The Department of Social and Family Affairs, An Roinn Gnothaí Sóisialacha agus Teaghlaigh, has introduced a LoCall Number 1890 500 000 for their Sligo office. You can phone there for leaflets and applications forms, or look up the Department's web site at www.welfare.ie. Alternatively, any Citizens' Information Bureau should be able to assist .

CARER'S ALLOWANCE

Carer's Allowance is a payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. If you are getting Prescribed Relative's Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance, or a pensioner is claiming it for you, you may apply for Carer's Allowance instead. You may qualify for Carer's Benefit instead of Carer's Allowance if you leave the workforce to care for a person in need of full-time care and attention.

IS CARER'S ALLOWANCE PAYABLE IF YOU ARE IN RECEIPT OF ANOTHER BENEFIT?

As was reported in the last edition from 27th September 2007 if you are getting certain payment(s) from the Department of Social & Family Affairs and you satisfy the conditions for Carer's Allowance, you may get half the rate of Carer's Allowance along with your existing payments. It may also be possible for you to receive half rate Carer's Allowance in addition to someone receiving an increase for you as a qualified adult on their own pension.

You will qualify if you the carer:

In addition, the person you are caring for must:

If you are the caring for a child on Domiciliary Care Allowance from the Health Service Executive, you do not need to supply a medical certificate or be the person who receives that allowance for the child. You cannot get Carer's Allowance if the person you are caring for:

WHAT DOES 'FULL-TIME CARE AND ATTENTION' MEAN?

The person being cared for must need:

However, the person being cared for may attend a non-residential course of rehabilitation training or a day care centre approved by the Minister for Health and Children. You, the carer, may:

NOTE:

  1. In all instances any employment must be cleared with the Department of Social & Family Affairs being it is commenced
  2. Any income, except earnings from working part-time as a Home Help for the Health Service Executive, will be assessed as means.
  3. During your absence, you must arrange adequate care for the person requiring full-time care and attention.
  4. The Department of Social & Family Affairs states that it will be flexible when assessing the need to provide full-time care and attention and consider the needs of you, the carer, and the person receiving the care. They do not expect, nor want others to expect, that you would provide care 24 hours a day.

DO YOU NEED TO LIVE WITH THE PERSON NEEDING FULL-TIME CARE?

Normally you would be living with the person being cared for, but it is not essential. You may qualify for Carer's Allowance if you are a non-resident carer and can show the following when applying for Carer's Allowance:

In these cases, you must show that full-time care and attention is being provided to the person being cared for.

WHAT IS THE MEANS TEST?

A means test is a way of checking if you have enough means to support yourself and what amount of payment, if any, you may qualify for. Your means are any income belonging to you or your spouse or partner and property (except your own home) or an asset that could provide you with an income.

To carry out a means test, a Social Welfare Inspector will ask for details of your means. The Inspector will do this at your local Social Welfare Office or may call to you at your home. They may also ask you to produce documents such as, accounts or bank statements. You need to give details of all your means when completing your application form. A Deciding Officer makes a decision on your entitlement to a pension based on the means test.

HOW IS IT PAID?

Carer's Allowance can be paid weekly by:

ARE EXTRA BENEFITS AVAILABLE?

RESPITE CARE GRANT

The Respite Care Grant is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people who need full-time care and attention. It is paid for each person you care for full time. You do not need to apply for a Respite Care Grant. It will be paid automatically in June where any of the following are being paid:

The amount of this grant is €1,700 (June 2008). It is paid for each person you are caring for if you satisfy other conditions. (If you do not qualify for Carer's Allowance because your means are too high, you may still qualify for the Respite Care Grant (Non Means Tested) for each person you care for if you satisfy other qualifying conditions.)

FREE SCHEMES

If you qualify for Carer's Allowance, you also qualify for:

FUEL ALLOWANCE

The person you are caring for may be entitled to claim this allowance.

DOES THE BENEFIT CONTINUE AFTER DEATH?

