On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte who spoke about the pressure on the health service and other services with mass retirement in the public service looming
The issue of ‘Fracking’ was also discussed as earlier this year Clare County Council moved to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" within the county
The technique is used by oil exploration companies whereby water, sand and certain chemicals are injected at high pressure into a bedrock to extract natural gas
Fracking has proved controversial in countries where it is carried out, due to alleged negative environmental consequences
Minister Raqbitte also spoke about the news that all second-level schools in Clare are to get access to high-speed broadband by the end of the year, the super-fast access will be made available to all post-primary schools in three stages by 2014
However, Clare schools are top of the line and all of those which need to have their connections upgraded will see this work carried out by the end of the year
Minister Rabbitte says a trial of 78 schools, including St. Flannan’s in Ennis, has already shown that use of broadband has been shown to have improved both teaching and learning
The Centre for Independent Living has launched a campaign to stop cuts to vital services for people with disabilities
There is concern over cuts to the community employment scheme and HSE that will severely impact on the provision of the Personal Assistance Service (PAS)
The Center for Independent Living was the pioneer of PAS in Ireland, having introduced it here in the early 1990s
With PAS its the person with the disability (the ‘Leader’) that directs or leads the service – the Personal Assistant reports directly to the Leader
Clare Chairperson Tom King joined John in studio.
www.clare.fm online poll
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The Taoiseach says the Justice Minister is considering new legislation to criminalise the purchase of sex
Enda Kenny made the remarks in the Dail yesterday when asked about a Prime Time documentary aired on Tuesday night, highlighting human trafficking and prostitution in Ireland
He said the makers of the programme should be complimented for bringing the issue into the public domain
And he said the government is now considering new laws to make the purchase of sex illegal
Senator Zappone says she is revolted that Irish men, not all Irish men, but given the report’s findings, a large number of Irish men, are participating and enabling the enslavement of women in every town in Ireland
Independent Senator Katherine Zappone joined John.
In his latest TV series Clinical Psychologist David Coleman offers his expertise and therapeutic support to a number of young people who have been affected by bullying – either as a victim or as a bully
It also explores the various forms of bullying that exist today, to help the audience understand the causes of bullying and offer practical steps that adults & teens can use to identify bullying, address the issue and help teens to cope with it
If you would like to participate in the programme call or text 087 416 4998 ; email [email protected] or see www.rte.ie/tv/takepart
Older and Bolder is calling for more traditional communication methods for elderly people – when it comes to information on public services
It’s launched a report – entitled "Caught in the Web" – which found that older people find it difficult to access information on various topics such as health services, bins and the household charge
It wants appropriate methods of communication to be retained – such as the telephone or post
Director Patricia Conboy spoke with John saying there is a move towards the internet – as public services look for a cheaper way to do business
She said this results in elderly people feeling more and more isolated as a result of not being online.
The Clare DEAL project (Development Education in Adult Learning) has made the shortlist for the AONTAS STAR Awards this year
The STAR Awards recognise outstanding examples of adult education in Ireland
This year five Awards will be given – four provincial awards and one nationwide award- they will be announced on 20th of this month
The Clare DEAL project provides adult education with a global dimension, introducing learners to topics such as fair trade and debt
Based in the Adult Education centre in Kilrush but classes take place all over the county
It aims to get learners to think of local issues and resources and how they can effect global issues for example free trade
They have studied healthcare provision and food wastage
Karla Maloney of the Clare DEAL Project explained more about the service they provide. See www.claredeal.ie
John Underhill of Burren Vets joined John in studio to answer your pet and livestock queries.
Contact the Morning Focus team by emailing [email protected]
