Today on Morning Focus we were joined by our Friday Panel to discuss the major news headlines from the week gone by.
This week our panel included, John Quinlivan of Newmarket on Fergus and former executive at Shannon Development, Gabriella Hanrahan of Quin, Community Liaison Officer with University of Limerick and Trudy Leyden, Arts representative for the local Public Participation Network on the County Council Social Development Strategic Policy Committee.
Our panel discussed the latest news headlines which included, the no-confidence motion against the Housing Minister, the UHL Winter Plan, the Save our Bingo Campaign and whether the Sign of Peace at mass should be banned.
If you missed our panel this week, you can listen back below:
Before that, Senator Michael Conway, Fine Gael, joined us in studio as a third Direct Provision Centre is to open in Co. Clare. The Clare Lodge, located on the Mill Road in Ennis, was used as a Direct Provision centre up until 2009, and will now re-open as such a centre once more. It will house 64 residents, the first of which will arrive in December. This will be the third direct provision centre in Clare, following Knockalisheen and Lisdoonvarna, and the 40th such facility in Ireland.
Next on the show, Professor Pat Goodman Assistant Head of Environment and Planning, Technical University, Dublin joined us on the line to discuss Air Quality. Irish cities may have to consider ‘no burn night alerts’ banning the lighting of solid fuel fires after data showed Cork City had the worst air quality in Europe. Ennis is protected by a ban on Smoky Coal. Clean Air Alliance are a small group of mainly scientists and concerned individuals who have have been urging Minister Richard Bruton to bring in the nationwide ban on Smoky Coal. They say – “in the light of threats from the Coal lobby (and from outside the Republic), the Govt are ‘bottling’ the ban, which 4 previous ministers promised to bring in (Phil Hogan, Alan Kelly, Denis Naughten and now Richard Bruton) but didn’t.”
Next on Morning Focus, with the Christmas Party Season in full swing, we discussed how yes it is an opportunity for employees and employers to celebrate the end of a long year but it can also be a minefield legally, especially when alcohol is involved. Some are not aware that the Christmas party is an extension of the workplace. Cork Solicitor, David Gaffney joined us on air to discuss this further.
If you missed it you can listen back below:
To wrap up Morning Focus today we chatted about two events which are taking place. Firstly Chief Executive of Milford Hospice, Pat Quinlan, joined us on the line to tell us about a Fundraiser for Milford Hospice. The Light up a Memory event will mark its 21st Anniversary this year and is one of the most important annual fundraisers for Milford Hospice. Every year, the tree at Milford is adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, each one shining in honour of someone special in our thoughts. The ceremony is taking place on Sunday 8th December at 6.00p.m.
Lastly, Dance Teacher, Padraig Monroe told us about a Dance Fundraiser which is taking place this Friday night in Ennis (6th Dec). The dance class will take place at the Auburn Lodge Hotel from 8-9pm with social dancing then until 11pm. Suitable for beginners, improvers and experienced dancers – all welcome! With all proceeds going to Pieta House!