Carer's Allowance continues to be paid to you for 6 weeks after the person you are caring for dies.

HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY?

You should apply for Carer's Allowance as soon as you feel you meet the conditions.

REGIONAL ROUND-UP

BRAY GROUP

Location: Bray
Area: South Dublin; North Wicklow.
Convenor: Macrina Clancy
Tel: 01 285 3561 or 086 838 3865
E-mail: macrinaclancy@gmail.com

Meetings: Meets at 8 pm on the first Tuesday of most months from March to October In March the social diary for 2008 commenced. A great group was gathered and there was a lot of catching up to do. April saw the group decide the programme for the year with May kicking off with a talk on hobbies. We would all like to welcome two new African members to our group. We hope they will enjoy participation and they have a lot to contribute as they are musicians reports Joyce Henderson

Nuala Harnett writes that Anne Burns, PPSG Board member, very kindly arranged for a group to visit the Dáil on 8th April, Bertie Ahern's last day there, speaking as Taoiseach. They were very lucky to have met both him and John Hume in the corridors during their tour. Their guide, who was most courteous and informative, brought them around the different gracious rooms of Leinster House. Sat in the VIP gallery of the Senate they listened to a few speeches in the Dáil, itself, which was presided over by the Cathaoirleach of the day, Brendan Howlin. A total of fourteen enjoyed the tour, lasting an hour and a half, and they would like to convey their thanks to Senator Maria Corrigan for inviting them to Dáil Éireann.

CLARE GROUP

Location: Templegate Hotel, Ennis
Area: Co. Clare
Convenor: Tom Gallery
Tel/fax: 086 3251251
E-mail: tgallery@eircom.net

Meetings: Meets four to five times a year at 8 p.m. A meeting was held at the Templegate Hotel Ennis at 8pm on Monday 19th of May. This was the first meeting in Ennis for some time and the convenor Tom Gallery was delighted to see a great turnout of members together with some carers and family. "Everyone got a chance to say a few words and without exception they expressed their thanks to Tom for bringing us all together. A lively exchange of information, tips and questions was followed by refreshments. Hugh Weir gave us the benefit of his knowledge on various matters. It was decided to hold a social evening with dinner and musical entertainment on June 16th at 7pm - this will also be held at the Templegate Hotel. A great time was had by all and we are looking forward to regular meetings in Ennis. "

CORK GROUP

Location: Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork.
Area: Cork; Kerry.
Convenor: Evelyn Wainwright
Tel/fax: 021 484 7313 or 086 882 9267
E-mail: evelyn99911@Hotmail.com

Meetings: Meets four to five times yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm Gathering 14 May 2008 – Vienna Woods Hotel Evelyn welcomed us all for attending on such a beautiful summer's evening and thanked Ray for printing all the information and Sunny for organising the letters to be sent out. Fundraising took place in Cork University Hospital on 12th and 15th May for PPSG sponsorship for the Cork City Marathon to be held on 2nd June. Special thanks goes first of all to the person who got the permission Catherine, and then the members who spent time and energy collecting, Sunny Osburn, Niamh Lane, John O'Connor, George O'Donovan, Marie O'Shea, Anne O'Connor, Anne Beale, Siobhan Jackson, Gerard Feehan and Terry Wainwright who took up the stand at 8-45 each day and collected and helped to count the money when the day was over. To him Evelyn wishes to say a special thank you for always doing the jobs she is unable to do herself. There were two relay teams with 12 people involved in the Marathon. Evelyn thanked everybody who took part in the fundraising.

Evelyn gave a report on the very successful AGM in Sligo. There was a great display of Arts and Crafts by members of PPSG, not to mention the dancing and singing that went on late into the night. Not to be missed next time!! Information was available in the form of handouts on House Fires, Mobiles (in case of emergency), information for anyone having job done in their home. There were also handouts on information for GP's, as well as the World Wide Web. After light refreshments of tea and biscuits, Evelyn introduced us to one of our members Anne, who is a Toastmaster. She informed us all about Toastmasters and how she became one herself. Anne spoke of the benefits she has found from being involved in a club and being able to stand up and give your comments on issues at meeting or social interaction with friends. She was full of confidence and gave a speech about "Bloodlines " which was most interesting.

