MORNING FOCUS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18TH
Clare TDs are reported to have claimed in excess of €848,000 in expenses and allowances since the 2011 General Election. In total expenses to TDs have cost 24.4 million euro since the last General Election working out on average of 147 thousand euro per TD since March 2011.Joe Carey TD (FG) and Michael McNamara TD (Lab) joined John to discuss the report and the on-going water meter protests.
A survey carried out by the National Association of General Practitioners in association with Gorilla Survey has shown that worsening working conditions in the general practice are having a dramatic impact on both GPs and patients. A total of 84% of GPs who responded to the survey stated that their mental health has suffered as a result of worsening working conditions. Almost half (49%) of GPs are currently working over 50 hours per week, with one in five working more than 60 hours per week. Over 60% now see more than 15 patients in an average clinic session and 21% see more than 20 patients on average in each session. Dr Connor McGheeScariff based GP and President of The National Association of General Practitioners spoke with John about the difficulties faced by GP's.
Sergeant Declan O'Keefe of Ennistymon Garda station spoke with John regarding the renewal of an appeal following the discovery of as yet an unidentified body at the Cliffs Of Moher in 2010.
The money doctor John Lowe joined us for his bi-weekly slot among the topics John covered today included, Mortgage insurance for buyers, is it a good idea – Noonan…Cost of bankruptcy petitions reduced. Supervalu launches travel insurance from 15c a day. Central Bank governor Patrick Honohan hints at relief on 20% mortgage deposit. Allianz to limit cover to €1,000 for burst water pipes.
Shannon Listener Tony Russell contacted us RE his experience in Limerick University Hospital yesterday. Tony contacted the show with regards to his wife who was admitted to the hospital yesterday with a suspected stroke. There were over 40 people on trolleys when Tony went in and the same amount when he left the hospital last night. Patients were being transferred to Nenagh to deal with the problem. Tony's wife is still on a trolley this morning and he found it very difficult to get an update on her condition. He mentioned Leo Veradkers name to a nurse there she told him that Minister for Health was from a different planet in relation to understanding the problems on the ground in hospitals. Tony described to John the situation he witnessed yesterday.
The "Save Your Breath" COPD awareness campaign by COPD Support Ireland is taking place from November 17-23 and coincides with World COPD Day on Wednesday November 19.The campaign sees free COPD screening at The Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, on Thursday November 20 from 11am to 3pm, to people over 35 years who are experiencing symptoms of persistent coughing, breathlessness or frequent chest infections. Ennistymon native James Gallagher who has the condition and works with COPD Support Clare, spoke to John about the restriction the condition places on him and how the help available for those who suffer from COPD.
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote was joined by Beverly Truss of theHogsprickle, a sanctuary for injured hogs in our regular Tuesday animal welfare section this morning. Beverly outlined the workings of the hogsprickle with John.
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