Morning Focus Tuesday December 17

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Deputy Pat Breen of Fine Gael and Deputy Michael McNamara of The Labour Party to get their reaction to opposition Leader Micheal Martin’s response to the Taoiseach’s State of the Nation address

 
The Taoiseach used his State of the Nation address to say we are 90% of the way through tax hikes and spending cuts but he warned we must stick to "prudent budgetary policies"
Enda Kenny marked the official end of the bailout by thanking Irish people for the work they have put into the recovery and promising to focus on job creation
The Cabinet is expected to sign off on a post-Troika economic plan today.
Irish Rail has admitted its trains have been more overcrowded than normal in recent weeks – John spoke with Jane Cregan who explained it was due to reconfiguration 
Iarnród Eireann and the Department of Social Protection say they have uncovered widespread fraud in the use of free travel passes issued by the Department in an ongoing inspection blitz launched last weekend
Over 50 inspectors were involved in the 7 December blitz checking passes on Cork Commuter lines and services between Athlone-Galway, Mullingar-Dublin and Limerick Junction-Ennis.
 
A free to caller number for those in need of emotional support in Clare is being launched this morning
The number, 116123, is being trialled in Clare before being rolled out nationwide next year
Daire O’Criodáin, volunteer at the Samaritans Ennis Branch, joined John in studio to explain. 
 
We heard the Christmas memories of former Broadcaster, Communications Consultant and Chairperson Ennis Bookclub Festival Ciana Campbell
Ciana’s Christmas song choice was ‘Christmas 1915’ performed by Jerry Lynch and written by Cormac McConnell. 
 
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote joined John for his regular slot all about the proper care of animals 
He was warning of horrible incidents of dogs being knocked down because they aren’t restrained properly and horses being dumped on people’s land 
Contact the Clare ISPCA Shelter on 065 6820393. 
 
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