Morning Focus began with a look at a new nationwide mortgage arrears resolution service launched by the Government. The scheme – called 'Abhaile' – offers free financial and legal advice, with a priority on those most at risk of losing their home. It's run jointly by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the Legal Aid Board. The Tánaiste and the Social Protection Minister have launched the service, which will see eligible clients given vouchers to obtain expert advice on resolving their debt issues. Gavin was joined by Dep Pat Breen, FG Minister of State for Employment and Small Business.
Gavin then spoke about how the AGSI is warning that Garda strikes may be unavoidable unless pay restoration is put on the table. The group representing senior Gardai say they are waiting for 'more direct action to be taken' over pay. Rank and File Gardai are due to strike next month and the AGSI will consider weather to follow suit at a conference later this month. Donal Smyth General Secretary AGSI came on the line to discuss the matter.
We then took a look at how cancer survivors are being left with large amounts of debt because of the high cost of treatment, according to the Irish Cancer Society. Their pre-budget submission calls for the scrapping of the 75 euro in-patient charge. They also want the government to abolish prescription charges and to reduce the cost of medicine for cancer patients. Paul Gordon, Policy officer Irish Cancer Society, was on to speak about this.
Gavin then talked about the AA annual convention which is coming to Ennis.
Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is hosting a Bereavement Information Evening on Wednesday October 5, from 7:30 to 9:30pm in the Ballybane Enterprise Centre, Galway (main reception/café area). The event gives parents an opportunity to hear a professional, experienced in bereavement support, talk about the many challenges families have to face into after the death of their son or daughter. There will be time after the talk to speak to other bereaved parents. Hugh Harkin, PR Coordinator, joined Gavin on the phone to give more information.
Gavin then spoke about campaiging academic Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington will be among the speakers at what's being called 'a festival of feminisms' in Ennis this weekend (Oct. 8 & 9). 'Silence + Voice' has been organised by the Clare Women's Network and will take place in Danlann an Chlair. The network says the event will offer an opportunity to reflect creatively on silence and voice as part of the journey as women in Ireland. Elaine Dalton, Co-ordinator Clare Women's Network, and Anne Rynne, Chairperson Clare Women's Network, joined Gavin to talk about the festival.
Gavin was then joined by the one and only Mary O’Rourke who has recently published her second book, ‘Letters of My Life’ and which is being launched later today (October 5) at the National Library of Ireland. It’s a book of 20 heartfelt letters written to say 'thank you' to those that have made an impact on her life. Mary O’Rourke of course is a former Fianna Fail Minister for Education and has always enjoyed a busy and active life outside of the political sphere.
Then Gavin had a chat with world famous nutritionist and author Patrick Halford. Patrick is currently doing the rounds in Ireland with his new book ‘The Chemistry of Connection’ and you can catch him tonight in Limerick in the Strand Hotel on the Ennis road before he completes his tour in Galway tomorrow evening.
John Underhill, our resident vet, came into the studio to discuss his weekly topic with Gavin.
