On Thursday's Edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke.
Following her announcement of two new policies to better support the sustainability of small schools, and particularly those in isolated areas, Jan O Sullivan, TD Minister for Education and Skills spoke to Morning Focus. The Minister outlined the agenda ahead of the Labour Party Conference this weekend in Killarney. Minister O' Sullivan also commented on the need for more funding with specific reference to the Early Childhood Education sector, she gave an update on the Junior Cert reform and her opinion on the Water Protests.
James Doorley is the National Youth Council of Ireland Spokesperson and Author of the recent JobBridge report. James says that the JobBridge Scheme is in serious need of reform – Despite success stories, the NYCI report finds that only 27% secure full time employment. James joined John to further outline the report findings. Sean O Connell from Miltown Malbay joined the conversation to outline his experience through the JobBridge Scheme, noting that although he gained valuable experience, there was not a full time position available after the 9 months and as a result Sean has decided to emigrate.
Jo called the show yesterday following our discussion about the water charge and who should be responsible for paying it in a rented accommodation circumstance. Jo has had to pick up previous bills for her daughter who was sharing accommodation while attending college. In one particular incident the other occupants of the house refused to pay their share of an electricity bill; in turn Jo is not paying the bill back on their behalf in monthly installments. Jo is worried that it will be a similar situation with regard to the water charge not just for her but for the many parents trying to see their children through college.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot – Dr Máire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre spoke today about Headaches – causes, treatment, prevention; In addition Maire addressed all your headache related queries. Doctor Maire Finn will be joining us again next Thursday for more medical advice. You can always send us your thoughts and queries by email focus@clare.fm, but if you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP
Tommy McCarty, a Musician from West Clare joined us in studio before he jetted back to the States where he now lives, to tell us all about his Burren Backroom Series event taking place tonight (Thurs) in Queens Hotel, Ennis @ 7.30PM. Tommy and his wife Louise will be joined by their musical friends from around the county for an amazing night of music. €20 at the door and all proceeds to St. Patrick’s Mental Health Foundation and Walk in My Shoes Campaign. Tommy brought along his fiddle and entertained us with a few tunes from The Burren Backroom Series CD which launched in January.
Weekend Events:
Russell Memorial Festival Weekend in Doolin kicks off tonight through to Sunday March 1st with many events taking place including: Musician Workshops, a Cliff walk along Moher Road, and a Russell Remembrance Mass on Sunday. Steve McDermot of McDermots Bar in Doolin shared a rundown of what we can expect from this fantastic celebration.
Tara Gleeson is one of three TY students from St Joseph's Secondary School in Tulla who have organised a charity concert in their school this Friday, 27th of Feb. The concert is part of their Young Social Innovators/ Social Enterprise project and all proceeds are going to Down Syndrome Ireland. Doors open @ 7pm and the show will start @ 8. / Tickets are 10 euro.
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus please email focus@clare.fm
