On Wednesdays Morning Focus John began by speaking to Anne Marie and Sean O'Donoghue as they are in a desperate situation in relation to their son Cian. Cian is 12 and loves school and hurling however they are struggling to get him into a secondary school. Cian has missed out on a place in St. Flannan's and in Rice College. The family are distraught. Their other son Evan who is 6 is suffering from a serious kidney disorder which limits the family driving long distances to bring Cian to school. John and Cians parents discussed how this is having a major impact on Cian and their whole family.
St Flannan's and Rice College have been contacted and we are awaiting a reply.
The Transport & Tourism Minister has said he's aware of the need to protect the Clare Coast from further storm damage, but has no update on further funding for repairs and defence works in places like Kilkee and Liscannor. Minister Paschal Donohoe met with the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council at the Cliffs of Moher yesterday, as he hailed the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, but said the need for more storm damage money will be a matter for his cabinet colleagues. Minister Donohoe also visited Shannon Airport yesterday and urged rail workers not to strike again, revealing that Sunday and Monday's Industrial Action cost Iarnrod Eireann 1.5 million euro in lost revenue. John spoke to the Minister on his trip to Clare.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has published a report, entitled '9% VAT – Food, Tourism & Jobs – Rebuilding Ireland's Economy', highlighting the positive impact of the 9% VAT rate introduced in July 2011. The Restaurants Association of Ireland, said that "As this report proves, in terms of creating new jobs in the food and accommodation sector, the introduction of the new VAT rate in July 2011 has been a major success. 31,584 new jobs have been created across the country, with 21,633 of these being direct jobs in the food and accommodation sector." John spoke to Adrian Cummins – Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland and Aidan McGrath of the Wild Honey Inn- Lisdoonvarna about these figures and how they are impacting on businesses across Clare.
The World Health Organisation is recommending a ban on using e-cigarettes indoors. It says the 'smoke' from them isn't merely water vapour – as is often claimed – and their use should be restricted because of second-hand smoke fears. Their report also says e-cigarette with fruit-based flavours – which may appeal to children – should be taken off the shelves. John spoke to Dr. Tony Cox an Ennis based GP and President of the Irish College of General Practitioners about the health implications of e-cigarettes. They also discussed the proposed ban.
As parents prepare to send their children back to school over the next number of days and weeks what exactly should we be packing in their lunchboxes? Parents are being inundated with the 'handy packet' snacks designed for lunchboxes but are they any good? We are also being told how important breakfast is for our children – however porridge isn't that appealing what can we feed them as they head out the door?
Many parents work and time is really important as we want to spend as much as we can with our children in the evenings, its so handy to stick some chicken nuggets and chips in the oven – but what should we be cooking for dinner to ensure we are doing our best for our children. John spoke to David McDonagh – Qualified dietician, fitness trainer and fitness lecturer about this issue and he gave parents some tips and advice for lunch and dinner.
More on Heritage week next as John spoke to Risteard Ua Cronín Clare Conservation Officer. Topic: Dysert O'Dea Guided Walk &Heritage Trail – Guided Walk in the wonderful landscape of Dysert O'Dea including castle, church with famous Romanesque door, 12th Century High Cross and other features on the heritage trail.
John Underhill of Burren Vets was in studio to answer listeners' livestock and pet queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
