On Wednesday's edition of Morning Focus with Marian Egan
TDs began a two-day debate today on the sale of Aer Lingus. It follows the government's decision to sell off its 25 per cent stake in a deal worth 355 million euro. The agreement comes after IAG offered extra assurances about the use of the Aer Lingus slots at Heathrow airport, and said it would create over 600 jobs by the year 2020. Deputies vote on the proposed sale Thursday afternoon – but transport minister Paschal Donohoe is confident that the deal is in the public interest. Marian spoke to FG TD Joe Carey, Niall Shanahan Communications officer, IMPACT Trade Union and Kevin Thompstone President of Shannon Chamber on this.
Michael Kilcoyne Chairman of Consumer Association of Ireland joined us next on an overhaul of consumer law announced Wednesday afternoon which is to include a ban on expiry dates on gift vouchers. People who buy downloads and apps that don't work are also to be given greater consumer protection by the Bill which is being published this afternoon by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton. Michael Kilcoyne says it's welcome news.
Clare ISPCA Warden and County Dog Warden Frankie Coote joined us in studio for Animal Welfare Matters. This week appealing for assistance in locating missing pets: A German Shepherd missing from Crosses of Annagh and missing from Inch a neutered male red white brown cat with 4 white socks. There were also Cattle attacked by dogs near Tulla village and another similar incident in Bodyke. If you have an information please contact the dog pound on 6820393
Returning to the Sale of Aer Lingus Patrick Edmund Director of Strategy Shannon Group gave his reaction. Shannon Airport has welcomed IAG's proposed takeover of Aer Lingus saying it's good news, which safeguards Shannon-Heathrow connectivity for seven years, and opens the door for further growth at Shannon.
Clare Senator, Martin Conway says that access to education and community co-operation are the keys to best practice in farm safety. Speaking to us this morning following the publication of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee (SPCC) report on farm safety, Senator Conway expressed his concern about the number of accidents and fatalities on Irish farms. Eugene Hogan based in O'Briens Bridge sadly lost his brother Dermot in a farm accident last year in Offaly, he spoke to us welcoming these new measures but says there is still a lot more needed to be done.
The Multiple Sclerosis community in County Clare and MS Ireland’s Midwest regional office will mark World MS Day 2015, which takes place today – Wednesday May 27th, under the banner ‘Together we’re stronger than MS’. MS Ireland, locally, the organisation providing vital services, information and support to the MS community, is urging people in County Clare to please text STRONG to 50300 and donate 4 euro or visit www.strongerthanMS.ie for World MS Day 2015. John McDonald Mid-West Co-Ordinator – MS Ireland and Aideen Hayes from Lisseycasey who was just 27 when she was diagnosed with MS in 2004, both joined us in studio to mark this World MS day and give an insight into their experiences.
Animal Matters with John Underhill of Burren Vets who joined us in studio to answer your pet queries including one that came in from Mary, her my cat is 15 years old, eating very little, has lost a huge amount of weight and Ann wondering about getting her 15 month dog neutered. If you have pet queries please text Clare FM followed by your question to 53030
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