Over 750 delegates from more than 200 branches will make their way to the Gleneagle events centre in Killarney next week to take on the important business of setting policy for our union, and electing union officers. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address delegates on Thursday morning. 

Taking place from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th May, delegates will propose, debate, and vote upon motions which will decide the direction Fórsa will take on a wide array of issues, from pay to remote working to accommodations for disabled workers, to the ethical introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. 

Over the past number of months, at Annual General Meetings held online and across the country, branches have decided upon motions they will be proposing at conference.  

National secretary responsible for conference arrangements Catherine Keogh, said: “These motions represent the voices of our members. They set the direction of the union and guide our work on a whole host of issues, so we take great care to ensure each motion abides by the union’s rules and has an opportunity to be debated.”  

Last week the final agenda was issued to branches. In addition to over 150 motions, there will also be panel discussions on remote and hybrid work and the common good, as well as speeches by international guests from both the European Public Services Union and Public Services International. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address delegates on Thursday morning. 

General secretary Kevin Callinan said: “The Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 is due to expire in June, so in addition to motions we will also be talking about our strategy as we prepare for public sector pay talks.” 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Taoiseach to our conference, hearing what he has to say to members and presenting our A Better Deal campaign to him.” 

Also on the docket for debate is the Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which will guide Fórsa’s work and growth for the next four years. This will seek to build upon the 2021-2025 plan, which laid out a map for Fórsa’s work over the past four years, guiding our efforts towards growing union membership, delivering for members, increasing the effectiveness of organising and campaigns, and building an even more resilient union. 

Biennial conference is also an opportunity to celebrate members’ contributions, with Distinguished Service Awards and the presentation of Honorary Life Membership to a member who has given outstanding service, all presented on stage in the Gleneagle during conference.  

The now traditional pre-conference charity cycle is also returning this year. Since 2008, the charity cycle has raised almost €240,000 for charities including cancer research projects and mental health/suicide prevention projects.  

Fórsa official Diarmaid Mac a Bhaird urged delegates, officials, and officers alike, to take part and contribute.  

He said: “We would hope to see another increase in the number of participants taking part in the cycle this year. You don’t have to be a pro - this is a fun cycle, and you don’t have to do the whole cycle to take part in the event. You can share a bike and do 5-10km, or more. You won’t be left behind as we will all arrive at the conference venue at the same time."

Catherine said: “We’re excited to host our members in Killarney. Biennial conference is a pillar of our union’s democracy. It’s an opportunity for members to speak and be heard. It brings us together and unites us under common ambition, at a time that is very much needed.” 

Conference documentation will be available on a website hub on forsa.ie next week.

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