Morning Focus – Wednesday 27/06/18

Photo © Pat Flynn

Wednesday’s show opened with a look at how much is spent by the HSE on agency staff. 

In 2017 UHL spent 11.5 million euro on agency staff while Ennis General Hospital spent close to 2.5 million. Sinn Féin’s Noeleen Moran spoke to Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry about the situation.

Then as the heatwave ramps up it is causing water shortages across the country. While this is a big enough problem on its own it is having a knock on effect for farmers who need water to grow grass and spread slurry. Martin McMahon, Clare Chairperson for ICMSA (Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association) talked about these problems and called for a change to the hay cutting deadline under the Glas Scheme.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

The hour ended with Rebecca Gregan of Young Fine Gael discussing her concerns over EU plans to put Clare under the Connaught-Ulster constituency of the European Parliament as British seats are redistributed in the wake of Brexit. Rebecca believes a similar situation in the years 2004 to 2009 prove that such an arrangement would not be in Clare’s best interests.

Listen back below:

The next hour began with our regular Ask the GP segment with Dr. Máire Finn. She answered a selection of medical questions but the focus this week was on health concerns relating to the heatwave.

Listen back below:

Then, we heard a package based on the Morning Focus series: ‘Keeping Kids Out Of Crime’ produced by Fiona McGarry. The series looked in depth at what actually happens when someone under the age of 18 attracts Gardaí attention. The series recently won a merit award from the Law Society of Ireland.

Rounding out Morning Focus’ second hour was Frank Whelan from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who gave us details on the Summer Seisiún series at Cois na hAbhna. Seisiún refers to a night of trad music, dancing, singing and storytelling. The series starting tonight, Wednesday June 27th will run every Wednesday until August 10th.

Opening Morning Focus’ final hour we spoke to Listowel native and best-selling author Roisín Meaney about her latest book: ‘The Anniversary’. The book follows a woman named Lilly as she gathers the family up for one last weekend in the summer holiday home following the death of her mother. However, the family now only consists of her ex-husband, his girlfriend and Lilly’s fiancé.

Listen back below:

Then, Clare FM’s Brian Flynn was back with another song on The Best Song You’ve Never Heard.

Following that we heard from Tim O’Brien who had a hand in organising the celebration of the centenary of women getting the right to vote. The event taking place tomorrow night, June 28th at the Westbridge in Miltown Malbay specifically aims to celebrate West Clare and Miltown Malbay’s contribution to women’s suffrage. One of earliest women’s suffrage groups was formed in the town and the group had its first meeting in Spanish Point. The guest of honour on the night will be Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, grand daughter of leading suffrage campaigners, Hanna and Francis Sheehy Skeffington.

Listen back below:

And finally something active to do with the kids this summer as Adventure Walks comes to Ennis. Using the Adventure Walks App you can take the family on an interactive treasure hunt while out and about. These walks will take place on Saturdays at Lee’s Road. David Forde gave us details.

Listen back below: