Fórsa’s biennial delegate conference has been deferred until November. The conference – where branches elect the union leadership and set policy for the next two years – was set to take place in Killarney in May.

The decision was been taken by the unions’ elected National Executive Committee (NEC) in light of the Covid-19 national emergency, associated public health concerns, and restrictions on large meetings and travel.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the decision was regrettable but unavoidable. “Our intention now is to focus all the union’s efforts on ensuring the health and safety of members, activists and staff, and assisting members and protecting public services in these difficult and extraordinary times,” he said.

Under the union’s rules, the existing elected officers will remain in place until the conclusion of the conference in November. There is no change to the position of divisional representatives on the NEC.