On Thursday's Morning Focus with Marian Egan
A new report – discussed by Ministers this week – has called for paid parental leave to be extended to one year. The inter-departmental review recommends a six month extension to the current maternity benefit – which could be split between parents. It also calls for an extension to early education – meaning toddlers wouldn't need to wait until September each year before being enrolled to pre-school. The review's recommendations would cost several hundred million euro – and the Taoiseach says not all will be implemented. However, Children's Minister James Reilly says he wants to make a start on them in the next Budget. Theresa Heaney CEO of Early Childhood Ireland shared her reaction to the report with Marian
A crew of 20 rowers have been circumnavigating the island of Ireland – a round trip of almost 1000 nautical miles – in a self-built 15ft skiff to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) and will arrive on the shores of Lahinch, Co. Clare on July 25th – marking the row’s half way point. To celebrate this significant stage in the challenge, the rowers will be greeted by a party atmosphere on the Lahinch promenade from 2pm on Saturday. Ger Crowely Row-Around Ireland Founder – From Bray Co Wicklow spoke to Marian Egan. To donate to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland simply text ROW4CF to 50300 to donate €4 or to get in touch with the crew in relation to the challenge visitwww.rowaroundireland.com
Marcus O Halloran UCD Students Union President spoke to Marian about an increasing number of Students forced to commute from rural areas such as Co Clare to Dublin due to the rate of Rent for Students in the Capital.
Clare residents are again being pestered with apparant hoax phone calls from people who claim that they're looking to repair computers.While hoaxes of this kind are not new here, there has been a reported surge in their number over recent days and weeks. Martin Fennell in Kilrush received three such calls yesterday, to his de-listed landline, and says a number of his neighbours have also received these calls. He contacted the show and spoke to Marian about the calls. In Addition we heard from Galway business owner Shane Flaherty who got in touch with us over facebook . Shane says he has had at least 5 calls in the past few months. They say they are from Microsoft. He has confronted them by saying the call is being recorded and that's the end of that conversation. Shane advises listeners tojJust hang up if it happens to you.
Brendan Quinlivan Killaloe Dioscese Communications Officer joined us in studio with the details of the latest Diocese Appointments.
Kilfenora PP Fr Ned Crosbie visited Haiti before and after the earthquake with his fellow Mayo native Sr Rose Kelly spearheading a number of projects there. Fr. Crosbie shared their experiences with Marian Egan . . . This Sunday afternoon, the people of Kilfenora will get together in Vaughans pub for whats become an annual fundraising event for Haiti: *Pig on a spit barbeque* accompanied by fanastic live music – kicking off at 3.30 PM this Sunday Vaughan's Kilfenora.
Clare based Singer Songwriter Luka Bloom joined Marian in studio to perform two wonderful songs and of course a chat, all ahead of his performance at Waterways Ireland Scariff Harbour Festival on Sunday 2nd August on the Fair Green at 7.30pm. Festival details on www.scariff.ie
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