The Competition Commission is investigating whether senior industry players may have signalled premium rises to their competitors, effectively running a cartel. A number of companies and brokers have been issued with requests for information and witness summonses.
The Commission says it will take action to stop anti-competitive practices, if necessary.
Gavin spoke to Fiona Gartland from the Irish Times about it.
The new Ennis market opens today.
The 1.75 million euro development will be opened by town Mayor Ann Norton this afternoon. However, some of the traders who formerly traded there won't be moving back in.
The Ennis Farmers Market has announced it is staying in Roslevan, rather than moving back into the centre of the town.
Gavin was joined on the phone by the Chairperson of Ennis Farmers Market, Andrea Casey and in studio by Ger Dollard, Director of Service, Clare County Council.
It would appear Ireland is no closer to getting access to the lucrative Chinese beef market. As part of a trade mission, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed met officials from the Chinese Quarantine Inspection Service in Beijing on Wednesday in the next step to negotiating access for Irish beef into the Chinese market. During the meeting the Chinese committed to fast-tracking the completion of a report on inspections they carried out last January. Some industry sources expected that Irish officials might have received results in Beijing on Wednesday, but that did not materialise. Speaking after the meeting, Creed said: “On beef, the process of approval is complex, and involves a number of the Chinese Services. However, I am particularly encouraged that the Chinese officials have undertaken to ensure they will move fast on Irish access for beef to China and complete a report on inspections last January.”
Jack Kennedy from the Farmers Journal is in Asia and spoke to Gavin.
The Missionvale Ireland Trust was established in late 2008 as the Irish support arm to the Missionvale Trust in South Africa.
Missionvale Ireland was set up in response to what many Irish had witnessed and experienced during their 10-day working visit to Missionvale, South Africa, in Jan/Feb 2008.
The strategy of the Missionvale Care Centre has been expertly thought out and put together by Sr. Ethel Normoyle and her team in the shantytown. However, what is blatantly obvious to anyone visiting Missionvale is the immediate need for funds.
The fragile lifeline that the Care Centre throws to the inhabitants of Missionvale is totally dependent on financial support
The Old Ground Hotel will host an evening of celebration and consolidation on Sun Sept 18th at 7pm, marking the enormous contribution made by the people of Ireland to Sr Ethel Normoyle's mission in MISSIONVALE, South Africa over the past 27 years. The plan for the next 10 years will also be unveiled, in the company of Sr Ethel and the many volunteers who have helped to shape her mission and vision.
Sr Ethel Normoyle who is on a visit back to Clare came into the studio to chat with Gavin about her life and work.
There are hopes that counselling services for the victims of rape and sexual assault in Clare will be maintained, following the reopening yesterday (Thursday, Sept. 15) of the Rape Crisis office in Ennis.
A funding shortfall had forced the facility to close temporarily.
After Rape Crisis Midwest drew up a business plan for the facility, Shannon-based company, GECAS came forward with funding, as did a number of other local businesses.
Verena Tarpey, Fundraising Manager with Rape Crisis Midwest says running the Ennis centre requires a huge local fundraising effort.
Fiona McGarry reported on the re-opening.
We were joined by Siobhan Mulcahy, County Arts Officer to tell us about some events taking place today as part of Culture Night. We also heard from Des Lally from the Clifden Arts Festival and from James Lafferty of the Red Cross who will be putting their new multi-purpose community support vehicle on display for the public on Saturday 17th September at the Height in Ennis from 3pm to 5pm.
Our Friday Panel consisted of Bob Vernon, Gearoid Howard and Patricia McCarthy to discuss – this weeks Kilkee Tragedy, rising cost of motor insurance, NAMA and Enda Kenny's MOJO.
Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Station hold an Open Day, Sunday 18 September, from 12midday until 4pm. Please do come along and meet Lough Derg’s volunteer crew and Operations team, have a tour of the Station and see the kit crew wear when out on service in the lifeboat. This is a wonderful family day out.
The Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter (operations permitting) will fly from their base at Shannon airport and carry out an exercise with the lifeboat in Dromineer Bay. The lifeboat station is currently located on the grounds of Lough Derg Yacht Club in Dromineer.
Eleanor Hooker from the RNLI spoke to Gavin about the open day and encouraged all to come along and learn about the work and enjoy the day.
