As Ireland continues to grapple with the coronavirus crisis, a key focus now is on nursing homes, where dozens of deaths and clusters of cases have been recorded.
It’s estimated that there are positive cases of COVID-19 in approximately 30% of all Irish nursing homes at present. On Thursday’s show, we spoke with SUPTU’s Paul Bell on a deal which will allow for public healthcare workers to volunteer for work in private nursing homes, and we also discussed these issues with Tadhg Daly of Nursing Homes Ireland. You can hear that chat below:
The programme began with a focus on the economy, in the wake of the IMF warning this week that the COVID-19 crisis represents the biggest economic threat faced by the world in almost a century. They’re predicting significant economic damage for Ireland in 2020, but also a bounce back in 2021. Gavin got the assessment of Ennis economist and UCD professor, Dr. Micheál Collins
Next, a focus on tourism – we heard from Seán Lally of Hotel Woodstock, Ennis and from Paul Madden of the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis as their umbrella body, the Irish Hotels Federation, listed the supports that it is seeking for its members. We also heard from Dermot Jewell of the Consumers’ Association of Ireland on the issue whereby airlines are seeking to give their passengers vouchers, rather than refunds, when flights are cancelled.
Frankie Coote joined us to finish the show, but before that we also heard from William Cahir of Cahir and Company Solicitors in Ennis, who had some practical advice for businesses at this time, particularly when it comes to adapting their business during this time.
Morning Focus will return on Friday from 9:00 a.m. and you can contact the show at any time on [email protected]
