On Wednesday's Morning Focus with Gavin Grace
There's a call for an extra 50 cent to be put on the price of cigarettes in the budget.The Irish Heart Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society are also asking the Government to impose a 25 percent levy on the profits of tobacco firms, to pay for the costs imposed on the health service from smoking related illnesses. In a joint pre-budget submission, both charities also say such a levy would go towards the cost of helping smokers quit. On this, we heard from Chris Macey Head of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation and John Mallon Spokesperson Forest Eireann.
The Simon Community have launched their Pre Budget Submission on Monday this week – “Changing the Forecast: Addressing the homeless and housing crisis” Niamh Randall Head of Policy and Communications Simon Community spoke to Gavin. Fr Peter McVerry of The Peter McVerry Trust also addressed the homelessness crisis saying he is backing an initiative proposed by financial advisor Karl Deeter, which suggests that landlords be permitted to write off the Local Property Tax against Revenue obligations, if they agree to introduce rent freezes for their tenants. The suggestion would encourage landlords to introduce rent freezes for at least two years, by offering them tax incentives.
Martin Hally Kilrush contacted the show following the 2 part series "The Recruits" that hit our screens this week. Watching it Martin was revisiting his time in the Army, it brought back many memories for him. Martin himself was in the army for 6 years and his nephew was in it also and has recently done a tour of Lebanon. With regard to the comments on the use of Language in the 2 part documentary Martin says it's not good but probably true to form and neccessary at times.
Next we heard from Michael Clifford Special Correspondent with Irish Examiner with the latest on the Fennelly Report
Roisin Garvey Coordinator of Calais Convoy Clare spoke to us next about the response in Clare to the initiative to bring funds and aid to refugee camps in a bid to ease the suffering of those affected by the Migrant crisis. In the space of 3 days Roisin has 7 volunteering to travel with her to Calais including Seamus Fitzgerald from Gate Automation Systems Ireland in Ennis who contacted Roisin to offer to drive her and other volunteers and aid to Calais. Seamus spoke to Gavin about why he has gotten involved. Tracy Ryan is the Founding member of The Ireland Calais Refugee Solidarity group that Roisin first got in contact with – Tracy told us how it all came about and what the plans for the trip to Calais are.
Book Review with Caroline Collins Of Ennis Bookshop – Today Caroline reviewed two books, Sinatra: Behind the Legend – by Italian Author J. Randy Taraborrelli and Circling the Sun by Paula McLain set in Kenya in the C19th
Animal Matters John Underhill of Burren Vets – John joined us in studio to tell us how Farmers can Minimise Risk of Pneumonia this Autumn in their Calves and as always to answer some of your pet queries.
Dickie Rock Showbands Legend and Entertainer spoke to us briefly ahead of his show this weekend. Dickie Rock performing at the Auburn Lodge on Saturday 5th September / Doors 8PM – Show at 9PM
The lively ocean driven winds, continuous lashing movements of the Atlantic, circulating and diving gulls, swaying hedgerows and the ebb and flow of the currents together provide an energizing atmospheric and engaging environment that may be considered lyrical and rhythmic. Immersed in these types of rhythms for the past fifty years, artist Carmel T. Madigan, captures a sense of natural movement in each of her creations. Largely inspired by the coastline she grew up along side in West Clare – Carmel Madigan Native of Loophead spoke to us about her exhibition 'Symphony – movements from the Edge ii' Opens at Kenny's Lahinch Art Gallery – Friday September 4th at 7.30pm
If you wish to contact the show, please email focus@clare.fm
