On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
With no specific laws on the abuse of the elderly or vulnerable Adults a Clare based group entitled Support Link says we have a big national problem, adding up to a national disgrace. "We don't want to talk about it. We don't want to read about it. Does that mean we don't want to do anything about it? "
The organisation was formed by a number of Clare residents who have campaigned on the issue of elder abuse previously through personal or professional expereience – they're now expanding to include new members from across the country and launched their campaign for new laws in Dublin at the weekend. Lourda Finn, Kilrush & Limerick, who's father Gerald Finn died in care and Bridie Cox, Corofin a Psychiatric nurse and whistle blower while working in HSE both joined John in studio raising concerns over the lack of Legislation to protect elderly or vunerable adults.
Teachers unions say unless meaningful talks can take place on junior cycle reform in the next 10 days, they’ll call another strike. The ASTI and TUI held a meeting on Friday last and they say the draft document on reform that they've been given does not form the basis for agreement. They say that significant parts of Dr Pauric Travers proposals are not acceptable to teachers. Peter Quinn, a Teacher at St Flannans College Ennis and ASTI Standing Committee representative for Clare and Limerick clarified the proposals made and what the reform would mean for teachers and their workload should it happen.
An Ennis caller, Betty, contacted Morning Focus last week because with little warning her Eircom landline service had been disconnected despite her keeping up with her payments. Following the disconnect, Betty was unable to get in contact with anyone from Eircom, after many attempts. Morning Focus put Betty in contact with Eircom so that they could rectify the problem. Today we received an update on the situation and Betty was happy to report that her landline was up and running and her panic button was back in action.
For our weekly Garda Focus slot, Garda Brendan Keane from Ennis Garda Station joined us in studio appealing for your help in solving recent local crime.
GROW are hosting a 4 week Community Education programme on Mental Health titled "Understanding and Minding you Mental Health" in the Temple Gate Hotel commencing this evening (Monday) at 7.30PM
Mary Purcell is the co ordinator of GROW Midwest Region and she joined John in studio along with Thomas Connole from Ennis who has been availing of GROW services for many years. Both explained the work they do and how beneficial this programme is – phone 061318813 to book a free space.
There's a bit of a Holy show going on in Shannon this week as the Shannon Musical Society presents Sister Act. The spectacular stage show based on the poplular movie opened to a full house in St Patrick’s Comprehensive School last night and that looks set to continue throughout the week until Saturday and it's sold out already. Cian Kearns met the Cast and Crew of Sister Act as he joined the Shannon Musical Society for some last minute dress rehearsals
Our Resident Wildlife Expert, John Murphy from the Clare branch Birdwatch Ireland joined us in studio today to speak about a special Birdwatch Ireland outing in Seafield taking place next week and as always to answer your birdwatching and wildlife queries.
To contact Morning Focus – email: focus@clare.fm