Finally Evelyn informed us that our Summer Outing is 'A Boat Trip around Cork Harbour', followed that evening by a meal in the evening in Vienna Woods Hotel on Sunday 13th July Other dates for the diary are a Chill Out Day at St. Dominic's Conference Centre, Montenotte, Cork on 6th September with guest speaker on "Healthy Eating ", and on the evening of 12th November at the Vienna Woods Hotel, George & Jim are organising a Table Quiz. All in all a very informative and enjoyable evening. Cathryn Dunne

ENNISCORTHY GROUP

Location: Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy
Area: South Wicklow; Wexford; Waterford.
Convenor: Povl Thim
Tel: 053 942 1857 or 086 810 7498
E-mail: povlthim@gmail.com

Meetings: Meets at 8 pm on the first Monday of most months Anne O'Kelly Guerin has stepped down as the Convenor of the Enniscorthy Group and we all owe her a debt of gratitude for the work she has put in. We would like to welcome a face known to many, Povl Thim as the new Convenor. Give him all the support you can The Group will break for the summer month, and return again in September , on the first Monday of the month, which in this case happens to be Sept.1st. October meeting on Oct. 6th, and November meeting on Nov 3rd. Enjoyed the week end in Sligo, very nice to see 'old' friends again

KERRY GROUP

Location: Killarney Area: Kerry and surrounding counties Convenor: Charlie Smith Tel/fax: 066 9768530 E-mail: charlie12smith@eircom.net

Meetings: 6 times yearly at 3pm Sunday

LETTERKENNY GROUP

Location: Letterkenny Areas: Donegal; Derry. Convenor: John Mangan Tel: 074 913 7465

LIMERICK GROUP

Location: Kilmurray Lodge Hotel. Areas: Limerick; North Tipperary. Convenor: Tom Clifford Tel: 061 375 115 E-mail: tomclifford1@eircom.net

Meetings: Meets two to three times yearly

MIDLAND GROUP

Location: Cregan Court Hotel, Athlone Areas: Westmeath; Roscommon, East Galway. Convenor: Sean Mulligan Mobile: 087 205 3821 Email: j2smulligan@eircom.net

Meetings: Meets twice yearly at 8 pm

MAYO GROUP

Location: The Courthouse Hotel Area: Ballina; Belmullet;Westport. Convenor: Bridie McMahon Tel: 087 958 0567 E-mail: sbmcmahon70@eircom.net

Meetings: Meets twice yearly on Wednesdays at 8 pm

NEWBRIDGE GROUP

Location: Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge. Area: Carlow; Kildare. Convenor: Paddy Moyles Tel: 059 914 1283 (Evenings)

Meetings: Meets two to three times yearly at 8 p m

PORTLAOISE GROUP

Location: Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise. Area: Offaly; Laois; Kilkenny. Convenor: Paddy Fitzpatrick Tel: 0505 46738 E-mail: paddyfitz@eircom.net

Meetings: Meets two to three times yearly at 8 p m

Remember if you do not tell us what you have been doing or what is coming up in the future we cannot publish it to the ever increasing membership of the Group. For those who have access to the internet, the PPSG website has a diary of Group events and others that are of special interest to Polio Survivors.

MY STORY

by Pauline Keyes

It is many years now since I got Polio. I was only 18 years of age. I remember the day very well, 18 September 1953. I was not feeling too good all day. I attended a dance and on my way home, I felt I was wearing Wellingtons. That night I woke with a very bad back and high fever and pretty useless. I was rushed to the nearest fever hospital and I was treated for 3 weeks, then I was sent to Cork Street Fever Hospital. It was a very old building and we had little physiotherapy to work with. Just a lady brought weights to us to exercise with.

