Morning Focus Thursday May 2

On Thursday’s Morning Focus Marian Egan spoke with Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, on the new Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill.

Today the Fine Gael Chairman Charlie Flanagan said he hopes the reservations of some TDs and Senators – over the draft abortion legislation – will be addressed
Over five hours of discussions took place between the parliamentary party members on the proposals last night
The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party  begin their discussions on the issue this afternoon while this morning
The Oireachtas Health Committee meet to agree its programme of hearings on the draft legislation
 
Marian also spoke to Clare Deputies Joe Carey of Fine Gael and Michael McNamara of the Labour Party to get their views on the draft legislation.

Former Director of Public Prosecution James Hamilton is Guest Director at the Burren law school taking place in Ballyvaughan this weekend
The theme he has chosen echoes Robert Emmett’s famous speech from the dock in which he declared "When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and not till then, let my epitaph be written"

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Marian spoke with James about his former position of DPP, what’s in store at the Burren Law School this weekend and his intention is not to revisit the often asked question whether Emmett’s epitaph should now be written, taking it as a given that Ireland has long since taken her place among the nations- but he asks: is what is that place?

The Bodyke Summer Gathering is taking place tomorrow until Sunday – all events are free and organisers are hoping for great turnouts as spokesperson for the festival and former Clare County Councillor Colm Wiley explained.

Marian was joined in studio by participants in the Intergenerational Programme run at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Tulla by teacher Siobhan O’Sullivan

Dun Purcell from Feakle has been involved for many years with the programme, Rose de Courcy from Tulla has also been involved for over 7 years and comedy sketch writer Nora Sheehan from Sixmilebridge who has been involved for the past 2 years

They are among 13 adults ranging in age from 68 to 90 that go to the school each Friday for a few hours and engage with the T.Y. students through drama, art and music – they spoke about how much they enjoy mixing with the students

The programme is sponsored by N.U.I.G.

Their drama production ‘Thanks – I did it myself!‘ takes to the Courthouse stage in Tulla this coming Tuesday and all are welcome.
 
John Underhill of Burren Vets joined Marian in studio and answered listeners’ queries.

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