On Thursday's edition of Morning Focus with Gavin Grace
The Government and Opposition's are at loggerheads in the Dáil over the proposal to sell the remaining minority share in Aer Lingus. But the coalition continues to insist the deal with IAG is the best one for the country as it seeks Dáil approval for the sale. FF leader Micheal Martin said that a report was prepared for Aer Lingus about its possible sale – and that it highlighted potential widescale job losses.
However, in a statement, Aer Lingus says this is "highly misleading". It says the report was a cost-base comparison presentation, commissioned by Chief Executive Stephen Kavanagh, and has nothing to do with IAG. To debate the sale of Aer Lingus we heard from local TD's Deputy Pat Breen (FG) and Deputy Timmy Dooley (FF).
The Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe Willie Walsh joined Gavin in studio to share his thoughts on the results of the Marriage Referendum. Following the YES result Vatican Secretary of State's Cardinal Pietro Parolin has been quoted as saying "you cannot just talk of a defeat for Christian Principles, but of a defeat for humanity". Willie Walsh says he cannot accept that the 58.3 per cent of people who voted in favour of the marriage referendum in Clare last weekend are responsible for that.
Ireland has been found in breach of the European Social Charter, over laws governing the smacking of children. In a decision published today, the Council of Europe's European Committee of Social Rights found the corporal punishment of children "is not prohibited in a sufficiently clear, binding and precise manner under Irish legislation or case-law." The committee also points out that it has repeatedly found that the situation was not in line with the charter. Tanya Ward Chief Executive Children's Rights Alliance had more on this.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we spoke with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre. Today she advised us on the later Stages of Pregnancy and Birth Preparation. Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Thursday for more medical advice. You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email [email protected], but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP. Listen back to Health Matter Podcasts here https://www.clare.fm/health-matters
2015 Sunflower Days campaign will take place on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th, across the major towns in the County Clare. Mary Moloney Fundraising Manager Cahercalla Hospice Ennis and Mary Hynes Limerick Rd Ennis volunteer with The Clare Hospice at Caheralla, who was named as Hospice Sunflower Hero at an event in Dublin on May 7th, joined us in studio to gather awareness for these very important fundraising days in their calender.
Weekend Events
Michael Blake in Tuamgraney spoke to us ahead of their event this weekend kicking off tonight. May 28th to June 1st, a weekend to celebrate all that is good in our community. The weekend will feature music, fishing and dance workshops, a golf outing, a concert featuring local musicians’ and the annual election of the Mayor of Tuamgraney. author Edna O’Brien who sits as honorary president of the weekend.
Jazz up June and swing by West Clare for the Doonbeg International Jazz Festival, (May 29 – June 1), with a packed programme of swing, dixie and jazz music in local pubs. Philippa Siegriest Festival Programmer spoke to Gavin
Dr. Eamonn Doyle Geologist with Burren Cliffs of Moher Park filled us in on the annual Burren Rocks festival, that celebrates all that is great in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. It is part of European Geoparks Network Week; a week-long celebration across the 64 Geoparks spread across 22 European countries. This year includes School Day, Activity Day, Family Day and Water Day; focussing on the core values of the Geopark; education, community, sustainable business and the environment.
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