Yesterday the Social Protection Minister has confirmed possible cuts to child benefit and the dole are up for discussion for the Budget It has been reported a 10-euro-a-month cut to child benefit and an 8-euro-a-week dole cut are possible
That is despite the Labour party pledging not to allow such cuts
Minister Joan Burton says she is fighting for other areas to be hit such as employers paying sick pay and not giving redundancy payments to multi-nationals that move jobs from Ireland
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Michelle Murphy, Research and Policy Analyst with Social Justice Ireland
She maintains that there is no justification for reducing Child Benefit- if Government needs to increase revenue through the income tax system then it would be fairer to increase income tax on all high-income households equally
Taxing or reducing Child Benefit penalises households with children
Michelle says that the number of children at risk of poverty rose by more than 35,000 in two years between 2007 and 2009, the most recent year for which statistics are available
The income of a household of four on social welfare is currently €80 a week below the poverty line
Niamh Kelly, Spokesperson with the Protect Against Child Unfriendly Budget group said she is particularly disappointed at the prospect of any cut to child benefit. Find PACUB online and on Facebook.
We heard Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary saying hild benefit should be scrapped, that it’s ridiculous that he receives the entitlement for his 4 children, given his income
Mr O’Leary likened child benefit to the government subsidising people to have sex.
As part of Clare FM’s 50 Cent Appeal raising money for four Clare charities we heard an audio diary of a typical day for Cyril Traynor, Saint Vincent de Paul Volunteer
Contact details for Clare Saint Vincent de Paul;
Clare Area Headquarters
Soc. of St. Vincent de Paul
84, Parnell Street
Ennis
Co. Clare
Tel: 065 6824188
[email protected]
Former Bunratty singer and cancer services fundraiser Julie Anne Dineen passed away yesterday having battled cancer
She is survived by her husband Dave and her sons Sean (12) Matty (8)
In the Spring of 2009 she began a fundraising drive to raise €150,000 for the breast unit at the Mid Western Regional Hospital Limerick
Her single Do You Believe reached number 1
Niamh McNamara met Julie Ann in Ennis on the day she found out she was No 1, we heard the interview again.
Have your say in Clare FM’s latest online poll:
Now that the New 7 Wonders have been chosen- What’s County Clare’s best natural wonder?
• The Burren
• Loop Head Peninsula
• The Cliffs of Moher
• Lough Derg
• The Ailwee and Doolin Caves
The International Best Selling Author and Change Expert MJ Ryan is in Ireland this week
She is the Editor of the New York Times Random Acts of Kindness Series and is here for National Thank You Day
The second National Thank You Day will take place this year on Thursday Organised by the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), the idea is straightforward; it’s an opportunity for people to simply say ‘Thank You’ – to anyone and for anything
The IHF wants to encourage people all over Ireland to take stock and to reach out to the people in their lives who have made a difference
This could be for a significant life event or something as simple as a kind word or act
MJ Ryan who is a leading change catalyst says that “Gratitude creates a powerful state of happiness because it returns us to the natural place where we notice what’s right instead of what’s wrong.” She teaches us how to distil a sense of gratitude in every aspect of our lives and is full of practical suggestions to help us focus on all that we have, rather than our perception of what may be lacking.
Her most recent book AdaptAbility – how to survive change you didn’t ask for is full of advice very relevant to Irish people
On 30th November, at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna the first in a series of 4 seminars will discuss and debate the value of Creativity and Innovation in our rural economy
This is a new addition to the Enterprise Development team at Clare Local Development Co; it’s aim is to organise a programme of seminars and mentoring to stimulate, inspire and support enterprise development throughout Clare
Animation in this context means an additional support to new applicants to the LEADER RDP fund- they have funds available and want people to apply
Creating sustainable jobs through funding and promoting entrepreneurship is the overall aim
Bridgette Brew, Rural Enterprise Animator with the Clare Local Development Company and
Gerard Kennedy, Project Manager with Leader joined John in studio to explain what’s happening and how people can get assistance
Contact 065 6866800. Email [email protected]
There will be a public meeting the Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna at 7:30pm tomorrow to highlight the potential that exists in Walking Tourism in North Clare
Open to anyone interested in potentially getting involved in walking tourism
This meeting will feature speakers from Shannon Development, Clare Trails Steering Group, Clare Leader and local walking enthusiasts
At this meeting, details will be announced of a two day training programme designed to give people the skills needed to successfully lead groups of walkers. This will be of particular interest to those who may wish to turn their walking hobby into a business. Participants on this programme will also be able to avail of one to one business coaching to assist them to build on their walking enterprise idea
Supported by LEADER
Eimear McCarthy, Rural Recreation Officer with the Clare Local Development Company explained
All are welcome to attend – it is hoped in the future similar public meetings will take place in East and West Clare
Contact Eimear on 086 049 5041.
Email Niall Heenan [email protected] ; [email protected]
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John in studio to advise animal owners as to their legal obligations and the proper care of animals
Contact the Dog Pound on 065 682 0398 or in the case of emergency the Warden on 087 622 5253.
If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email [email protected] or write to us at Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, County Clare.
