On Thursday Edition of Morning Focus with John Cooke
From 1ST May people who want to buy health insurance for the first time will have to pay more if they are aged 35 or over. The 'Lifetime Community Rating' is designed to encourage younger customers to take out health insurance. Health Minister Leo Varadker is beginning an information campaign to highlight the introduction of the health insurance "late entry" levy.
Dermot Goode Health Insurance Expert with Total Health Covers.ie shed some light on the issue and what it actually means. While, Padraic McNicholas Managing Director MunsterGroup Insurance Ennis gave a local perspective and offered examples of low cost packages available for those purchasing health insurance for the first time.
A bill on fatal foetal abnormalities, drafted by a Labour TD was presented to the Dail today. The bill which has been written by the Clare TD Michael McNamara, would allow for a termination of pregnancy in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities. At the moment pregnant women who don't wish to carry to term, must travel abroad to receive a termination for medical reasons. It's not yet known if the bill will pass a process, and eventually be debated in Leinster House. Last month, a bill on fatal foetal abnormalities by the Independent TD Clare Daly, was voted against in the Dail, over concerns that it was unconstitutional. Deputy Michael McNamara Clare Labour TD spoke to John on the issue.
James Breen, Independent Councillor with Ennis Municipal District called Morning Focus regarding comments made by Former Ennis Town Councillor Michael Guilfoyle on yesterdays show following discussion on Renaming Friar’s Walk. Guilfoyle criticized decisions being made in the Town’s interest by councillors from outside the town. Michael Guilfoyle Former Member Ennis Town Council also called the show to explain his comments.
In our Morning Focus Health Matters slot we speak with Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre. Today's topic: Random Questions and Answers – with a mention of cyclic vomiting syndrome as today marked its Awareness Day. Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and 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
On Tuesday we heard from Clarecastle man Bryan Murphy reporting live from Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre where his girlfriend Alison Reidy was attempting to complete an Indoor Iron Distance Triathlon consisting of a 3.8km swim in a 25m pool, 180km cycle on a Turbo (exercise bike) and a full 42.2km marathon on a treadmill! All in aid of the HOPE foundation. Today we checked-in with the pair to see how it went! Alison started at 6am and finished after 13 hours and 15 minutes. Donate to Alison’s Charity Page – mycharity.ie/event/indoorironman.
Mary Egan, Producer, actors Charlie Kileen and Ken Blowers all of The Doonbeg Drama Group joined us in studio ahead of their performance of the Arthur Miller Play The Price as part of the West Clare Drama Festival that gets under way this weekend – starting Saturday March 7th through to Monday March 16th – The Doonbeg Drama group will be gracing the stage on Monday night March 9th. You are advised to arrive early and tickets are €10.
If you have a comment or query to share with Morning Focus please email: focus@clare.fm
