On today’s Afternoon Show John Logue, President of the Union of Students in Ireland joined Gavin Grace to discuss how the USI is appealing to the Labour party to ensure funding for the Youth Guarantee Scheme is secured. Under the scheme, which is part funded by the EU, education and training is provided for those out of work and aged under 25. The recent Eurostat figures show Ireland’s rate of youth employment is 30.8%. President of the USI, John Logue, says tackling the issue is a chance for Labour to redeem its position in the coalition.
Noel Griffin is the CEO of the ISPCA and joined The Afternoon Show following calls for tighter rules on how dogs are restrained in cars. The Department of Transport says the issue was raised after it sent a query from a member of the public to the Road Safety Authority on the issue. However in a statement this morning, Minister Leo Varadkar’s department said there are no plans to legislate for dog seatbelts at this stage. The ISPCA says it is a major safety issue and dogs can inflict severe injuries on passengers and themselves, if thrown around during a crash.
Gavin also spoke to former Ireland and Munster Rugby star Marcus Horan following the news that the IRFU have begun the search for a new coach after announcing that Declan Kidney has been relieved of his duties as head coach. The Union have confirmed that they will not be renewing Kidney’s contract this summer. Assistant coach Les Kiss will take charge of the summer tour of North America, assisted by Gert Smal and Killaloe’s Anthony Foley.
Joan Tarmey from Clare County Council’s Environment Section was in studio to talk about how Clare County Council, in association with An Taisce, is urging people in every corner of Clare to help “stomp” out litter and get involved in cleaning up the County as part of the 15th annual National Spring Clean Campaign. Last year, 175 local community groups in Clare participated in clean-ups. The Environment Section of Clare County Council is assisting community groups and schools who register for the Spring Clean campaign by providing them with a free pass to Waste Transfer Stations/Waste Management Facility at Scariff and Lisdeen and the Central Waste Management Facility in Inagh. Participating groups are being reminded to separate recyclables during clean-ups. Groups are reminded that while waste from public area clean-ups will be accepted with this pass, private household waste will not. Details will be issued to groups who must first register on www.nationalspringclean.org or by calling the National Spring Clean hotline on 01 4002219 or 014002220. Alternatively you can contact the Environment Section at Clare County Council on 065 6846386.
Aidan Courtney of The Ennis Book Shop was also in studio to review “Celtic Warrior: The Legend of Cú Chulainn”, a comic book created by Will Sliney and published by the O’Brien Press and “The Charismatic Edge” by Eoin Fitzpatrick.
Iconic TV and Radio Presenter Gay Byrne also joined Gavin on today’s show. The broadcasting legend is coming to Limerick as part of his show tour in the coming weeks. One of the most loved television and radio personalities in Irish history; he will perform his show – Gay Byrne: Live On Stage, as part of a short Irish tour at The Lime Tree Theatre at Mary Immaculate College on April 10th. Gay, during the live performance will be telling some of the greatest show- biz stories never told in a hilarious evening’s entertainment, which has been described as “a master class in comedy”.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
