Flooding closed the Ennis/Limerick rail line, leaving commuters to face disruption to travel plans. Gavin spoke to Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager at Iarnrod Eireann.
Morning Focus also heard reactions to Clareman, Con Lucey's report on IFA pay and perks. Following revelations on salaries at the top of the organisation, IFA economist Con Lucey, from Ballynacally, is recommending that an external expert look at the organisation's structure and transparency. Mr Lucey also says that the President should no longer be involved in setting pay. Furthermore he says that the role of General Secretary should effectively be split into a CEO and the new role of Secretary, who — crucially — must be independent from the CEO. Andrew Dundas Chairperson Clare IFA gave his reaction to Gavin.
Following the ongoing flooding crisis along the banks of the Shannon and elsewhere in Ireland, the government is being urged to take long-term action to protect communities from severe weather events. The Environment Pillar, which is one of the social partners, called for measures including the restoration of wetlands, bogs, native woodlands, and hedgerows, which they say play a hugely important role in preventing flooding and dealing with climate change. Gavin spoke to Theresa O'Donohoe, Environmental Pillar Spokesperson.
Delays in surrogacy legislation Couples and families hoping that a legal vacuum around the issue of surrogacy would be addressed in the lifetime of the current government were left disappointed this week at the news that the subject won't be addressed until after next year's General Election. Fiona Whyte from Miltown Malbay had her twins Donal and Ruby with the help of a surrogate in India in 2013, after a number of failed IVF attempts. Fiona joined Gavin in studio and said that the experience of surrogacy was a very positive one for her and her husband, Sean Malone. She is keen to influence any forthcoming legislation, but to-date, hasn't had the opportunity.
The rush for tickets for Euro 2016 in France began this week. Tickets will range in price from €25 to €145 and already Credit Unions and other financial institutions are reporting an increase in requests for loans. There's also been a reported increase in bookings for camper vans as thousands of fans get ready to take a road trip to France. Ennistymon-company, Vanderlust, have noticed an increase in enquiries, but say there may be issues for fans looking to travel to Europe. David Hanley, the owner of the company, told Gavin that Axa, the company who insured hired camper vans only covers travel in Ireland and the UK.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has announced that the application process for census enumerators will open on January 5 at 9am. One-hundred-and-twenty-two (122) enumerators will be recruited in Clare. Census 2016 takes place on Sunday, April 24 and a total of 4,660 enumerators will be recruited to deliver and collect more than 2.3 million forms across a ten-week period. Applications will be taken online between Tuesday 5th and Friday 8th January or when the number of applicants reaches 15,000. James Kennedy Census Regional Supervisor for Clare joined Gavin in studio.
Hazel McMahon from Newmarket-on-Fergus is a psychiatric nurse at Ennis General Hospital and also a model. Hazel spoke to Gavin about her entry into the Gosh Girl 2016 competition.
Clare-based film-maker Patrick O'Neill Director/Producer – 'Connected to Each Other' spoke to Gavin about his film which has at its core, the creation of 8 portraits, including one of former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh.
Clare FM produced a series of shows called “In My Own Words”, where some of Irelands most loved and well-known artists spoke openly about their lives and times. Padraic Flaherty Head of Operations a Clare FM joined Gavin to tell him more about the series.
After hearing of the plight of flood victims in Clare, Michael Fahey, a Tipperary timber contractor decided to auction a vintage tractor to raise funds. Michael Fahey put up a 1954 Massey Ferguson, Little Grey Fergie, and told Gavin about his reasons for doing so.
