Finn’s Furniture Shop in Crowe Street Gort is closing down after 16 years in Business – Mike Finn once owned three shops, employed 11 people as well as a number of part time staff – now it’s just him and one shop that will soon be shut
He says he had 13 good years in business but recession, flooding and the Gort By-pass have lead to the demise of his business
Mike Finn spoke with John Cooke on Monday’s Morning Focus.
As private health insurance costs continue to rise, Monday, 6 February, marks the first anniversary of the publication of Fine Gael’s health plan, Fair Care, which promised a Dutch style system of Universal Health Insurance.
As part of Amnesty International Ireland’s right to health campaign they recently hosted a conference on how universal health insurance matches up to the right to health, featuring contributions from experts on the German, Canadian and Dutch models. They’ve also collected more than 17,000 signatures in support of the right to health and last year published the report – Healthcare Guaranteed. Today they’re looking at the progress, or to be frank the lack of it, towards the promised system of universal health insurance one year on and how this ties in with the fundamental human right of people living in Ireland to affordable, accessible healthcare
Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland discussed.
Minister for Social Protection has confirmed that payments to families for special occasions, including first communions and confirmations, are to be cut. Joan Burtonton said a review by community welfare officers made a number of recommendations, including that the average payment of €200 for holy communions be reduced to €110
But she said that welfare officers would be allowed discretion when considering requests for exceptional needs payments
In light of the public debate on the celebration of the Sacraments, and the commercial costs facing families, the Catholic Communications Office has stated that the primary focus of First Holy Communion is the reception of the Body of Christ by the child for the first time; and, on the continued growth of the spiritual life of the child. However Bishops, priests and schools are very concerned about the cost issue facing parents with children for First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation and have discussed this matter in parishes
Dermot Hogan took to the streets to find out what local people think about cuts to special welfare payments for communions and confirmation
John discussed this with Fr. Brendan Quinlivan, Killaloe Diocesan Spokesman and Cathal Oakes of the St Vincent DePaul, Clare
Have your say on our online poll
Should GAA Managers be paid?
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Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station appealed for the public’s information to solve crimes committed in the past week. Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe was happy to answer listeners personal finance questions
He also discussed Health Insurance Rises and cuts to exceptional needs payments for communions etc earlier in the show and the imminent reduction in mortgage rates by 0.25%
Shannon Resident Chris Quinn is organiser of local Anti – Household Charge Group
There is a meeting taking place in The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis tonight at 7 – and Socialist TD Joe Higgins to address the meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Austin Cooney, Treasurer of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland
He joined John to discuss wildlife and answer listeners queries.
If you wish to contact the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
