On Thursday’s edition of Morning Focus, there was a lot of talk about Facebook and data protection. Multiple investigations are underway after Cambridge Analytica was accused of harvesting the data of up to 50 million users of Facebook, without their knowledge.
At 9 am, Deputy Pat Breen, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, joined Gavin to address the on-going situation with Facebook and the Data Protection Bill 2018. They also spoke about the European Commission’s proposal to impose a 3% turnover on all tech firms.
Following that, Gavin spoke to Fr Tony Flannery of the association of Catholic Priests about Pope Francis coming to our island. Yesterday (March 21), the Pope confirmed that he would be visiting in Ireland in August of this year.
Listen back below:
Then, Gavin chatted with Marion Briggs, coordinator of day of action against packaging and plastics. Shoppers are being encouraged to drop excess packaging at supermarket check-outs. Friend of the Earth have announced that a ‘shop and drop’ protests will take place on April 21 as part of their ‘Sick of Plastic’ campaign.
At 10 am, Dr Toby Saschenmaier, a psychologist, joined Gavin for the parenting slot. Today, she sopoke about keeping kids safe online.
Listen back below:
Next, Gavin chatted with Padraic Murphy organiser of the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge. The SRAC is the biggest cycling event in Ireland, it hosts cyclists from over 23 countries world wide. The cycle will be taking place on Saturday, March 24, when 3,000+ cyclists will gather in Ennistymon to start the event that boasts scenic views such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and much more.
After that, Gavin returned to the topic of Facebook and people’s security concerns about the app and network now that it has been revealed they are harvesting and selling client information. While many people were shocked and angered by this revelation, Gavin wondered, would many people actually be disappointed enough to give up their Facebook accounts. Clare FM reporter, Elina Kovale, went out into the streets of Ennis to ask them how they felt about deleting their Facebook profiles.
At 11 am, Gavin spoke with Jo White and Sallyann Marron. Jo and her husband Tony Perry from Tubber are desperately trying to access life-saving cancer treatment to cure Tony’s cancer. Tony’s cancer is inoperable and radiation therapy has been ruled out. He and his wife are hoping that he will be eligible for ‘immunotherapy’ but being self-employed, there are major financial hurdles. A gofundme page has been set up to support Tony and a fundraising market will be held on Saturday, March 24 at Chapel Lane Market in Tubber.
If you would like to support them, you can donate here.
You can listen back to the interview below:
Then, Fiona Whelan, secratery of the Ballyea GAA Club, joined Gavin in studio to chat about their event; ‘Who wants to be a Thousdandaire?’ at the the Local Inn in Drumquin, at 6:30 pm on Saturday, March 24th.
Next, Mikie O’Loughlin, showbiz reporter at RSVP Magazine and the Irish Mirror, chatted with Gavin about Dec’s plan to host the last two episode of Saturday Night Takeaway without Ant. This comes after Ant was reportedly arrested on the suspicion of drink-driving and sent back to rehab.
To round off the show, Gavin talked to local man and bar owner, Gerry Shortt about what he believes to be the longest-running trad session in East-Clare.
