ISHG Constitution

General

1. The name of the Society shall be the Irish Society of Human Genetics.
2. The objects of the Society shall be to advance research and education in human genetics.

Powers of the Society

In furtherance of the above-mentioned objects but not otherwise the Society through its Council shall be empowered to:

1. Promote study and research into human genetics as it relates to health and disease by disseminating the useful results of such study and research.
2. Promote public awaremess of human genetics as it relates to health and disease.
3. Support, guide and inform the professions contributing to applications of genetics in health care in Ireland.
4. Offer informed opinion on issues of public interest in relation to genetics.
5. Hold seminars, lectures, discussion groups, conferences and symposia.
6. Act as an authoritative body for the purpose of consultation in matters of public and professional interest.
7. Invite and receive contributions from any person or organisation by way of subscriptions or donations.
8. Borrow and raise money for the promotion of the objects of the society on such terms as the Council shall consider expedient and in the interests of the Society.
9. Undertake and execute any charitable trusts which may be lawfully undertaken by the Society.
10. Invest the monies of the society not immediately required for working purposes in such investments as the Council shall from time to time determine.
11. Do all such things as shall further the above mentioned objects or any one of them.

The income and property of the Society whencesoever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the Society as set forth in the Constitution, and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of profit to Members of the Society. Provided that nothing herein shall prevent the reimbursement of expenses or payment in good faith of proper and reasonable remuneration to any Officer, Member or Servant of the Society in return for services rendered to the Society, or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member of the Society; but so that no any salaried office of the Society or any office of the Society paid by fees, and that no remuneration or other benefit in monies worth shall be given by the Society to members of such Council or governing body, except repayment of out of pocket expenses and reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let to the Society.

Council of the Society [Click here for current list]

The Council shall consist of twelve members who shall elect from among their number a Secretary who shall serve a two year term. The Secretary shall then serve a two year term as President. Quorum for a Council Meeting shall be five (including the President or Secretary).

Membership of the Society

The Society shall consist of Ordinary and Honorary members, Corporate members and Overseas members. Only Ordinary members of the Society shall be entitled to vote in elections or at meetings of the Society, or to be elected as Members of Council or Officers.

The membership shall be open to those with a professional interest in human genetics and molecular medicine.

Ordinary members shall be normally resident, or normally practice a relevant profession in Ireland. Persons may be nominated in writing by two members of the Society for election as Ordinary members. Members may be accepted by the council.

Overseas Members shall normally be resident outside Ireland and practicing a relevant profession. Persons may be nominated in writing by two members of the Society for election as overseas members.

Persons of eminence who have contributed to the advancement of human genetics shall be eligible for election as Honorary Members. They shall be elected to the Society on the recommendation of the Council and they shall pay no membership subscription.

Companies may on the recommendation of the Council be admitted to Corporate Membership of the Society on payment of the Corporate Membership subscription.

General Meetings

An Annual General Meeting shall be held. Extraordinary General Meetings may also be held either by decision of Council or when the President is requested by 25 or more Ordinary Members in writing to convene such a meeting. At least 30 days notice of a General Meeting shall be given.

Changes to the Constitution may be made when a two-third majority of those voting at a General Meeting agree. Proposals for changes to the Constitution may be notified in writing to the Secretary at least 21 days before a General Meeting.

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