Morning Focus began by looking at the decision by tens of thousands of Gardai to strike next month which has been described as an unprecedented crisis for the government and Garda management. As we know, both rank and file members of the GRA and, sergeants and inspector from the AGSI will take action on the four Fridays in November. Both organisations say it’s up to the Garda Commissioner to organise emergency cover – and we're still waiting to learn what form that will take. GRA members have asked specialist units to turn up for duty to protect citizens. As well as announcing that its members will withdraw their labour next month on four occasions, the AGSI has also unveiled what it calls further forms of industrial action described as “an escalation approach”. They will refuse to log onto the Garda’s computerised Pulse database on Friday next, October 21 and again on October 28, and refuse to complete certain admin tasks. While pay restoration is its key goal, the AGSI is also seeking better representation in industrial disputes as well as the right to become trade union members. **Meanwhile, a senior barrister has warned that any garda industrial action could lead to some court cases being struck out on grounds that sergeants won’t be available to present evidence on strike dates. Sean Gillane SC also suggested there could be legal consequences for gardaí who failed to attend court hearings to which they had been summoned. Joining Pat on the line was PJ Ryan, Chairperson of the Clare Joint Police Commission.
Pat then spoke about the call this week for a 'special effort' from blood donors to restore supplies around the country. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says the national supply is now down to just three days. It needs an extra 15 hundred donations over the next three weeks to stabilise levels, particularly from 'O positive' and 'O negative' donors. The drive aims to return to a 7 day supply. Aileen Browne, IBTS Regional Manager joined Pat on the line to explain how people can help.
We then spoke about how an MEP for this region is highlighting the issue of youth unemployment, after the latest figures revealed that almost 16 percent of Irish people under the age of 24 are jobless. Deirdre Clune, who is an Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Employment committee, says there’s massive variance in the youth unemployment rate across Europe, with rates in Germany as low as 3.4 percent. She's welcomed a move by the European Commission to increase funding for the Youth Guarantee scheme by 2 billion euro between now and 2020 but has stated that we need a completely new focus on getting young Europeans back to work. Pat was joined on the line by MEP Deirdre Clune, FG, Ireland South.
It’s with great delight that we report on the renaming of the Clare League County Grounds in honour of the late Frank Healy. It’s a fitting tribute for the man who has done so much for Clare soccer and to give us some insight to the man himself I’m joined live in studio by his son Gerard Healy, Clare soccer manager Donnie Garrihy and on the line by Jim Madden, Clare Soccer League FAI Delegate.
Pat then took a look at how one in every 65 people in this country has a diagnosis of autism, and yet, it's a condition that many of us don't really understand. To provide a better insight into life with autism, a special exhibition is being held in Ennis over the course of tomorrow (Thurs. Oct. 20) and Friday (Fri. Oct. 21). The 'Autism Experience' exhibition takes place in association with Ennis Voices for Autism, with the support of the Department of Justice and Equality. It's designed to give visitors a practical experience of autism – by taking a self-guided MP3 player tour of the exhibition and participating in interactive activities which simulate some of the experiences or aspects of autism. The event runs at the Temple Gate Hotel from 10am to 8pm on Thursday and 10am to 3pm on Friday, and is free to visit. Adam Harris, As I Am (Autism Charity), joined Pat on the phone and Ailish Concur, Killaloe and Kevin McLoughlin, Ennis, joined Pat live in studio as well as Ailish's mother Áine.
An olympian from this county will be remembered tomorrow night (Thurs. Oct. 20) at an event in North Clare. Michael Sonnie Murphy was a native of Ballycashen, Kilnaboy. An accomplished athlete, he took part in a heat of the 3,000 metres steeplechase in the 1932 Los Angles Olympic Games. Sadly, because of the extreme heat, he suffered severe dehydration and never fully recovered. He died, four years later back in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day 1936. His achievements will be remembered at the October heritage talk at the X-PO in Kilnaboy will be given by James Neylon and Seán Roche on Thursday night at 8.30pm. The talk in the X-PO coincides with the 80th anniversary of Sonny’s death. **James Neylon and Seán Roche are both natives of Kilnaboy and are active in local community groups including Kilnaboy Athletic Club. Moreover, James and Seán are involved with the Sonnie Murphy Memorial Race in the parish since its inception in 1984. James and Seán have a keen interest in local history. The X-PO is located in the former post office in Kilnaboy. It is a community hub for social and cultural activities. All are welcome to the talk. More information 087 2925487. James Neylon joined Pat live in studio while Seán Roche was on the line.
Pat then took a look at an impressive spectacle for a very worthy cause. I’m joined on the phone by Mary Lou Quinlan who is touring the country performing her one-woman show entitled ‘The God Box’. She’ll be in the Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick next Saturday night (Oct. 22) and all proceeds are going to the Irish Hospice Foundation. Mary Lou Quinlan, Performer and author joined Pat on the line.
The plight of the homeless is something that, sadly, we hear about all too often. But how often do we actually imagine what it would be like to be without a roof over our heads? To highlight the issue and to offer some practical support, Midwest Simon has organised a 'sleep out' event at Thomond Park in Limerick. A host of sports stars and politicians will join local fundraisers, sleeping in the tunnel at Thomond on Saturday, November 12. Among those to address the gathering will be David Hall of the Irish Mortgage and Homeowners' Association. Jackie Bonfield from Midwest Simon joined Pat on the line to highlight the issue.
We then finished off the show with John Underhill, our resident vet.
