On today’s programme Research Professor Paul Gorecki from the Economic and Social Research Institute spoke to Gavin to explain a new report which shows little price difference between generic and branded medicine. A report from the ESRI has found that while there has been an increase in the use of generics, doctors are more likely to prescribe the most expensive drug available. The price of both generic and branded pharmaceuticals in Ireland is higher than in most other EU countries.
Stephen Kinsella, an Economist based at the University of Limerick was also a guest of the show to discuss today’s news that the Irish economy is back in recession for the first time since 2009. The Central Statistics Office says there was a contraction of zero point six per cent in the first quarter of the year. Revised figures show a growth decline of zero point two per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012 – after a fall of one per cent in the previous quarter.
Rene Franklin, Clare County Archivist also spoke to Gavin about how Clare County Library’s entire archival collection, dating back to the early 18th century, is to be digitised and made publicly available online. The finished project will feature a searchable database of previously unseen historical collections profiling Ireland’s turbulent history from the pre-famine settlements and granting of lands in County Clare, the famine and its evictions, the economic depression in the late 19th century and the ‘land war’ agitation.
Ennis based Writer, Director and Drama Teacher Laura Mulcahy was also in studio to talk about the numerous events taking place as part of the 8th annual Ennis Street Festival. The festival runs on the 5th 6th and 7th of July, and there will also be a variety of exciting workshops for kids and adults running from 1st to the 5th of July in association with Glór. With the concept “Let’s Explore” it’s an invite everybody to explore our beautiful town and to enjoy our Gathering Ireland 2013 amazing events. There’ll be a mix of Acrobatics, Music, Dance, Visual Art, Workshops, Theatre, Puppet Shows, Street Art, the local Art & Craft Market and the Duck Race, put together by both national and international artists and local community groups. Laura will also be putting on two plays – she has written and directed This Happened in the City Jail (The Story of Hansel & Gretel), inspired from her own experiences of working as a drama facilitator in Mountjoy’s Dochas Centre – and Frank McGuinness’ Baglady. They will be performed on Thursday July 4th in Glor.
Ennis’ Alison Reidy, who works in Shannon also spoke to The Afternoon Show about how she is nearing the end of her enduring challenge – 10 triathlons in 10 days – in aid of The Hope Foundation. Alison began this challenge last week on Thursday 20th June and each day Alison completes a sprint marathon, comprising of 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run, from Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre. The final triathlon, on Day 10, will be double the challenge and will start from in Kilkee. With this race aptly named ‘Hell of the West’, it is sure to test her fitness to the maximum. Alison will be travelling over to Kolkata, India this October to help paint some HOPE’s children’s crèches and protection homes, as well as seeing first hand where all her fundraising money is being spent. To sponsor Alison you can log on to www.mycharity.ie/events/alisonreidy10tris10days.
Clare FM Presenter and in-house Movie Critic Stephen McDermott was in studio to talk about “World War Z” which features Brad Pitt and is out now in cinemas.
To contact the show please email afternoon@clare.fm
