Morning Focus began with a look at the proposed alcohol bill that’s been news worthyThere are calls for the controversial Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to be passed as quickly as possible. A number of high profile medical experts have appealed for action, in the short term, on the issue, despite the fact the Government's deferred the Bill until after Christmas in an effort to overcome internal divisions within Fine Gael. Some of the party's representatives are backing calls from the organisations representing smaller retailers to resist some of the measures proposed in the Bill – including the separation of alcohol from other products in shops. Gavin was joined on the line by John Hillery, Consultant Psychiatrist.
Gavin’s next guest had a horrible morning routine to share. As a sufferer of Cystic Fibrosis, Robert Cook, has a gruelling routine of nebulisers and medication before he can even start his day. The drug Orkambi offers considerable relief for Robert's condition, but at a cost of €160-thousand per year, and no funding from Government or the HSE, it's out of reach. To highlight the situation he and hundreds of others CF sufferers face, Robert's organising a protest in Dublin this weekend. Robert joined Gavin on the line alongside Kieran McCarthy, National Representative of the Clare Branch of CF Ireland.
Would it surprise you to learn that there are more 65-year-olds on Jobseeker's Benefit than any other age group? Age Action says the recent changes to the Irish pension system means that many people subject to compulsory retirement clauses are not just losing their salaries but are losing out on State supports. The organisation for older people is urging the government to work together to bring forward a Bill to abolish mandatory retirement. Justin Moran of Age Action, says some older people are completely unaware of the clause on some contracts. Justin also joined Gavin on the line.
Next we had our Garda Focus with Sergeant Joe Downey.
If you're doing your Christmas shopping in Shannon this year – you could also avail of confession. Priests will be taking to the Skycourt Shopping Centre in Shannon on December 8th for the second year of 'Mercy On The Mall' The initiative came about in response to a call from Pope Francis for priests to go out and meet people, and was big hit last year. Fr Tom Ryan, Parish Priest in Shannon joined Gavin on the line.
Now for a true testament to the power of the community. Kilrush Community Hospital has officially launched their 15 bed extension. While it’s owned by the health board, the 1.2 million euro cost of the extension was entirely raised by the local communities in West Clare with no health board funding. Gavin was joined on the line by Gerry O’Malley, Chairperson, Kilrush Community Hospital.
The impact of Brexit on the farming community is among the topics highlighted in a major analysis of the last three months of the year by The Farmer's Journal. The decision of the UK to leave the EU has already caused a huge fall in Irish cattle prices and a collapse in the mushroom industry. Eoin Lowry is Agribusiness Editor with The Farmer's Journal and he joined Gavin on the line to tell him more.
Following this we had our Monday Sports Panel, guests this week were Bríd McNamara, Clare Camogie PRO and Derrick Lynch from Clare FM sport.
Now for those of you interested in your ancestry, here’s the perfect event for you. There’s a lecture in Teach Ceoil in Kilrush tomorrow evening (Tue. Nov. 28) at 8 which discusses how it is now possible to use DNA to identify where in West Clare ancestors of people who live in different parts of the world are from. The lecture comes from the Kilrush and District Historical Society and it’s being delivered by its PRO Paddy Waldron who joined Gavin on the line.
Next up on the show we had pair who have completed their poetry book about the region. ‘Best Loved Poems: Favourite Poems from the South of Ireland’ contains the work of a number of Clare poets and was edited by Gabriel Fitmaurice with photos from John Reidy who both joined Gavin on the line.
To finish the show we had a look at one of Ireland’s greatest tourist attractions. The Wild Atlantic Way has received the ‘Highly Commended’ Award in the ‘Adding Value Through Landscape’ category at the prestigious Landscape Institute’s Awards 2016. After seeing the wonder and beauty along the coast, who can argue that it isn’t deserved? Gavin was joined by Michael Fitzsimons who is part of the Wild Atlantic Way team.
