Clare’s Government TDS and Senators failed to appear before a special meeting in Ennis yesterday afternoon to explain while funding of a quarter of a million euro has been cut from Clare County Council
The Mayor of Clare had invited all Oireacthas members to today’s meeting to question why frontline services may be cut even though the county has achieved compliance levels for the household charge
However Fianna Fail’s Timmy Dooley is the only TD present after the other government representatives sent apologies
On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Fine Gael Deputies Pat Breen and Joe Carey, who both had previously arranged meetings yesterday
Timmy Dooley TD of Fianna Fail also had a word as the only Oireacthas member in attendance at yesterday’s meeting
The National Office for Suicide Prevention encourages people experiencing a mental health difficulty to talk with friends, relatives or a health professional
Bernie Carroll is HSE Midwest Suicide Resource Awareness Officer – she had a word about the NOSP 2011 Annual Report that was published yesterday
Ennis Town Councillor Mary Howard of Fine Gael joined John in studio to discuss her impression of a course she arranged Bernie to give Ennis Town Councillors and council workers last Spring
Safe Talk aims to give people to mechanisms and skills to help those who are vulnerable
Clare Senior Hurling Manager Davy Fitzgerald and Tony ‘Lockie’ O’Loughlin of Brogan’s Bar, Ennis are among a group of adventurous local climbers set to take on the ultimate challenge by heading to Everest Base Camp in two weeks time
Tony and Davy will be doing the charity climb alongside adventurer Pat Falvey, Concepta and Joe Lillis, Mike Corry, Emer McCarthy, Mike Howe, Darren Ward and Patrick Kelly
The money raised from the climb will go towards Foundation Nepal, Cahercalla Community Hospice and Laura Lynn House
Lockie and Davy joined John for a chat about their motivation and the preparation for the challenge.
The Clare Harvest Banquet takes place this Friday in The Old Ground Hotel Ennis at 8pm
It is a celebration of Clare produce and aims to get people to appreciate what’s on their doorstep- and support local artisan producers
Organiser Sinead Ní Gháirbhith joined John in studio to explain what’s on offer
Celebrity Chef Darina Allen of the Ballymaloe Cookery School is attending as their special guest
Darina would also mentioned the importance of the Gathering 2012 and the role Irish produce has to play in it
Top names from the food, restaurant, and tourism sectors have sharply criticised the Environmental Protection Agency for potentially destroying Ireland’s "clean, green" agricultural image by allowing GM potatoes to be grown in Ireland
Earlier this Summer, speaking as a member of Slow Food Ireland, the European Chef’s Association, Eurotoques, and the Taste Council, chef and owner of Ballymaley House, Darina Allen, said she "felt so let down" by what she described as "a deeply regrettable decision"
Clare ISPCA Warden Frankie Coote had some Winter weather advice for animal owners
If you are seeking a pet contact the Clare Dog Shelter on 065 6820393.
If you have a story for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
