First up this morning we discussed waiting lists for housing and mobility support grants. Hundreds of elderly and disabled people in Clare are waiting for supports under Housing Adaptation and Mobility Schemes. At the end of last year, Clare County Council says 481 people were waiting for Housing Adaptation Grants for people with a Disability, Housing Aid for Older People and Mobility Aids Grants. 3.1 million euro would clear the waiting lists and allow those people a better quality of life. Michael Hillery, FF Councillor from Spanish Point, and Kay Murphy, Vice President Active Retirement Ireland, Shannon both joined Gavin on the line.
Next we asked: Are there Potential Benefits for Clare after Brexit? Britain is getting a new Prime Minister today but Theresa's May main task over the coming years will be to negotiate her country's exit from the EU. Brexit poses serious challenges to the Irish economy, but also opportunities and this week a call has been made for Clare to try to exploit it. That has come from Kilrush Councillor Ian Lynch, who wants Clare County Council to use media and its contacts on the other side of the Irish Sea to bring business to the Banner. He spoke with gavin and explained his proposal.
Sticking with Brexit fallout, we then turned to Theresa May's succession. By the end of the day, Britain will once again be led by a woman. When David Cameron resigns his post, Home Secretary Theresa May will succeed him as British Conservative party leader, becoming Britain’s first female prime minister since Margaret Thatcher was defeated in a party leadership challenge in 1990. The appointment comes as part of the fallout from Brexit and, while not without its critics, it has been broadly welcomed as a stabilising move. Bernard Purcell Editor, The Irish World, London, was on the line to give us the view on the ground.
Next we looked further afield. The worst drought in decades has left 10 million people in Ethiopia facing hunger over the coming months. Over 60 million people are affected across Africa but Ethiopia has been worst hit by the crisis. Kilmaley native and Executive Director of Trócaire Eamon Meehan travelled to northern Ethiopia with former President of Ireland Mary Robinson last week and he joined us on the line to tell us how difficult conditions there are.
After the news we had a special, round table discussion on Farm Safety. Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Irish economy. However, the fatality rate in agriculture is far higher than any other sector. The age profile of those killed is of serious concern with old and young people exceptionally vulnerable. Unfortunately, research indicates that, in general, farmers’ attitudes to safety only change after serious injury occurs. We were joined in studio by Peter Gohery a farmer from Eyrecourt, County Galway who suffered a serious and traumatic injury himself; Paul Mullens, Education Officer with Teagasc; and Martin McMahon from ICMSA. Jim Dockery, FRS Training Manager and a member of the farm safety partnership committee also joined the discussion on the line. If you or anyone you know has been affected by the panel discussion please contact the farm accident support group, Embrace, on 085-7709966 or [email protected].
Next we took a lighter note. This Saturday Cultúrlann Sweeney in Kilkee will play host to special guest, Kieran Goss. The famed singer songwriter is travelling to West Clare as part of his Home for the Summer Irish Tour. Long hailed as one of Ireland’s leading songwriters and performers, Kieran Goss’s music has won him fans across the globe. Kieran will perform the first half of the show solo and will be joined on stage in the second half by harmony singer Annie Kinsella. Kieran came into studio for a chat and a tune.
Finally today, we had our regular Ask the Vet slot. John Underhill from Burren Vets joined us and spoke about particular dangers around dairy and suckler farming.
