Morning Focus began with a look at drink driving. Drink driving, as we all know can have tragic consequences, and tackling the problem is a constant struggle for our law enforcers. A recent study of motorists found that the vast majority (68 percent) of motorists would favour drink drivers being named and shamed on a live register. A recent poll from the AA reports found that one in five drivers admit that this scare tactic would majorly affect their driving, almost half of those polled said that it wouldn’t affect their driving behaviour at all. Pat was joined on the line by Brian Aldworth, PRO from AA Roadwatch.
We then took a look at a new report on shift work from Safefood. If you're a shift worker, or work irregular hours, chances are your health could be suffering. New research has found that shift workers skip meals, are often overweight and don't get enough sleep. SafeFood asked more than 1,300 shift workers about their eating, sleeping and smoking habits. Two in three don't eat regular meals on work days and almost 8 in 10 say they don't get enough sleep. The also found that shift workers are also more likely to smoke. Pat was joinedon the line by Joana da Silva, Chief Specialist in Nutrition at Safefood.
In line with a new report from the Irish Times, concerns are being raised for the future of the Ennis to Athenry rail line, among a number of other routes. A leaked draft report on Iarnrod Eireann says it stands to lose about 11 million euro this year and parts of the network face closure without more funding. The National Transport Authority (NTA) – who conducted the report – has signalled that there will be no rail line closures ahead of a full public consultation. The draft report says the rail network requires investment of more than €600 million over the next five years. Colmán O Raghallaigh from West-on-Track joined Pat on the line.
Next we had our weekly installment of The Money Doctor with John Lowe, Independent Financial Advisor. This week he discussed Post Insurance’s new survey on funeral cost differences across Ireland.
Plans to build a new end-of-life care unit for the Midwestern region took a major step forward this week, with an official sod-turning by Health Minister Simon Harris yesterday (Mon. Oct 24). Work on the first phase of the multi-million euro project at Milford Care Centre in Limerick – which will provide an extra 34 specialist beds – will begin before the end of the month. The estimated cost of the new hospice facility is €11 million, of which €9.2 million has been committed by MCC, with support from the JP McManus Benevolent Fund. MCC has also applied for a capital grant of €1.8 million from the HSE to fund the balance. Speaking at the sod turning, Minister Harris said he was delighted to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers at the hospice who help to ease what can be a very difficult time for patients and families. Pat was joined on the line by Pat Quinlan, Chief Executive at Milford Hospice.
Pat then spoke about talk that the economic recovery is beginning, however slowly, to reach the West of Ireland, services for the vulnerable continue to suffer. Those working in the voluntary and community sector say lack of funding is stopping them for reaching people who desperately need them. That's bourne out in the latest annual report from Clarecare – the voluntary agency that provides a broad range of support services for people in the county – who say their service is at capacity. Fiacre Hensey, General Manager at Clarecare joined Pat live in studio.
Next on the show we had Frankie Coote our local Clare County Dog Warden.
With just weeks to go to the election of the next US President, psychologists, including my next guest, are reporting an increase in anxiety among their patients. Some are even calling this phenomenon 'Election Anxiety Disorder'. There's no doubt that a growing number of celebrities, campaign groups and Human Rights organisations have raised concerns have raised questions over the fitness of Donald Trump to be president; however Hillary Clinton is still struggling to convince the majority of the electorate that she's the right candidate. As a clinical psychologist, my next guest has closely looked at the personalities of the two candidates – particularly that of Donald Trump, who, following recent controversies over remarks made about women, has even generated the anger and revulsion of sections of his own, Republican, party. Dr Rosalyn Smith, Clinical Psychologist and Public Policy Expert joined Pat live in studio.
Have you ever had trouble speaking in front of a large group? What about a small group or even your mother? Well I’ve got just the thing for you and that is the Ennis chapter of the Toastmasters, a group aimed at improving public speaking and eliminating nervousness from its members. Joining me now on the line I’ve got Neil Hynes, Ennis Toastmaster committee member. Neil Hynes Committee Member, Ennis Toastmasters joined Pat on the line.
Pat then spoke about Muse Productions who are preparing to bring the world famous musical ‘Man of la Mancha’ to St Patrick’s Comprehensive School Shannon from Thursday 3rd November for three nights only. Joining Pat live in studio were the director Martin McNeilis, and cast members Jessica Bray and Brian Roche.
Morning Focus then finished up with a look at a cottage in Clare which is being tipped as the cheapest house to go at auction. If you can find the price-tag of a measly €17,000, then you could be the owner of Kernaig Cottage. The property near Kildysart will be going up for auction on November 3, and it's already attracted calls form both Dubai and Australia. Pat was joined on the line by Douglas Hurley from DNG O’Sullivan Hurley.
