On Thursdays Morning Focus; Jon began by speaking to John Kerin Chief Superintendent with Clare Garda Division. Clare's most senior Garda has insisted no recordings were ever made of phone calls between prisoners and solicitors at Ennis Garda Station. The government has set up a commission of investigation following revelations of secret recording of phone calls at Garda Stations – including Clare's Divisional Headquarters in Ennis, amid fears that court cases or previous convictions could now be challenged. Clare's Chief Superintendent says he was well aware of that recording were made between the 1980's and late last year, but he's satisfied that calls were only recorded to the communications room in Ennis, and never to other lines including offices, or detention rooms.
Up next William Cahir, President of the Clare Law Society and Ennis based Solicitor. Following revelations last week about the recordings in Garda stations across the country it emerged that Ennis was on the list of stations involved. William joined us in studio to outline the gravity of the situation on past and present cases. William has received a letter from John Kerin Chief Superintendent with Clare Garda Division on the current situation and how cases will be affected.
Elysha Ní Chúláin has been crowned All Ireland Youth Volunteer of the Year. 16-year-old Elysha from Bunratty in Co. Clare was honoured for her volunteering activities with Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin and Barretstown Camp in Co. Kildare. At five, Elysha was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She was hospitalised in Crumlin for 10 years. While there, she underwent chemotherapy and several surgeries, which have left her with permanent kidney damage and blind in one eye. Elysha participated in the Crumlin Heroes Project in 2011. In September 2012, she became the champion of the Kellogg's Funraise4Kids campaign for Crumlin, which was aimed at secondary school students nationwide. John spoke to Elysha about her experiences and her recent accolade.
The Convention of the Constitution has published its conclusions and final recommendations. The report recommends a number of other important issues which should be prioritised for discussion by the Government, the Oireachtas or any future Convention including:
– the protection of the environment,
– the separation of Church and State,
– Seanad and Local Government Reform,
– the definition of the Family,
– the right to die.
For the first time anywhere in the world, randomly selected citizens worked side by side with elected representatives in an innovative and dynamic approach to examining constitutional reform. John spoke to Tom Arnold Chair of the Convention about the process.
A high profile showcase event for Clare tourism will be held at Dublin's CHQ on May 8th. "Be Captured by Clare" is being organised by the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Airport and Clare County council who have invited Clare attractions, activity providers and members of the local hospitality sector to participate in the event. The organisers say the event will be attended by tour operators, professional conference organisers, sporting federations, destination management companies and national associations and institutes as well as Dublin based corporate companies. Travel press and food critics are also on the invite list. John spoke to Karen Brosnahan, General Manager, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau about the event and how people can get involved.
Finally John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners' livestock and pet queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
