Morning Focus began with a look at the delays to the UHL ED. The HSE's 2017 Service Plan has cast doubt on whether there may be yet another delay in the opening of a new A&E unit at University Hospital Limerick. The unit, which has already been delayed on a number of occasions, had been expected to open fully in May – it's now slated to be fully operational late next year. Sources have indicated that patients will still be seen in the new ED from May, but that has not been officially confirmed.
Morning Focus began with a look at the delays to the UHL ED. The HSE's 2017 Service Plan has cast doubt on whether there may be yet another delay in the opening of a new A&E unit at University Hospital Limerick. The unit, which has already been delayed on a number of occasions, had been expected to open fully in May – it's now slated to be fully operational late next year. Sources have indicated that patients will still be seen in the new ED from May, but that has not been officially confirmed. Gavin was joined on the line by Cllr Tom McNamara, Chairperson HSE Regional Health Forum West, and Cllr Pat Burke, Member of HSE Regional Health Forum West.
There's a standoff between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over rent caps. Enda Kenny wants them to be set at 4 percent, but Micheál Martin says they need to be half that. The deadlock will be played out in the Dáil later when the parties discuss the Residential Tenancies Bill. Paul Melia from Independent News and Media joined Gavin on the line.
Gavin then spoke about Aleppo. A ceasefire aimed at allowing civilians to leave the ruined city of Aleppo in Syria has collapsed. Thousands of people are now trapped by heavy shelling and gunfire. Pro-government forces and rebels are accusing each other of breaking the truce. Gavin was joined on the line by Peter Power, UNICEF Ireland Executive Director.
Dealing with grief and loss, as we know, can be incredibly difficult. But, at this time of year, when others seem to be full of festive cheer, it can be particularly challenging and isolating. My next guest works with those coming to terms with bereavement. Claire Forde is on the line now with some advice on coping with loss at this time of year. More information: mymind.org [email protected] 076 680 1060 MyMind has centres in Dublin, Limerick & Cork and can provide seasons online, no matter where someone is living in Ireland. Claire Forde, Bereavement Counselor with MyMind in Limerick, joined Gavin on the line.
Talk then turned to discrimination online. EU online shoppers, including Irish people, still face unjustified discrimination due to nationality and place of residence. A Report from the European Consumer Centre Network shows that some traders practice internet geo-blocking to prevent certain EU consumers' access to services. An Irish shopper was recently charged €155 by a UK online trader for a dress after using an Irish credit card even though the same product was sold for £95 to British customers. Martina Nee, European Consumer Network, Dubline, joined Gavin on the line.
Following this we had the second part of the Clare Garda Division Youth Awards package from Michael Glynn.
An Clár as Gaeilge are holding a Christmas Book Fair in our new office on Barrack St (opposite The Clare Champion office) They'll have a selection of books, cards, board games etc. The perfect stocking fillers for the gaeilgeoir in your life. The Book fair will run from Monday next (Dec. 19) to Wednesday (Dec. 21). Sara McNamara from An Clár as Gaeilge joined Gavin on the line.
Gavin’s next guest has captured the pictures that sum up 2016 and the US Presidential Election. No mean feat. Corofin-native Kenneth O’Halloran has published a book documenting a month-long study of the reactions of some Americans who visit the Donald Trump Star at the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame. The book will be launched this evening (Thursday Dec 15) at 6pm in Dublin. The launch will be performed by Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin who has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump. The book “Bing, Bing, Bong, Bong, Bing, Bing, Bing” shows the nature of some Americans’ feelings for Donald Trump once they arrive at the Trump Star. Over 10 million people visit the Walk annually but during the Presidential Campaign, the usual tourist traffic was joined by hordes of people who wanted to publicly make known their feelings about President Elect Trump. Kenneth O’Halloran, Corofin-born photographer, joined Gavin on the line.
The Irish Red Cross in Clare are looking to expand its driver panel for their new community Support Vehicle. Persons who wish to volunteer for this role must be over 25 Years old and hold at least a full D1 Licence. An open night will be held for interested persons at 11 Tracklands Business Park, Tobartaoscain, Ennis on Thursday 15th December from 8 pm to 9 pm. Gavin was joined on the line by James Lafferty, Health & Social Officer, Irish Red Cross Ennis Branch.
Next Gavin was joined by Marie Doyle, Treasurer, Flagmount Hall Committee to tell us about their Christmas fair which takes place at Flagmount Hall on Sunday 18th December from 11am – 4am.
To finish the show we had another event in Glór. Following recent sold out shows in the National Concert Hall, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Cormac Begley take to the glór stage this December. The pair recently performed together as part of Ó Raghallaigh's residency at the N.C.H. They share a common interest in the traditional music of both Kerry and Clare, and they both have an approach to music that revels in repetition and a deep meditative engagement with each tune. Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh joined Gavin on the line.
