On Morning Focus on Tuesday, we discussed how Irish beef is to be sold in China. Following a ban on American and EU beef products which was imposed during the BSE crisis in 2000, Ireland is the first EU country to gain access to the market there. Eddie Punch, General Secretary at ICSA discussed this topic with Gavin.
It’s been revealed that Gardaí overestimated the number of sex crimes reported in 12 of the 14 years since 2003. Figures obtained by the Irish Times show that in some years, the number of sex crimes reported were overstated by as much as 26 percent. To kick off the show, Gavin spoke with Caitriona Gleeson of Safe Ireland about the revelations. Anyone affected by domestic violence can access supports from Clare Haven on their 24-hour, confidential helpline – (065) 6822435.
Later today (April 17th), Facebook officials are set to appear before the Oireachtas Communications Committee where TDs and Senators will discuss proposed legislation which would make online political advertising more transparent. Gavin spoke with John Kennedy of Silicon Republic about the meeting.
Then, Gavin hosted a financial advice segment when he was joined by Tommy Corbett of Carey Corbett Financial Services in Ennis. They addressed question about the Fair Deal scheme.
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After that, Gavin chatted with Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director of Human Health and Nutrition, Safe Food Ireland, about new studies that have shown that Irish families are spending much more on junk food and treats than on fruit and vegetables during their weekly shop.
Next, Jim Farrell announced to Morning Focus listeners that there is a meeting for former overseas development workers and missionaries going ahead at St. Flannan’s College in Ennis on the 19th of April at 8 pm. For more information you can contact Jim at [email protected] or phone 083 8422 468.
During the show, we also had our regular animal welfare update from the Clare County dog warden, Frankie Coote.
In recent times, UNICEF and WHO called on hospitals and health facilities to do more to support mothers in exclusively breastfeeding right after delivery and to not promote the use of infant formula unless there is a medical reason to do so. Dee Burke and Patricia Neary of La Leche League joined Gavin to talk about their request.
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Following this morning’s news of the death of Big Tom, Clare FM’s Brian Flynn and Gavin spoke about the Irish country music legend. Brian paid further tributes to the King of Country on his show that afternoon.
‘My Left Nut’ is a Limerick based play that recalls the story of someone suffering from testicular cancer. Michael Patrick, co-author & actor, chatted about the play with Gavin on the air.
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To round off the show, Aodh Ó Coileáin, director of Fís na Fuiseoige (The Lark’s View), talked with Gavin about the screening of his film that is taking place at the X-PO in Kilnaboy on the 26th of April at 8:30 pm. There will be a Q&A with Aodh after the screening.
