Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin joined John Cooke on Wednesday’s Morning Focus to discuss the nurses strike, the future of rural Garda stations, the Presidential Campaign and the economy
Have your say in this week’s Clare FM Online poll:
Who will you vote for as Ireland’s next President?
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This is Fire Safety Week
Colm Frawley, acting assistant chief fire officer at Ennis Fire Station joined John in studio with advice for homeowners
Approximately 46 people die each year in accidental household fires, while countless others are injured
Many people think that the smoke will wake them so they and their families will have time to escape
Unfortunately, after just two or three breaths of toxic smoke, the lungs fill up, adults and children alike can no longer breathe, and they fall unconscious
The continued operation of 13 small Garda stations in County Clare has been described as "questionable" by the local Chief Superintendent
Concerns have been expressed that Garda retirements and public sector cut backs will spell closure for rural Garda stations, particularly in West Clare areas like Doonbeg, Kildysart, Kilmihil, Labasheeda and Carrigaholt but John Kerin says it’s too early to say what changes will happen
In an interview to be broadcast on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, the Chief Superintendent said Garda numbers could be down by up to 40 members by the early new year, the equivalent of losing a whole Garda district in the county
But he said Gardai will be redeployed where possible, and he’s adamant the force will maintain some presence in all local communities
Superintendent John Kerin of the Clare Garda Division spoke with John on the issue
Early Childhood Ireland – which will be officially launched next week – is hosting a local roadshow for childcare professionals in the county to discuss the new inspection process for crèches and preschools which puts more emphasis on the wellbeing of the child
Early Childhood Ireland, a new organization to be officially launched next week based on the merger of Irish Preschool Play Association (IPPA) and the National Children’s Nurseries Association (NCNA) who between them represent over 80% of crèches and preschools in Ireland, is in Ennis for one of 34 meetings nationwide for those working in the childcare sector
The roadshow takes place tomorrow between 7pm and 9pm in the Templegate Hotel, Ennis
It is free and open to non members as well as Early Childhood Ireland’s 80 members based in Clare but advanced online booking is essential at www.ippa.ie or www.ncna.ie
Irene Gunning, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland encouraged interested parties to attend.
Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service had his weekly advice on social welfare entitlements, employment and consumer law.
Contact the Morning Focus team [email protected]
