Morning Focus began by taking a look at the debate in recent days over the legality of plans by rank and file Gardai to go on strike. It would seem that a number of different laws and Garda regulations make members of the force liable for hefty fines – and even jail terms – if they strike, or encourage colleagues to do so. Local barrister Michael McNamara who has made efforts to change the law to allow Gardaí to go on strike joined Gavin on the line.
Gavin then spoke about the complaints that there’s too little oversight of schools by the government, according to the Children’s Ombudsman. Dr Niall Muldoon says there needs to be a mechanism for dealing with schools who don’t observe recommendations from his office. Last year the Children’s Ombudsman dealt with a record number of complaints, with most being about education.
Dr Niall Muldoon joined Gavin on the line to discuss the matter.
Morning Focus then spoke about how the forthcoming Budget is promising some support for hard- pressed first time home buyers. However, the measure isn’t without controversy with the Housing Minister saying any grant will apply only to newly built homes. My next guest believes that the real beneficiaries of any such measure would be developers. Lorcan Sirr, lecturer in housing in DIT, says it would be better to offer grants to buyers to restore vacant properties and he joined Gavin on the line to explain why.
Gavin then spoke with Sgt Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer, for the Garda Focus.
Those struggling to find direction in their lives, or looking to get their goals on track might be interested in what my next guest has to say. Jo Walsh is an Ennis-based IT expert, trainer and facilitator. Together with psychologist Carmel McMahon (from Shannon), she noticed that many people are struggling to find their direction in life and find that things seem to be moving at a pace they just can’t keep up with. The women – both experienced facilitators – are offering a course called ‘Opening Doors’. Its aim – over six weeks – is to guide participants through their options for finding direction in life and moving towards their goals.
*The course begins on October 14
Jo Walsh came on the line to discuss the event with Gavin.
Morning focus then looked at test excavations that were set to begin over the weekend at the site of Children’s Burial Ground/Memorial Garden in Tuam, County Galway. According to the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation, it’s hoped that the test excavation will resolve a number of queries that it has in relation to the internment of human remains at the location. A sample of the site will be excavated by a team of specialist archaeologists – through test trenches. It’s expected to last for approximately 5 weeks. The works are taking place in co-operation with the Gardai. The development has been welcomed by Minister for Children Katherine Zappone. The minister paid tribute to a group of survivors from the former home when she met them in Tuam on Friday last (Sept. 30) along with local historian Catherine Corless, who documented the deaths of 796 toddlers and babies. She said the survivors had explained to her how important the work of the commission was in “bearing witness” to their experience. Siobhán Holliman, Deputy Editor, The Tuam Herald joined Gavin on the line.
We then had our Sports Panel with Eoin Brennan, The Clare People, and Derrick Lynch from Clare FM Sport.
Gavin was joined by an award winning human rights activist, Iyad will describe what life is like under Israeli occupation, his village’s ongoing struggle for justice, human rights and freedom, and what inspires him to continue non-violent resistance. Born in 1973, Iyad Burnat is the head of the Bil’in popular committee and Friends of Freedom and Justice and will be a familiar figure to the many Irish who have travelled to Bil’in over the past number of years. In 2015, Iyad was the recipient of the James Lawson Award for Achievement in the Practice of Nonviolent Conflict.
**Mon 3 Oct – Ennis: 8pm, The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
Boru 3 Peaks is an annual charity hill-running and walking event in the picturesque twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina. You can take part as an individual or with a team. You can enter one, two or all three events. It is open to everyone from the speediest hill runner to the casual walker and everyone in between. All proceeds go to charity. The 5th annual event will take place on October 8 and 9.
Gavin was joined by Paul Ryan, Member of organising committee.