We also had foot splints, wood, boy did they hurt us, but we were young. After a year I got out of bed and with crutches and splints made my first big steps, with a lot of agony. Cork Street was so cold but we had a big fire of logs and Sr. McCarty made sure we were looked after. There were big windows which we all found draughty. We had two cheerful men called Mick Keogh and Mr. Harridan, I am sure they are no longer with us but all in all we had a good laugh. I often sang a song or two and Joan Doyle and Joan Quinn were my best friends. They realised that it was not good enough and we went to Cherry Orchard. That place was completely different – brand new with four to a ward mostly fever. It was in that place we got plenty of exercise, some summer evenings we slept on the veranda. I had not seen anybody but one sister, after a year and a half my other sister came. My parents did try but could not bear to see me with two lifeless legs, and one weak arm. After 2 ½ years I came home. It was so strange not to be able to do the things I always did around the house, that on was a farm in Co. Laois. We went to Our Lady's in Dun Laoghaire, we were typing, shorthand and book keeping in which we all passed. Had a wonderful time there but I never was the same person again. I walked slow with callipers and crutches. Got a job in Jury's, College Green, where I began to live again. Life wasn't too bad after all.

We would like to publish more of your stories, if you have one why no sent it in. Any photos will be carefully copied and returned to you.

LEAGUE OF HEALTH DONATES TO PPSG

The PPSG wishes to thank the League of Health for adopting the Group as their sponsored charity in 2006/07. The League of Health which has centres in Dublin and adjacent counties to promote fitness among ladies, raised the funds through campaigns which included the collection of "brown " coins, the proceeds from the sale of their calendar, and raffles and donations at their Annual Dinner held in October at the National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire, which was attended by Hugh Hamilton and Anne Burns. A cheque for a very generous €8,000 was presented to Hugh by Carol MacNeaney on behalf of the League on 13th November at the end of one of their fitness classes at Taney Church Hall, Dundrum, Dublin.

The photo shows, left to right, Carol MacNeaney, Chair League of Health Committee, Isolde McCullag, Principal League of Health, Anne Burns, Director PPSG and Hugh Hamilton, Chairman of the PPSG at the presentation in Dundrum.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

AGM IN SLIGO

I was sorry I could not attend the AGM in Sligo, but was delighted to see it as a news item that evening on RTE television. The film clip from the archives was most appropriate and the reporter gave a very clear account of what polio was. Paula Lahiff put across the Post Polio Syndrome message beautifully. The Exhibition looked very impressive and I congratulate all concerned.
Nuala Harnett

PARKING AT CORK AIRPORT

After reading the very useful information that Hugh put in the last edition of "The Survivor " about parking at Dublin Airport I am passing on to you about Cork. You can park in the short-term multi story parking area for €9 per day or €45 for one week. Don't worry if you cannot park on the first floor as there are plenty of parking spaces for disabled drivers I parked on the fourth floor, my car was fine and the lift was just beside the car. Go to the car parking office on your return and they will look after you.
Happy Travelling, Evelyn Wainwright

OBITUARY

PADDY MALONE
1934 – 2008

Paddy was first and foremost a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. The fact that he developed polio in 1956 was never allowed to dominate his long and full life. A man of many and varied talents who was skilled in carpentry, welding, basket making and weaving as well as being handy with a spanner. Amongst his fellow farming fraternity he was seen as a man with an extensive knowledge on the health of animals. Able to detect an illness at an early stage, recommend a course of action so ensuring that the livestock recovered to full health. A passionate and fluent Irish speaker he would regale the many visitors who came to his and Margaret's door with stories. He was a Pioneer for 40 years, and during his long life worked for P & T, the ESB, Irish Land Commission and Mayo County Council.

