Structure

INTRODUCTION

It is encouraging to see so many new faces at branch meetings and we would encourage these people to come on board and join the various committees. Perhaps a less daunting task would be for branches to encourage new members, parents etc., to opt for assistant positions at all levels.

In this way people would learn the ropes without the fear of "not doing it right" - after all we all had to learn somewhere. As some people do not know the structure of how the organisation works - below is an outline of each unit.   

Each branch committee is made up as follows: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, P.R.O., Youth Officer, Auditor, Irish Language Officer, 2 Delegates to Region and 2 Delegates to the Province.

The regional board is the governing body covering all the branches in their area. There are four regional boards in Britain - Northern, Scottish, Midland and London. Again the same personnel apply as with branches with 2 Delegates from the regional board representing the Region at Provincial Council meetings.

The Provincial Council is the governing body for Comhaltas in Britain. Again it is made up of the same officers as the previous units but with 2 Delegates representing Britain at Ardcomhairle in Dublin.

Ardcomhairle (meaning Executive Council) is based in the Headquarters of Comhaltas in Monkstown co. Dublin. Ardcomhairle is the governing body for all units of Comhaltas worldwide. Branches have the opportunity of being represented each year at the Annual Convention, which is being held in Britain during February, and also at the Annual Congress, which is held in Dublin on the first weekend of May.

Each branch can send two delegates to Convention and to Congress and they may vote on any motions etc. that may be put forward. This is where all the decisions are made so it is up to the branches to have thi\eir voices heard. There is a social side to these weekends and many a good session can be heard.

All branch AGMs must be held before the 31st October. The Regional AGM must be held before the end of November. This is to allow the Secretary to prepare the various reports and administration in good time for the Convention in February.