On today’s edition of The Afternoon Show – Henry Burns, Livestock Chairman with the Irish Farmers Association spoke to Gavin live from Brussels. EU Agriculture Ministers are considering a series of compromise proposals on reform of the Common Agriculture Policy in Brussels this afternoon. Crunch talks, chaired by the Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, are taking place today – on how best to distribute the 50 billion euro spent on CAP in Europe every year. Irish farmers are particularly concerned about the issues of direct payments and internal convergence. Speaking ahead of today’s meeting, Minister Coveney said he will not forget Irish concerns – and is hopeful a deal can be reached.
Conor Cullen from Alcohol Action Ireland also joined Gavin on the show to discuss Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from March 18th to 22nd. Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, has also launched its latest fact sheet, Alcohol Marketing: Getting The Facts. Alcohol is one of the most heavily marketed products on our shelves, with a total market value of approximately €6 billion in Ireland each year. Alcohol-related harm costs the country over an estimated €3 billion a year. The group is also launching their new website – www.alcoholireland.ie
Ann O’Donovan is with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and let listeners know about how people in the Shannon Area to make a special effort to give blood this week. Blood Donor Clinics are taking place in the Oakwood Arms Shannon today Tuesday 2pm – 5pm and tomorrow Wednesday and Thursday 5pm – 8pm
Bernard Purcell is the Editor of The Irish World newspaper in London and joined the show for a look at what’s making headlines in the UK and in particular the news stories that are having a direct impact on the Irish community in Britain.
Lauren Guilfoyle from Feakle is the new Miss Clare 2013 following her victory at the Miss Clare competition. Miss Clare 2012 – Hazel McMahon handed over her crown last Thursday night to Lauren, who will now represent Clare in the Miss Ireland competition in the next few months. Lauren was off to a flying start at the weekend – she featured in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis. Lauren is a student of physiotherapy in Limerick and plays camogie with the county and says she is looking forward to representing Clare at the national pageant.
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