Paddy's funeral at St. Patrick's Church Killawalla saw a collection of €600 gathered that the family donated to the Post Polio Support Group. Our thanks to them for their generosity at such a difficult time in their lives.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, 9 children, 27 grandchildren, 4 sisters, as well as brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives to whom we extend our sincere sympathy.

Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.

CHAIRMAN OF PPSG APPOINTED AS VICE CHAIR OF EUROPEAN POLIO UNION

Following the successful meeting and demonstration at the European Parliament in Brussels, the Chairman of the PPSG, Hugh Hamilton, has taken up the cudgel as Vice Chair of the European Polio Union. Its vision and goal being of a Europe where people with polio and Post Polio Syndrome have all the resources they need to lead full active, independent lives and of a world where polio is completely eradicated.

The EPU brings together sister organisations from 10 EU member states (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom) as well as Switzerland. Its is trying to establish links with support groups in the newer EU entrants as well as other countries in the former Eastern bloc. The EPU has secured some small funding to start the work but everyone realises that it will be a hard task to get Post Polio Syndrome recognised throughout the continent and that it may take some years before its vision is realised.

EVER WONDER...

(courtesy of Jo Hayden, Boca Area Post Polio Group, Florida, USA)

BITS AND TIPS

HELPFUL HINTS ON ENERGY SAVING

Oil prices have rocketed to over $130 a barrel; electricity may have fallen in the short term but is bound to increase by over 15% in the forthcoming months if trends in the North are to be followed. So some of the following tips may go a little way to alleviating the situation, both in your pocket as well as your personal welfare:

LIGHTING:

Always turn off the lights when you leave a room Wherever possible replace bulbs as they fail with the energy saving types (CFL's). These use about a quarter of the electricity of a conventional (incandescent) bulb and last some 12 times longer. HOWEVER, be careful most energy saving bulbs cannot be used if there is a dimmer switch involved.

COOKING:

Keep lids on pots and pans when cooking. They heat up quicker and retain their heat longer. If using the oven try to make full use of it by cooking a couple of meals at a time. Make sure you use the right size of pot for the amount of food and ensure that the base covers just the gas or electric ring. Too small and you are heating the air, too big and it takes longer than need be.

APPLIANCES:

Defrost the fridge and freezer regularly. Even frost-free need attention especially if the little drain hole at the back blocks – the fridge then works nearly continuously wasting energy. When buying new appliances check the energy rating sticker – wherever you can buy ones rated "A " or "AA " – they will save you money in the end.
Always fill your washing machine full or use the economy wash button.
Always wring clothes out or spin them as dry as possible before putting them in the tumble dryer.
If you use a dishwasher, wait until you have a full load before turning it on. If washing up by hand do not wash every item at time of use, it drains down the hot water quicker and you use more energy – wait until you have a basin full to do.
If you can do not leave things like TV's, stereo's on stand by – that's where the red light stays on. Switch them off at the wall. A TV on stand by uses a staggering 80% of the power that it consumes when showing a picture!
If you have a day / night electricity meter think about fitting your washing machine, dishwasher, etc with a time clock. Electricity on the night time rate is about 1/3 of the charge during the day. The rates apply from 11 p.m. – 8 a.m. (GMT) during the winter and midnight to 9 a.m. (BST) during the summer. It may pay you to get the ESB to fit a day / night meter.

WATER:

Only boil the amount of water you need in the electric kettle, but do make sure that the element is covered. Dripping taps not only waste water – they waste energy as a surprising amount of hot water (that you have paid to heat) can be lost through a dripping tap – up to 2 gallons a day. Fix those drips.
If you can shower rather than bath. A shower uses around a fifth of the hot water it takes for a bath.
Make sure the hot water tank is well insulated.
The strange thing in energy conservation and saving is that quite often you have to spend a little to save over the long term, as they say, "You have to speculate to accumulate ".

