On Mondays Morning Focus John Cook asks the question is it ok to take your children out of school to avail of cheaper holidays? Sean McMahon, INTO Vice President and Mullagh NS Principal and Robert Bennett, Ennis parent and former member of the National Parents Council joined John by phone for the debate. Over three quarters of parents believe a cap should be introduced to prevent airlines and holiday operators raising prices during school holidays. A study by AA Travel Insurance says just under a third of parents admit to taking children out of school during class time, to avoid paying peak holiday prices. Some parents stated that work commitments and child care led them to travel during term time, but the majority said it was down to cost. 77 per cent of those polled said they'd like to see a cap introduced on the amount that airlines and holiday operators can raise their prices during the school holidays. The Education Minister says he can understand why parents take their children out of school to go on holidays. Ruairi Quinn says while children and parents need holidays, they have to look at the impact that will have on their education.
Spring water from a source on the side of a Co Clare mountain discovered by a water diviner's coat hangar is on its way to being sold across the Middle East. This follows Clare Spring Water Ltd signing a deal to export its spring water to the Middle East through a recently-established Bahraini food import firm, Bahsham. Co Clare born director of Bahsham, Tom Byrne, said yesterday that the firm intends to distribute the product across the Middle East targeting festivals and will be also aiming to sell to the American 5th fleet based in Bahrain.Clare Spring Water general manager Paul Connellan, confirmed that the deal with Bahsham has the potential for Clare Spring Water to increase its workforce by a third – five full-time positions. John spoke to Paul Connellan from Clare Spring Water about the company's plans going forward.
The GAA and Samaritans have come together to offer greater emotional support for people who are struggling to cope across the 32 counties. The announcement is the first of a series of initiatives the GAA will be undertaking this year to make sure its members have access to emotional support in these challenging times. For Samaritans, working with the country's largest sporting and community organisation offers the opportunity to extend its important work even further across the country and into every parish on the island of Ireland. The partnership aims to encourage people who are going through a difficult time to seek help, while also tackling the stigma associated with mental health problems. In doing so, both organisations hope that people will access the round the clock support provided by Samaritans. John was joined in studio by a volunteer from the Ennis Samaritans Enda Sheehy you can reach him to organise a talk for your club or team on 087 7669521.
You can call into the Samaritans office on the Kilrush road in Ennis from 10am to 10pm – no appointment needed.
You can reach the Samaritans 24 hours a day on Free Phone 116123.
You can text them on 0872609090.
You can also email [email protected]
Mary J Dinan is the Author of The Global Suitcase and is a lady with strong Clare connections. The former Radio and TV Presenter is a lover of travel writing and has gathered inspiring stories of adventure from 25 intrepid travel writers – including Ardal O'Hanlon, Tracy Piggott, and Jonathon Dimbleby and Kieran Goss, she spoke to John about her family in Tulla and her latest book. The book 'The Global Suitcase' is available in Ennis book shop.
Sergeant Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer with the Clare Garda Division appealed for the public's assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past seven days. Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
Finally, John Murphy, wildlife expert and Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
