Speaking to Clare FM’s Gavin Grace on The Afternoon Show today – Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland called on the government to retain the reduced 9% VAT rate for restaurants, hotels and the tourism industry. The Restaurants Association of Ireland says six and a half thousand jobs have been created since the rate was introduced in July 2011. The rate also applies to restaurant and catering services, hotel and admission to cinemas, theatres and use of sporting facilities. VAT at 9% was introduced in July 2011 by the Government as part of job creation measures and according to Adrian Cummins, it has been incredibly successful – “When the economy went into decline, restaurants endured falling numbers of diners, rising prices and great financial uncertainty with many facing and/or experiencing closure. Money generated by this reduced VAT rate, however, has kick started a reversal of fortunes. In the past eighteen months, over 10,000 new contracts were issued and this growth will continue with an additional 5,000 jobs to be created over the next year if VAT at 9% remains in effect.”
Chairperson of West Clare Taking Care, Anne Rynne and fellow member of the group, Doutsen Roelofs also joined Gavin in studio to talk about the groups plans to highlight positive steps for maintaining your mental health, including the use of music and singing. West Clare Taking Care has come together in response to the rate of suicide in their community. For the past couple of months the group has been talking, researching and meeting to try to figure out how best to address the high level of deaths by suicide in West Clare. The group facilitates the provision of information on this subject to the community and will hold a seminar on aspects of positive mental health on May 17th in the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point. West Clare Taking Care also presents Open Mic Nights on the last Friday of every month at The Yard Café on the Lahinch Road in Miltown Malbay. Open to one and all – musicians, singers, poets, old and young, all genres of music. Listeners are also very welcome – (free admission).
Bernard Purcell is the Editor of The Irish World newspaper in London and joined Gavin for a look at what’s making news across the pond. Bernard and Gavin discussed what’s making headlines in the United Kingdom, especially those stories that are impacting on the lives of the Irish Community in Britain.
Ken Doyle is a Founder Member and Bass Player with one of Ireland’s greatest musical endeavours – Bagatelle. Bagatelle are celebrating 35 years on the road with a 35th anniversary Tour. Bagatelle were one of the first Irish Bands to tour the country with a totally original set, at a time when it was totally unheard of, and they continue to do so. Their hits include the No. 1 – Summer In Dublin, Second Violin, which also went in to the U.K. Charts and the hit songs are endless – Trump Card, Love is the Reason, Leeson Street Lady, All Fall Down, Philadelphia, Flights of Earls and Streets of New. This Saturday night May 4th as part of this tour they are in concert in Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort along with The Dublin City Ramblers.
Vincent McCarthy is an organiser of the Mullaghmore 4 Mile Fun Run and Walk, which takes place on Friday 3rd May. The event is for all ages and all levels of fitness! All proceeds going to funding of Kilnaboy Hall and will be starting from the hall at 6.30pm. The runners fee will be €10 or else you can get a sponsorship card, while the walkers fee will be €5 or use a sponsorship card, which will be available from Kilnaboy National School on 065 6837702.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