THE REAL COST OF DISABILITY

Payments to people with disabilities do not go far enough to meet the true cost of disability – now estimated at 30% of a person's income in Ireland, a new study claims. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) research estimated the average cost of disability as a percentage of income to be 29.6%. However, this cost ranged from 15% to a massive 48% for some individuals.

"Since the estimates presented represent average costs, the implication is that there will in fact be households facing additional costs of disability even greater than these already significant weekly averages " say the report's authors. These costs exclude any earnings lost due to disability. The ERSI paper shows that the greater degree of disability, the higher costs people must bear. The cost of disability to those most affected in their daily activities is in the order of 44.4% of disposable income, compared to 8.5% for those who are not.

DUBLIN BUS

Dublin Bus has made an additional 22 routes low floor accessible to wheelchair users. The transport operator aims to have 78 % of its fleet low floor accessible by the end of 2008. "Public transport is about transport for all and, through the acquisition of new buses, Dublin Bus aims to have a fleet that everyone can avail with ease " said Clíodhna Ní Fhátharta, Media & Communications Manager for Dublin Bus.

The range of features on the new vehicles includes a kneeling ramp and a lower deck layout that offers more space for wheelchair users and passengers with children and buggies. Dublin Bus also offers a Travel Assistance Scheme. It gives practical advice on using public transport and can provide a trained member of staff to accompany a person with a disability on whatever journey they want to make within their network. If you want to find out more contact Dolores Quinn, Accessibility Officer on (01) 703 3204 or email travelassist@dublinbus.ie.

COMMUNITY NETWORK IN IRELAND

Taken at the launch of Community Network in Ireland at the Mansion House in Dublin on 12 March 2008 the photo shows Susan Dowling, Anne Burns and Paula Lahiff. Community Network is a telephone conference call service provider, who although based in the UK, the Group uses to link together some members for a Phonechat once a fortnight. The service is financed here by BT Ireland and training as Group Hosts has been given to Susan, Paula and Shirley Martin

YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE TO PAY DIRT TAX

It is said, that there are two inevitable consequences of being born. The first is death, hopefully after a long and fulfilled life. The second is paying tax, but at least you can do something about that by ensuring legally you do not pay more than you have to.

If you have savings in a bank, credit union, building society or other financial institution, you may well be paying Deposit Investment Retention Tax (DIRT) on any interest earned. What is not so well known is that, depending on meeting certain criteria, people over 65 may not have to, and those under 65 who are severely incapacitated may well be in the same boat. The Revenue Commissioners' website states "DIRT is deducted from a customer's deposit interest regardless of whether or not the customer is actually liable to tax. At the end of the year some account holders, provided they meet certain conditions, are entitled to claim a refund from Revenue of any DIRT deducted during the year "

Additionally in 2007, the Finance Act allowed interest to be paid gross, i.e. without the deduction of DIRT if you met certain conditions. If you satisfy these conditions, you can apply to the Revenue, via the financial institution to have the interest paid gross.

What are these conditions? Firstly, if under 65, you have to complete a declaration form stating that you or your spouse, if married meets the following:

  1. That you or your spouse (as appropriate) are "permanently incapacitated by physical or mental infirmity from maintaining yourself ", and:
  2. That "you would be entitled to a refund of the entire amount of DIRT deducted by a Financial Institution "

Then comes the sting in the form of a means test – your total income in 2008 must not exceed €19,000 for a single person or €38,000 for a married couple. The exemption limits may be increased, if you have dependent children. Further details can be obtained by ringing the Revenue Commission line in LoCall 1890 306 706, open 24 hours a day. If you are over 65, the incapacity test does not apply but the means tested figure does.

Look carefully at any saving accounts you have, most financial institutions will deduct DIRT regardless as they say they do not know your age or medical condition. If you are over 65, or permanently incapacitated, go and talk to them, ring the Revenue Commission, fill out the forms, and if appropriate apply for any rebate of tax that you might be due.

It is not charity, it is your money!

DISCLAIMER:
Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the Editor and the Board can accept no liability
The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily their views.

 

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