On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke began by going straight to the streets of Ennis where Clare people have been speaking to Clare FM’s Doireann Wylde about what they think will be hit in Budget 2013 today – and what their hopes and concerns are.
President of Irish Hotels Federation and Lahinch hotelier Michael Vaughan commented on Shannon Airport’s new autonomy details saying the announcement is a powerful platform for the rejuvenation of Shannon Airport and the wider Shannon region – also Brian O’Neill, Ennis Chamber President joined John in studio
He says with a new management team and strong business plan in place, they are confident that Shannon airport will drive economic growth to the mid-west region.
Leslie Barrett, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton in Limerick and a member of the Irish Taxation Institute joined John on the line to comment on the upcoming Budget 2013 and also discussed Grant Thornton’s prebudget report
Budget 2013 is expected to be one of the most challenging in the country’s history – PAYE households may have to pay over €3,000 in additional taxes next year through a combination of increased PRSI and Universal Social Charge contributions
Also, the introduction of a property tax is expected.
We heard the opinions of some more Clare people in the second part of Clare FM’s Doireann Wylde’s Budget 2013 voxpop.
John spoke with some interest groups to find out what their concerns are today
Mairead Hayes of the Senior Citizens’ Parliament is concerned they will be hit – particularly with regard to household things like gas and electricity supports and tax to pensions
Also a change to the medical card limit reduction will effect a lot of people.
The National Women’s Council and PACUB (Protest against Cuts to Child Benefit) made a joint appeal to the Government not to cut child benefit
For families, particularly women and children, child benefit is one of the most important features of the Irish economic landscape
Mothers rely on child benefit to make ends meet and to ensure that their children do not fall into poverty – Orla O’Connor, Director NWCI explained.
Former Clare Councillor and Chair of the Tralee Institute of Technology Flan Garvey is facing allegations of plagiarism
Separate newspaper reports today claim 26 staff have written to college registrar alleging the former mayor of Clare’s dissertation on the history of his parish of Inagh contains large sections of text identical to earlier publications
The Inagh native received his master of arts degree in 2008 from ITT, where the ex-Fianna Fáil councillor has been chairman since 2001
Staff at the Tralee institute claim Mr Garvey either did not cite the sources of the text or cited them in a way that suggested he was the author
Details of the plagiarism claim were sent to the register in early November and the 29 staff members want the matter dealt with outside normal procedures given the former councillor role – Flan Garvey wishes to make no comment on the matter
Barry Duggan, The Irish Independent’s Midwest Correspondent, explained.
Following last week’s official opening of a new section of the Ennis Inner Relief Road project, Ennis Town Council has appealed to motorists to exercise caution in the vicinity of the Holy Family Junior and Senior Schools on Friars Walk
The Local Authority says the opening to traffic of the new single carriageway road has led to an increase in traffic along the remainder of the Inner Relief Road, which includes a school crossing on Friars Walk
Ennis Town Clerk Leonard Cleary joined John in studio to discuss the issues they are facing and plans to rectify those issues.
Paul Wolfe of Clare Citizens’ Information Service joined John in studio
He spoke about their prebudget submission that dealt with challenges facing low-income families; Income supports for families with Children; Work, training and welfare issues; social housing: rent supplement issues and older people in need of care and community- based services
He also answered listeners’ social welfare, employment and consumer law queries.
The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick are offering listeners of morning focus the opportunity to win an end of week prize of a Table of 10 people at Their Christmas Party Night on Saturday 22nd December
The prize includes, Sumptuous 5 course Meal followed by Entertainment by James Sexton Entertainment featuring, "Disco Fever", & DJ – tune in on Friday for the draw to win!
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
