IMO AGM 2021 ‘definitely’ will be virtual

The IMO’s AGM this year will “definitely” take place online, a spokesperson for the Organisation told the Medical Independent (MI).

MI understands that the AGM is likely to take place in April. In recent years the AGM has been held over the weekend after Easter. Easter Sunday this year is 12 April.

The spokesperson confirmed that  current IMO NCHD committee chair Dr Paddy Hillery is due to be the next union President, taking over from Dr Padraig McGarry whose term has been prolonged because of the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The spokesperson said that the virtual nature of the AGM should not impact motions unduly.

“Motions should be as usual. The form is sent out to members and they can post or email it back in,” according to the spokesperson.  

Late last October the IMO held an “abridged” 2020 AGM to deal with matters such as reports from the union’s President and Treasurer.

The meeting had only one motion where the union voted to support the move by public health doctors to ballot to allow industrial action up to and including strike action.

“At the outset of the pandemic, the IMO cancelled its planned 2020 annual general meeting and council put in place the following arrangements, which are reviewed at each council meeting,” IMO Chief Executive Officer Ms Susan Clyne told MI in October.

“Honorary officers will remain in place pending a full AGM; those officers being: Dr Padraig McGarry, President; Dr Paddy Hillery, Vice President; Dr Brian O’Doherty, Treasurer; and Dr Ina Kelly, Honorary Secretary.”

In early March last year , the IMO announced its decision to postpone the 2020 AGM in light of the evolving Covid-19 situation. The AGM was due to be held in Killarney, Co Kerry, from 16-19 April.