On today's edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
Roseann Brennan from Kilkenny is the mother of Jake Brennan who was knocked down and killed near his home in Lintown Grove, Co Kilkenny on June 12 last. Roseann together with 11 other campaigners camped outside the Dáil until this morning in an effort to urge the Government to lower the speed limit in housing estates from the current 50kph to 20kph. Rita Malone from Clonlara is a part of the "Ireland Unites to Support Jakes Legacy – Clare Division" group. She joined Roseann and the campaign on Sunday to show her support – following an incident in her estate on the 26th of September last where her son Oran was knocked down and seriously injured. Minister of Transport has welcomed the Bill but wants to allow Local Authorities to set a limit of 30 km/h where they believe it is appropriate. Roseann is not happy with this and her campaign is calling for a mandatory 20kph in every housing estate.
The Cabinet's signed off on a new bill to rewrite the law on adoption, guardianship and parentage. The Children and Family Relationships Bill is being hailed as the most important change in family law since the foundation of the State. The Bill will also allow unmarried fathers and wider families to apply for guardianship rights. Meanwhile, the State's first proposed laws dealing with surrogacy were also brought before Cabinet yesterday morning. John Downing the Political Correspondent with the Irish Independent and he outlined the arguments and issues raised from the publication to John.
Trócaire, the Irish overseas development organisation, today (Ash Wednesday) will kick off its annual six week Lenten Campaign to raise funds to support some of the poorest people in the world. Éamonn Meehan Trócaire’s Executive Director, spoke about how Co. Clare specifically contributed financially to last year’s Lenten appeal, how that support has impacted positively on Trócaire’s work and to tell you more about this year’s 2015 appeal.
This year’s Lenten campaign focuses on a young Ethiopian girl called Mahlet. Trócaire is helping her rural community and others in Africa and across the world overcome drought and hunger caused by the impacts of climate change.
Huge congrats goes to Tubber jockey Derek O'Connor who rode his 1000th point to point winner Sunday afternoon. It's the first time the milestone has ever been reached, and he did it by guiding the Pat Doyle-trained Death Duty to victory in the opening four-year-old maiden at Cragmore in County Limerick.
He reached the milestone in style too as he went on to guide Kilty Caul to victory for Robert Tyner and Air Command for Jim Culloty. Derek reflected on this significant win and says he won't be hanging up his helmet any time soon.
Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan T.D. announced yesterday that Government has agreed the implementation of two new policies to better support the sustainability of small schools, and particularly those in isolated areas.
This policy approach involves two key elements:
a. Improved changes to the staffing schedule for some small schools and
b. A voluntary protocol for future sustainability for 1 teacher schools with reducing enrolments
Sean McMahon is the Principle Mullagh NS and President of INTO and Pat McNamara is the Principle of Flagmount NS East Clare, they both outlined to Morning Focus how these new policies will be especially effective in County Clare.
Yesterday we spoke to our blogger Clare with the Hair about Lent – she suggested taking up a good habit rather than trying to give up a bad one . . .well Clare FM’s Cian Keirns went out and about yesterday to find out what our listeners will be trying to give up this Lent.
Ger Sweeney is the co-ordinator of this years Ennis St. Patrick's Parade, he spoke to John about this years theme " Celebrating Our Community" and called for as many groups in Ennis and the surrounding areas to get involved.
To contact Morning Focus email focus@clare.fm or text ClareFM followed by your comment to 53030
