This morning's show opened by hearing about a meeting aimed at taking politics out of health. A public meeting takes place in Limerick tonight on the NAGP's call for health reform. The group is seeking to 'take politics out of health', and has already called for additional investment in the health sector, with a particular emphasis on primary care. A previous meeting of the group in Cork has heard that the number of children aged under six who have been referred to Emergency Departments has jumped dramatically. The meeting at the Strand Hotel in Limerick starts at 7:30. Dr. Liam Glynn from Ballyvaughan spoke to Gavin to tell him more.
The decision to end a transport facilities for dozens of people with disabilities around Clare has been described as a huge blow. A public meeting heard on Friday that people with disabilities will effectively be imprisoned in their own homes, if the transport service, which is run by the Disabled People of Clare group, ends. The DPOC says it's got no choice but to end the service from next month, due to a combination of increased costs and a reduction in funding and other supports. It's hoped that a short-term solution can be found, while efforts are ongoing to start a new scheme under the National Transport Authority. Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry, who was at the meeting, came into studio to tell Gavin how it went.
Next up, Dep Joe Carey, FG, joined Gavin in the studio to discuss the DPOC situation and the possibilities for formation of a new government.
Garda Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer in Ennis Garda Station was in studio with the latest crime updates.
Last weekend dentists from all over the country gathered in Galway for the annual conference of the Irish Dentist Association. The conference heard of a 'surge' in tooth extractions due to cuts in dental benefits. The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Dentistry into the Future’ and a range of national and international experts gave talks of a variety of topics. From sugar tax to predictive 3D modeling of tooth growth, from excessive antibiotics to cyberchodria, the conference covered a lot of ground. The IDA represents the vast majority of General Dental Practitioners, Specialists and HSE Dental Surgeons in Ireland. On the line to tell us more was the new President of the IDA Dr. PJ Byrne.
Mary from Ennis called in to raise the issue of careless drivers in Ennis town.
Then long time local and national disability activist Dermot Hayes spoke to Gavin with regard to the DPOC situation and he offered some solutions for consideration.
Next up, the Sports panel discussed Clare's fantastic win over the weekend. Gavin was joined by Colm Collins, Derrick Lynch from Clare FM sports, Joe Garry Clare FM football analyst and Peter O'Connell from The Clare Champion.
James O'Donohue from the Volunteer Sub-Committee on Accesibility was in to talk about making the Fleadh Accessible for People with Mobility Issues. Anyone interested in being a Volunteer or would like to join James’s team and Be Part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Inis 2016, contact Sharon or Dolores at the Clare Volunteer Centre 065-6866800 or log on to www.fleadhcheoil.ie Click on Volunteer and you can register your details and the Fleadh will get in contact with you.
Finally, Breakthrough Dance Company take to the stage at Glór this evening for the first of their two night run. This year, to tie in with Pieta House’s annual fundraiser, the theme is “dancing into the light.” The event aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, a topic that resonates deeply with event organiser, Laura Jane Allis. Gavin was joined in studio by Laura Jane Allis of Breakthrough Dance Company Tom McEvoy from Pieta House to find out more.
