Welcome to The Afternoon Show blog – on today’s show how the HSE has warned female hospital staff in the Mid West, including Ennis General, that they face disciplinary action if they don’t follow a dress code. A 10-page document has been issued to all staff, outlining a dress code which deems certain items unacceptable, including backless tops, skin tight clothing and very short mini-skirts. Joining Gavin Grace to discuss was Jimmy Wolfe, Mid-West Correspondent with the Irish Examiner and Andy Pike – IMPACT Assistant General Secretary.
Susan Gray of PARC (Public Against Road Carnage) also joined the show to react to the news that the Transport Minister is proposing an increase in penalty points for driving while on a mobile phone and for not wearing a seatbelt. Susan says anything that will remind people that they are endangering the lives of other road users is welcome. Leo Varadkar says the new points system should come into effect early next year – following the publication of a new Road Safety Bill in the coming months.
Dr. Andrew Kelly is an Irish Red Cross Volunteer and Chair of the Society’s Medical Advisory Group. He spoke to Gavin about how 95% of people say they would not step forward in an emergency situation, such as a traffic accident or cardiac arrest. A survey carried out by NUI Maynooth on behalf of the Irish Red Cross, has found that most people fear they’re not competent enough to respond in a crisis – even if they have had first aid training. The results also show that a fear of being sued and a lack of practice are key inhibitors affecting people’s decision to assist a person in need.
Dr. Eoin Devereux is Senor Lecturer & Head of Department of Sociology at the University of Limerick. The university has announced a three day symposium, examining the career of iconic singer David Bowie. The event, which UL says is a world first, is being held to mark the 40th anniversary of the song "Changes", and as well as the University 40th birthday, has drawn speakers from across the globe who will examine Bowie’s long and varied career. UL previously held similar academic conferences on the cultural influences of Morrissey and Harry Potter. It will be held on October 26th to the 28th.
Donal O’Dea is the Co-Author of “More Stuff Irish People Love” joined the show to talk about his new title. The book asks – Would you take the “makings of a fry” with you on holidays? Do you recognise your mothers twenty-seventh cousin twice removed? Think there’s nothing peculiar about moving statues? Well if you’ve answered yes to at least one of these questions you must be Irish!
Enda Donnellan is an Inter Faith Minister and organiser of the very first “Ireland 2012 Winter Solstice Festival”. Enda is a Lisdoonvarna native who’s now based in Slane. The festival will be the only current alcohol-free festival in the country and will be held at the National Show Centre (near Dublin Airport) to mark the 2012 Winter Solstice. Organisers are confident the Irish public are ready for a new celebratory experience. “Ireland 2012” is an indoor music event organised to mark the winter solstice which this year coincides with an astrological phenomenon predicted by ancient cultures centuries ago.For details of the festival see www.ireland2012.ie
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