On Wednesday's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Clare County Council says it is exploring the purchase of vacant homes in Kilrush, as part of a gradual wider process to combat the county's social housing crisis – In recent weeks a number of signs, which simply read 'House For Sale' and have not been erected by auctioneers, have been put in place outside some homes in a particular housing estate in Kilrush – something Joann Carrig, on the social housing list in the town says is a residents protest against having them there. Joann and Kilrush Councillor Ian Lynch both spoke with John Cooke
Nearly 3,000 students are sitting their Leaving and Junior Cert exams in Clare this year. 1466 Leaving Cert students opening English Paper 1 this morning, while a further 1489 students are beginning their Junior Certs. The Minister For Education says students have worked incredibly hard to prepare for their exams and hopes they will be able to demonstrate their knowlegde and interest in their subjects.
Clare FMs Fiona Cahill spoke with Minister Jan O'Sullivan who has this message for Clare's exam students… and locally, Olivia O’Connor Guidance Counsellor St Joseph's Tulla says the most important thing is that the students are calm and keep calm, they have all the necessary equipment and have a plan for the day.
The Irish Farmers Association has criticised the Department of Agriculture’s publication of details outlining EU grants paid to farm-ers, describing the move as a breach of confidentiality. Information on payments to 130,000 farmers under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was made available on the department’s website on Saturday last. Details on payments made in the financial years October, 2013, to October, 2014, and October, 2012, to October, 2013 have been made available. Farmers on the ground have also expressed anger that their details are now available for one and all to see. Doonbeg's John Flanagan called the show to tell iss that he can't see the sense in publishing the details. Andrew Dundas from Ardnacrusha is the Chairman Clare IFA, he also says that everyone should be treated the same, farmers are not the only ones receiving tax payers money.
There is an Information Stand at Dunnes Stores on Thurs June 4th to mark Haemochromatosis Awareness Day. Nora Kelly of the member of the Harmochromatosis branch and Mary Flynn from Cratloe both joined us to tell us more about the condition and their experience of it. It is a genetic condition – having too much Iron in your system, too much that your liver can't filter which results in iron building up in your joints, putting strain on your heart; Tiredness and bruising are also common symptoms. It is a condition managed with regular blood tests. More info on http://www.haemochromatosis-ir.com
Clare's Emmigration Generation hearing from locals whose lives have taken them to various countries across the world next with Carmel McGuane from Cranny, West Clare but living in Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK. Carmel who has moved not too far away – just across the water to England in fact to pursue her nursing career – but still makes it home regularly to see family and friends.
John Underhill of Burren Vets joined us in studio to answer your pet queries and speak today about Disease spread by ticks for example Lyme Disease
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