On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with some local school principals about the cost of going back to school
Following on from yesterday’s interview with Fergus Finlay of Barnardos about their recently published Back to School Costs Survey that showed parents of secondary school students pay big money to prepare them for senior cycle – the cost of getting a child ready for secondary school is almost €800 and primary school costs can hit as much as €400
The children’s’ charity says books and uniforms remain the single biggest expense for parents and criticised the government for a lack of effort in bringing down the costs
Barnardos says schools themselves can play a major part in lowering the cost for families
Brid Finnegan, Principal of Knockerra NS in Cooraclare spoke with John
They operate book rental scheme in the school and it is going very well and they don’t have service charge, or voluntary contribution at their school
Mary Crawford, Principal of St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point says this year’s incoming first years have the option of getting Ipads
They hope it will eradicate heavy bags and though it is a big initial investment she maintains it does save money in the long-term
The Government Chief Whip is raising concerns about the implications and legal status of electronic cigarettes
Last month the World Health Organisation advised against using the products – saying the risks they pose for the health of users has not been determined
Minister of State Paul Kehoe has written to the Health Minister to clarify the health implications
He says according to the W-H-O there’s no scientific proof that e-cigarettes help people quit smoking:
Clare FM’s Tommy Meskill hit the streets of Ennis yesterday to ask people what they think of electronic cigarettes…
Prof Luke Clancy of the Tobacco Free Research Institute spoke with John about e cigarette and their concerns.
Dr Daniel Volpe – the Director of Neurological Rehabilitation at St. Raffaele Arcangelo Hospital in Venice – presented his research work confirming the benefits of set dancing in the rehabilitative therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease yesterday at the International Health Conference in Feakle
The Italian Doctor’s chance discovery was the subject of the international Gathering event and he joined John in studio to speak about how a trip to Feakle for the trad music festival led him to make this descovery
He added that he was on his way to Limerick to meet members of the medical faculty at UL.
Burren based writer, poet and playwright Donal O’Connell is originally from Tipp but has lived all over the world
He settled in Bell harbour because of the rugged, natural beauty of the Burren and North Clare coastline
He writes about his experiences of relationships, substance abuse, cultural constraints and sexuality
Currently his compilation ‘Thirsty Fish’ is available in the Ennis Bookshop and Sceal Eile bookstores and his third complilation ‘Weaves and Yarns’ will be launched in the coming weeks
Donal joined John in studio for a chat and read some of his work
For more information see www.donaloconnell.com
Michael Michaels of the Kildysart Festival & Gathering 2013 spoke with John about their great start and what’s still in store in the festival that is running until the 11th.
Paul Woulfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Centre joined John to answer your queries
Contact Clare Citizens’ Information Centre on 0761 07 5260.
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
