An additional €24.6 million has been allocated to the Mid-West Hospital group by the HSE
This figure represents an increase in the group’s budget of 11%
The Mid-West region, and especially Limerick city, has the worst health outcomes in Ireland, including the highest standardised mortality rates and infant mortality rates
With budgets for some other hospitals cut, questions have been raised by members of the opposition as to whether political lobbying lead to extra funding for hospitals in the constituencies of the Taosieach and Finance Minister, but there’s broad welcome for the extra money from local health campaigners and those working in the sector.
On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital Dr Gerry Burke to get his reaction
On Friday’s Morning Focus the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said he feels it’s reasonable to expect a change in patronage in at least one Shannon primary school, arising out of a survey of local parents
Well schools in the Shannon and Newmarket on Fergus area have expressed concerns about his plans for a change in the way primary schools in the area are run
John was joined in studio by Mary Dunlea Fitzgerald, Principal of St Tola’s School, Shannon and Peter Walsh, Principal of St Conaire’s NS, Shannon
Mary and Peter have been nominated as spokespeople for the Shannon schools to voice their concerns about the school patronage survey
We heard some of Ruairí Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills, speaking on Friday’s Morning Focus – responding to concern schools may have
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer of the Clare Garda Division joined John in studio for Garda Focus where he asks members of the public for any information on crimes committed in the past seven days
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
This evening Ennis Labour Chairperson Seamus Ryan will host an open meeting in the West County Hotel, Ennis at 7.00pm on the subject of the European Youth Guarantee
Guest speakers on the evening will be Member of the European Parliament for Minster Phil Prendergast and Deputy Michael McNamara
Seamus Ryan joined John in studio to urge people to attend.
The death has taken place of former Clare hurler Jimmy Smyth
The Ruan man won five county senior titles with his native club and was also a prominent county hurler-winning an Oireachtas tile in 1954 while also part of the Clare side who recorded a famous Munster championship win over Cork in 1955
He was also honoured by the Munster council being named at n umber 13 in their team of the millennium
Kevin McGillicuddy of Clare FM Sport joined John in studio to pay tribute to Jimmy Smyth
Canon Seamus Mullen in Miltown Malbay went to school in St. Flannan’s with Jimmy- he had a word about the legendary hurler
Ruan Hurler Cyril Lyons speaking to Clare FM’s Kevin McGillicuddy about the late Jimmy Smyth and the late Jimmy Smyth himself speaking to Gavin Grace last year.
John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer your bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
