On today’s edition of Morning Focus John Cooke discussed how the Social Protection Minister’s confirmed the free travel scheme for pensioners is, like all expenditure, being looked at for budget cuts. More than 1.1 million people avail of the perk – either directly or through a ‘companion pass’. Minister Joan Burton says rooting out fraud from the scheme could be one place to start – with nearly 50 passes seized in the last month alone. Joining the discussion – Mairead Hayes, CEO of the Senior Citizens’ Parliament said she supports any fraud battling measures but wants to maintain a vital service for older people. They recently met with Minister Burton and told her same. While Mary Morrissey of Clarecastle Daycare Centre also spoke about how it could increase elder isolation as some pensioners can’t afford heat not to mind fare to visit relatives in different parts of the country. She also said a lot of rural dwellers need transport to do their business in town.
Orla O’Connor is the Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland. Speaking at the Launch of the NWCI and HSE Report “Equal but Different: A framework for integrating gender equality in Health Service Executive Policy, Planning and Service Delivery” yesterday, Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council expressed the group’s shock and sadness about Savita Halappanavar’s death and expressed sincere condolences to her husband and his family and friends. The NWCI says based on the reports in the media her death was horrific and needless and may have been prevented by terminating the pregnancy earlier. She spoke to Morning Focus about the case.
Dr Nick Van Der Spek is a Consultant Paediatrician at Cavan General Hospital. He joined Morning Focus to discuss a national survey on bed wetting. Mothers of children living in Munster who wet the bed share feelings of worry, stress and frustration according to a new study launched today by the No More Nappies campaign and bedwetting.ie, a website that offers useful information for parents of children who wet the bed. The national study reveals the majority of mothers feel bedwetting is a constant worry for them (65%), partly due to the stress caused by repeatedly changing bed sheets (39%) and the frustration that ensues when recommended techniques such as night lifting don’t seem to be working (46%). There will be a facebook session for parents on Monday next – November 19th from 7pm (2 hours). See www.facebook.com/Eumom
Ann Ginnane is a Psychotherapist and Counsellor with the Rape Crisis Mid-West – Clare Centre, which is based in Ennis. Rape/Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment, no matter when it happens can have a serious effect on someone’s life. Rape or Sexual Assault is one of the most devastating of human experiences, the pain, terror, helplessness and humiliation involved result is sever distress, which can have an impact on every aspect of your life. Rape Crisis Midwest provides support and counselling in a safe environment and offers this in a non directive, non-judgmental way. At their pace, clients can look at the impact the abuse has had on their lives. Rape Crisis MidWest Clare Centre is one of Clare FM’s four chosen beneficiaries of this year’s 50 Cent Appeal. If you want to contact Rape Crisis Mid West call 1800 311 511 or see www.rapecrisis.ie
Martina Minogue is a cancer survivor from Scarriff. She spoke to John Cooke about how she spearheaded the fundraising event – Strictly Come Dancing East Clare – that raised €70,000. They are dividing it between Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Midwest Cancer Foundation.
Also on today’s show, resident Vet John Underhill of Burren Vets answered listener queries on pets and livestock.
If you have a comment or query for Morning Focus please email the show – [email protected]
