On Wednesday’s Morning Focus we heard from courts correspondent Frank Greaney who gave us a detailed look at the two boys guilty of the murder of Ana Kriegel at a derelict farmhouse in Lucan, Co. Dublin in May last year.
One of them was also convicted of violently sexually assaulting the 14 year old Kildare schoolgirl. There were emotional scenes in court when the unanimous verdicts were read out. The teenagers have been remanded in custody to appear in court again next month when they will be sentenced.
Tomorrow’s strike by 10-thousand hospital staff will have a “significant impact” on health services nationwide. Paul Bell, a SIPTU Health Division Organiser told us the strike follows a breakdown in talks about pay between SIPTU, the HSE, the Department of Public Expenditure last night. In a statement, the HSE says contingency plans will be drawn up locally between SIPTU representatives and local health service management. The Irish Patients Association says it’s vital that “patients are not used as pawns in any industrial dispute.”
The Kerry Co-op shareholder redemption scheme may be introduced even if is not approved by shareholders at a Special General Meeting (SGM) today, it has emerged. Lorcan Allen, Agri-Business Reporter from the Irish Farmers Journal told us that the Kerry Co-op recently sent its members an information pack about a voluntary cash for shares scheme which gives shareholders the opportunities to sell some or all of their shares. Members were able to apply for the scheme until June 5. The SGM will be held as soon as possible after the AGM which is taking place in the Brandon Hotel in Tralee, Co Kerry on 19 June.
While the Climate Change Plan promises a move away from diesel and petrol cars, in greater numbers, it makes no reference to hauliers. And if diesel costs are to soar, some in the industry are already warning of the impact on them. Eugene Drennan of Spa Transport, in Ennis spoke to Gavin about the impact it will have on hauliers.
As well as this Dr Niall Dunphy, Director of the Cleaner Production Promotion Unit at UCC told us how possible it was to retrofit half a million homes which was also included in the new climate change plan. This would allow homes become more energy-efficient, and cut down on heating bills etc. But is this approach feasible? Is it worth the expense? And do we have the skill set to carry out all of this work?
Homes are being sought for several hundred little rescue hens. They’ll be brought to Clare on June 22nd, stopping in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Miltown Malbay and Ennistimon, and also in Gort, Co. Galway. The hens are being rescued from a farm that would otherwise be sending them to the slaughterhouse. Susan Anderson who is the founder of Little Hill animal rescue has been asking people to adopt a friendly little hen.
This year’s Spancilhill Fair is on Monday, June 24th. The first charter for this historic fair was granted by King Charles over 300 years ago. Whether you are buying or selling at Spancilhill Fair or just there to watch the traditional way of dealing in horses, you are sure to enjoy the day. There will be a family fun day on the eve of the fair, starting at 2:00. But this year will not see the return of the donkey derby which is set to bring people from all across the county to get involved. Pat Hannon who is part of the organsing committee for the fair explains it for insurance reasons.
John Underhill from Burren vets joined us to talk about animals hips and what you can do if you notice if your animals are going lame.
