Morning Focus – Tuesday 05/11/17

Tuesday’s Morning Focus opened with a discussion of spending on Clare’s roads, with anger at the shortfall between investment there and the amount of money collected in road tax.

Gavin was joined on the line by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) from the Killaloe District and by Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) from West Clare.

The talk then turned to the issue of the Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme which enables patients to by-pass waiting lists by having treatment in other EU countries. Gavin heard from Dr Michael Harty (Ind TD) who is urging more people to use the scheme, despite possible challenges posed by Brexit for those seeking treatment in the North.

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Fiacre Hensey, General Manager of Clarecare was Gavin’s next guest. He spoke of the ‘red tape’ which is putting a huge burden on community and voluntary organisations in terms of providing services.

Money Doctor John Lowe discussed the topic of investments and the importance of getting financial advice.

Aileen Brown of the Irish Blood Transfusion Services Board (IBTS) was Gavin’s next guest. She made a special appeal to donors to come forward ahead of the Christmas season. Listen back below:

Then, Gerard Madden joined Gavin in studio to discuss his research and his new book, ‘The Annals of the Poor, Scariff Workhouse Union Counties Clare and Galway, 1839-1851’. Listen back below:

Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden, was next in studio to discuss animal welfare issues.

Then, Gavin was joined by Eddie Hobbs who is donating the revenue from his latest book ‘The Pivot’ to the Jack and Jill Foundation. Listen back below:

There was great news then that Santa’s annual visit to Kilrush has been saved – after ‘operational issues’ threatened it. Gavin was joined in studio by ‘elves’ Maria Hartman and Irene Hamilton. Listen back below:

Then, talk stayed with the festive season as Clare FM’s Emerald Kenny reported from the streets of Ennis on a boost in consumer sentiment that’s set to see a bounce for retail in Clare this year.