On this morning's show we began with the Leinster House protest over Mental Health spend diversion. As we've been hearing this week, a significant tranche of our budget for mental health services is to be diverted this year to plug holes in other parts of the health sector. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and Mental Health Reform will join outside the Dáil this afternoon (12.30pm) to protest at the measure. The USI cites a report by the Health Research Board showing that 1 in 7 adults in Ireland experienced a mental health difficulty in the last year. USI President Kevin Donoghue says there's anger at the fact that the word ‘recovery’ has been jammed down people's throats for 12 months while at the same time, vital funds are being stripped away. He was on the line to tell Gavin more.
Then we looked at the recently announced broadband delays. It's claimed a delay in the roll-out of Ireland's National Broadband Plan could be disastrous for homes and businesses across Co. Clare. It comes as the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources have confirmed the scheme will not get underway this year as planned. It could now be 2022 before promised broadband speeds are achieved in rural Ireland. Dave Brocklebank from Burren Yoga Centre was on to explain how this is damaging rural business.
Next we turned to Irish Water. Clare's Independent TD has described the new deal aimed at facilitating a FG-led minority government as 'a fudge'. Dr Michael Harty says the deal on Irish Water, which will see charges suspended for 18 months while a special commission looks at the issue, is unsatisfactory given the urgency of upgrading the country's infrastructure. Dr Harty also says that since FF and FG have been locked in negotiations on the former's support for a minority government, there has been minimal contact with the Independents who are central to forming the administration. He's describing this as 'disappointing' and an 'indication of the respect shown to Independents'. Gavin spoke to Dr. Harty to find out more.
Emily Susan Ryan from Lissycasey was in studio to discuss her video aimed at raising awareness around sexual violence. The Clare student is highlighting the issue of rape in a powerful video released to coincide with Denim Day – a campaign that raises awareness of consent and sexual violence. Emily Susan is a student of Advanced Television Studies with the Limerick College of Further Education. She'd directed a short film, entitled 'After' which follows a young woman who's raped by a man she meets on a night out. Emily's also played the lead role in the piece. Emily says her aim is to raise awareness and encourage people who've experienced sexual violence to come forward. She also says that since posting the video on Wednesday (April 27), she's been contacted by people who've shared their own stories.
Next up was the weekly Health Matters slot where Dr Maire Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre came into studio to take listener's questions.
When it comes to tying the knot in Ireland, there have never been more options for venues, ceremonies or, indeed, partners. Figures just released by the CSO show a movement away from conventional church-based weddings and towards alternatives like humanist and other ceremonies. Of the 589 marriages in County Clare last year, six of these were conducted by the Spiritualist Union of Ireland at locations like the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin and Spanish Point. One of those who's solemnised a number of these marriages is Miriam Fitzgerald and she joined Gavin on the line to tell him more.
This Friday (April 29) Bishop Willie Walsh will launch his new book No Crusader at Ennis Cathedral at 8pm. Over the course of his career, Bishop Willie Walsh had to weather a number of storms, both private and public. Well known for speaking his mind, his candour was not always well received, and his willingness to speak honestly about the many challenges facing the Catholic Church meant he was often in the headlines.
By his own admission, Willie Walsh would be more comfortable wielding a hurley than a pen, but a near-death experience in 2014 prompted him to reflect ever more deeply on his own life, his faith and his ministry of over fifty years. Bishop Willie Walsh was in studio to talk about his new book and offer reflections on his ministry.
Finally, a documentary celebrating the mileage clocked up over the years in support of Clare people with cancer will air on Clare FM on Bank Holiday Monday (after 1pm news). The Clare 250 Mile Cycle – 37 Years on the Road, Ger Sweeney, profiles the cycle and how the money it raises is used. The programme talks to organisers, cyclists, back up crew and others who have participated in the Clare 250 Mile Cycle. It also visits the newly built Cancer Care Centre which is situated on 58 acres of woodland in Ballygriffey, Ruane. Ger finds out how this ambitious project will benefit the lives of cancer sufferers and how it was made possible by the generosity and kindness of people from every parish in the county who supported the Clare 250 Mile Cycle. Emer Dunne, who is involved in Clare 250, and Ger Sweeney joined Gavin in studio.
