On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke.
Kathleen Mc Donnell member of the 'Seeds of Hope' group spoke to John inreaction to Bishop Kieran O' Reilly’s interview that aired on Friday last on Morning Focus. Bishop O Reilly spoke about the absence of young men (35-55) in the ministry among other things. The Seeds of Hope group has been established followed plans to have a male only Deacon service in the Diocese of Killaloe last year. Kathleen says the group is now pushing forward with their calls for men and women to be given training to allow them be more active within the Church. They are to send their requests to the Bishop's Conference in Ireland and to Pope Francis in the coming days.
On Thursday last it was reported that the Irish Economy is due to grow at a faster rate than the rest of the EU this year. The European Commission has forecast that the Irish economy is set to grow by 3.5% this year and 3.6% in 2016. Unemployment is also set to keep falling. Professor Stephen Kinsella Economist Lecturer with the Kemmy Business School UL joined John on the line to shed some light on these findings.
Socialist Party TD Paul Murphy is among four people who have been arrested in connection with the water protest last November which saw the Tánaiste trapped in her car for over 2 hours. The four aged between 30 and 50 – are being detained in garda stations across the southside of the city. They're being held under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be questioned for up to 24 hours. Daragh Brophy, a Journalist with The Journal.ie explained the situation and reminded us of the protest incident in question.
For this week's Garda Focus slot – John was joined in studio by Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Joe Downey from Ennis Garda Station who was appealing for your help in solving recent local crime.
The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar has said he believes most GPs will sign up to the Government scheme to give free GP care to children under six years of age. He said he was disappointed one of the groups representing GPs did not agree with that. Earlier the National Association of GPs, which claims to represent about half of the country’s GPs, called on its members and non-members not to sign up to the deal. Doctor Conor McGee from the Medical Centre Scarrif and President of National Association of General Practitioners explained to us why.
Our Resident Wildlife Expert, John Murphy from the Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined us in studio to talk specifically about the missing birds from our bird tables and of course he answered all your birdwatching and wildlife queries
COMPETITIONS this week:
Engineers Week is a programme of nationwide events that runs from Sunday 8th February to Saturday 14th February. The week aims to create positive awareness and enthusiasm about the engineering profession in Ireland to people of all ages especially students, their teachers and parents. So what better prize to giveaway? How about a kindle a day? Stay tuned throughout the week and you could be in with a chance to win a kindle a day.
PLUS
Since Love is in the air, and you may be planning that perfect day! Patrick Bourke Menswear, Kilrush and Ennis,expert wedding outfitter, are celebrating the arrival of their all new wedding suit collections, Each day on Morning Focus we've a €100 voucher to be won towards wedding suit hire.
Get in touch and tell us about the big occasion to be in with a chance to win!
To contact Morning Focus – email: focus@clare.fm
