Morning Focus Wednesday January 23

The Minister for Education is recommending that schools record all allegations of bullying from now on
The new guidelines from the Department of Education include a template to record instances of bullying – and also recommend that school authorities inform their Board of Management
It’s the first time formal procedures for dealing with bullying have been rolled out in Ireland

On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke discussed this with Bernie Ruane, Past President of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland and Shannon teacher and David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist, Author and broadcaster.

David will give a talk at St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon tomorrow at 7pm entitled; "Helping your child navigate the teenage years" – The Talk is open to all.

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There is confidence in the Irish tourism industry about its prospects for the year ahead is at its highest levels since the current downturn began in 2007
Bookings are already up for the year, access has expanded and Americans seem to be willing to travel again
For the first time since the downturn in 2008, the numbers employed in tourism rose and overseas revenue increased – by approximately €100m
Fáilte Ireland is holding it’s annual Tourism Industry Briefings in Limerick this morning
The event will highlight tourism plans for the year, the current tourism outlook and how they are working with the industry members in the Shannon region
Paul Keeley, Director of Enterprise Development at Failte Ireland, had a word with John.

The Construction Industry Federation is hoping the Construction Contracts Bill is passed as early as possible this year
The CIF says failure to pass the legislation will lead to further financial difficulties for construction workers based in Clare and throughout the rest of the country according to the Federation
The Construction Contracts Bill is a piece of legislation which seeks to ease the process of payments made to construction contractors
It removes the possibility of payments being withheld for extended periods of time
Tom Parlon, Director General of the CIF, spoke with John.

Bodyke Councillor Joe Cooney is in the construction industry
He agrees with the CIF on this and is lobbying the government to move quickly to pass this bill- devastating effects of smaller contractors going out of business as they wait to be paid having completed the work.

Last Friday a prominent Clare building firm ceased trading
A receiver is to be appointed to Ennis-based Brian McCarthy Contractors which is to cease trading after 36 years in business
20 jobs will be lost as a direct result of the news, and a wider impact is feared

Jim Connolly of the Irish Rural Dwellers Association in Kilbaha commented on rural isolation issues raised by Kerry Councillor Danny Healy Rae’s calls for drink driving permits for rural dwellers The publican’s comments caused controversy but highlighted the issue of rural isolation being experienced by many at present
Jim says rural Ireland is losing people by the bucket load- the pubs are closing
He doesn’t agree with Danny’s suggestion – but agrees that action must be taken on the decline of rural Ireland.

The 18th Ennis Bridge Congress takes place in Auburn Lodge tomorrow and runs until Saturday
Bridge is a technical game – a great way to socialise and exercise the brain
John was joined in studio by Margaret Cooney, Ennis Bridge Congress President and PRO Joan Duggan who are delighted to be hosting another congress.

Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service joined John in studio to answer listeners’ social welfare, employment and consumer queries.

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