On Monday's Morning Focus with John Cooke
Three-quarters of Clare drivers who have been convicted of penalty points offenceshave mnaged to escape getting the points put on their licence. New figures published by the Irish Independent show more than 1,000 motorists here are among the 20,000 nationwide who failed to produce their licences between the start of last year and March. Niall O'Connor Irish Independent Political Correspondent and Conor Faughnan Director of Consumer Affairs AA Roadwatch both highlighted how the Government plan to tackle this system loophole.
Since November, 2014, a new, more open and transparent process for appointing people to State Boards has been in operation. Vacancies on State Boards are now advertised openly on the State Boards portal, www.stateboards.ie, which is managed by the the Public Appointments Service. Stateboards.ie would welcome as many capable and competent people as possible to come forward for consideration for appointment. Details of all current vacancies and experience required are available on the website. Niall Byrne Head of State Boards Division in the Public Appointments Service spoke to John.
Ennis man Michael Nee is the founder of the new Dublin chapter of Giving What We Can, which discusses the concept of effective altruism, a movement that encourages people to donate money to the charities that are most effective according to research. Giving What We Can is an international society – All its members, including Nee, pledge to donate ten percent of their income to effective charities. “Not only do we have this obligation, but we need to think about where we donate the money and not just give for the sake of it.” According to Nee, if we all gave ten percent of our income to effective charities, world poverty would be ended in a year with enough money left to do it five times over. There are currently 1,077 members of Giving What We Can worldwide, Michael gave us his reasons for getting behind the movement.
Garda Focus next with Garda Michael Daniels of Ennis Garda Station appealing for your help in solving recent local crime.
Local solicitors offered a unique insight into Clare economy last week – Clare and Limerick solicitors came together in Ennis Friday for a learning and networking event designed with the needs of the local area in mind. The Law Society of Ireland Skillnet, in partnership with Clare Bar Association and Limerick Bar Association, hosted the Essential Solicitor Update 2015 event in the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis. Guest speaker on the day was Dr. Geoffrey Shannon Special Rapporteur on Child Protection and founding patron of the Children’s Rights Alliance who gave an overview of the Children and Family Relations Bill and its implications, today he joined us on the show.
Clare's hurlers and footballers have both been granted home advantage for their first matches of the All Ireland Qualifiers. Davy Fitzgerald's side will face Offaly in Round 1 of the All-Ireland Hurling Qualifiers. Meanwhile, Colm Collins' men have been drawn against Longford. The Banner will have home advantage for both games, which are confirmed to be held on July 4th, Clare Fm Sports Derrick Lynch joined us in studio following the draw, and together we received reaction from the County Managers Davy Fitzgerald and Colm Collins
Wildlife Expert Tom Lynch of the Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined us next in studio to answer your birdwatching and wildlife queries. Tom also told us of the Birds of the Rivers and Streams including The Dipper andThe Kingfisher. There was also a recent recording of a Hoopoe seen in a private garden in Ballyalla – distinguished by the feathered crest on their heads. If you have any sightings, queries, or pictures to share please email [email protected]
If you have a query or suggestion for the show – email [email protected]
