On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Caroline Lynch, Head of Communications and Advocacy at The Irish Hospice Foundation about the convention of funeral operatives that took place last week
The 12th international convention of FIAT-IFTA, the world organization of funeral operatives, took place in Dublin Castle, the National Council of the Forum on End of Life in Ireland has called for the reform and regulation of the Irish funeral and cremation services industry.
The funeral and cremation services industry is one of Ireland’s least regulated businesses
The industry is made up of 600 Funeral Service Providers (FSPs) and less than 100 of these are full time. A large-scale urban city firm would provide up to 500 funerals each year while a part-time FSP would provide 80 or less funerals annually.
There are currently no barriers to entry and no licensing in an industry responsible for the burial or cremation of the 30,000 people who die in Ireland every year. There are no regulations or standards in the area of embalming which is often carried out by untrained personnel in inadequate hospital premises. Cremation, which is becoming an increasingly popular option, is not governed by any law.
The Minister for Housing Jan O’Sullivan TD will be in Ennis this afternoon to open new housing initiative for people with intellectual disabilities at Glensheen
The event has been organised by the Banner Housing Association – a voluntary housing organisation that leases homes to people primarily with an intellectual disability across the County
Eamon Finn, Director of the Banner Housing Association had a word about the project and the launch this afternoon
Jan O’Sullivan TD – Minister for Housing & Planning – spoke about the importance of the work of housing associations
Mairead O Brien is the newly elected first citizen of Kilrush
She is warning that the potential loss of the local urban council would be a major blow to enterprise, tourism and community efforts
Independent Councillor and Deputy Mayor Mairead O’Brien took over the mayoral chains from Fine Gael’s Ian Lynch at Kilrush Town Council’s AGM on Friday last , with fellow independent Paul Moroney nominated as her second in command
In extending their well wishes fellow councillors pointed out that her term in office is likely to be overshadowed by the Environment Minister’s proposals to abolish a large number of town councils.
Sgt. Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with Clare Garda Division, joined John in studio to appeal to the public for information on crimes committed over the past week in the county
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
The Money Doctor John Lowe discussed the ongoing technical problems at Ulster Bank
The company says a software glitch meant automatic salary and social welfare payments haven’t been processed since Wednesday – and it’s now working to clear the backlog
Also, house prices are poised to rise quickly in some areas because of pent-up demand among under-35s seeking to buy a family home
The Money Doctor was happy to answer listeners’ personal finance queries
www.themoneydoctor.ie
The Whitestrand in Doonbeg was amongst four locations nationwide to host a Dip in the Nip yesterday
The Clare Dip in the Nip was organised in association with the Mid-western Cancer Foundation
Chief Dipper Dymphna Walshe had a word with John
Michael Duggan of the Spancilhill Horse Fair spoke about how the fair went at the weekend where there was business done despite the slightly inclement weather
John Murphy, Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland was in studio to answer listeners bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
