Irish hauliers are warning that the export sector – which currently drives the Irish economy -will grind to a halt if the government doesn’t introduce a fuel rebate now
On Wednesday’s Morning Focus Marian Egan discussed this with Bunratty based Eoin Gavin, President of the Irish Hauliers’ Association, Fine Gael Senator Tony Mulcahy and Fianna Fail Transport Spokesperson Timmy Dooley TD
The Irish Road Haulage Association is warned that up to five other casualties before Christmas if a fuel rebate is not granted
Senator Tony Mulcahy said we cannot afford to wait for the budget to take action – we are an island nation and exports and movement of goods easily is essential
Timmy Dooley said he is dismayed at the Government’s ongoing refusal to take any action to ease the burden on motorists of escalating fuel prices adding that the exorbitant cost of fuel is hitting every single household in the country and is discouraging tourists from travelling through Ireland
New research results show that the majority of consumers who don’t switch do not check if there is a better deal available
The National Consumer Association urges consumers to regularly check and switch if better deals are available
The majority of consumers who do switch save money, find the process easy and receive a better or similar service
Fergal O’Leary of the NCA had some advice for listeners. www.nca.ie
Parents are being advised to watch out for signs of mental health problems in their children – brought on by the recession
The organisers of the National Mental Healthcare Conference say there has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of children coming forward for treatment in the past two years
They say financial pressures in the family can lead to withdrawal, social dysfunction and depression among children
Marian had a word with Dr Ian Gargan – a forensic psychologist and the Clinical Director of Imagine Health – he is also the Chairman of the conference – he said it’s easy to see how some parents may miss the signs.
The world famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival kicks off this week in the North Clare town
Lisdoonvarna matchmaker Willie Daly and his daughter Grainne joined Marian in studio to look ahead to the month long festival beginning this Friday
Blogger Mark Graham is the author of A Year of Festivals in Ireland
When the Waterford native was knocked back for a mortgage he bought a camper van and travelled all around the country attending every festival
He plans on returning to Lisdoonvarna this September and thinks the festival has a sense of wreckless abandon he absolutely loved. www.ayearoffestivalsinireland.com
Anam Cara the national organisation for bereaved parents urgently needs volunteers in Clare for it’s national bag pack day, the main fundraising event of the year
Sharon Vard, CEO of Anam Cara, appealed for people to offer their support
Call Clodagh on 01 4045378 or email info@anamcara.ie
A group of artists from Derry are currently exhibiting their work in the Burren College of Art
It brings together for the first time a group of Derry artists, 4 Derry natives and 4 who have made that city their home, and the work represented is their response to the idea of that city as their home
The timing is interesting as Derry has been announced as the City of Culture 2013
Maoliosa Boyle – Artistic Director of the VOID Gallery in Derry- had a word with Marian about the exhibition.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
