Today on Morning Focus we discussed reactions to the Government being urged to devise a new approach to tackling drug issues in our society.
We were joined on air by Michael Guerin, Senior Addiction Therapist at the Cuan Mhuire Addiction Treatment Centre, Bruree, Limerick, to discuss how the government is being urged to invest millions of euro in additional funding in community drug projects. Nine of the country’s former drugs ministers came together this week to warn that the current strategy isn’t working. They’re concerned local groups are being left out of decision-making, and have suffered a number of cuts over the last few years.
For more information or advice please get in contact with Narcotics Anonymous via phone- 01 6728000, via email – info@na-ireland.org or visit the Narcotics Anonymous here .
If you missed our discussion with Michael, you can listen back below:
Before that Senator Martin Conway, Ennistymon-based FG member of Seanad Éireann, joined us in studio following the rift that has been caused in Clare FG as pre-Election tension prompts Joe Carey’s attack on Junior Minister Breen.
Next, we had further reactions to the plea made to the government to improve the ways in which drug issues are being tackled in society. It comes at a time when figures reveal the greatest rise in drug use is outside of Dublin. To discuss the issue futher we were joined on air by Former Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs & Former Minister of State for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Publican and FF Member of Clare Co Co, Killaloe MD.
Next on the show, Professor John Wenger, Director of the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry UCC, joined us on the line, following the ban of the sale of smoky coal in and around Ennis and Clarecastle. The ban is in the interests of protecting air quality. Despite this, EPA figures continue to record spikes in the presence in the air of potentially harmful pollutants. The onset of the cold snap over the Bank Holiday has prompted an increase in the burning of solid fuels, and – according to EPA data for Ennis – a major air pollution spike has been detected. John leads a research group at University College Cork (UCC) and believes that a wider ban on smoky coal is needed.
If you missed our discussion with John, you can listen back below:
Next on Morning Focus, Will Cahir of Cahir & Co Solicitors, Ennis joined Gavin in studio to discuss the possible pitfalls of buying a house.
If you missed it, you can listen back below:
Lastly, to finish today’s show, we heard from Siobhán Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer for this week’s Arts Update.
