The show opened with expert comment from an Irish seismologist on a devastating earthquake in central Italy. The number of people killed in the earthquake that devastated parts of central Italy yesterday (Wed.s, Aug. 24) had risen to 247.
Rescue teams have been working through the night to try to find survivors under the rubble.
The 6.2 magnitude quake destroyed homes and roads in a cluster of mountain communities 140km east of Rome.
It was powerful enough to be felt hundreds of kilometres from its epicentre, with tremors in Bologna to the north and Naples to the south.
Gavin was joined by Tom Blake, Director of The Irish National Seismic Network
The thorny issue of motor insurance price hikes was the next topic for discussion on Morning Focus.
One of Ireland's largest insurers is urging customers to contact their local TDs over the rising costs of motor premiums. Aviva's been in touch with customers this week, saying it's concerned about the impact of price hikes . The company put the recent increases down to excessive and inconsistent payouts, soaring legal costs and the regulation of the industry.
In an email, seen by Clare FM, Aviva outlines how reduced legal fees, guidelines on payouts and additional Garda resources to tackle fraud, might address the issue.
Official figures show an average increase of 40 percent on motor premiums across the board.
Kian Griffin from Killorglin, County Kerry, is the founder of Ireland Underground, a group which has held public rallies on the issue and represents ordinary motorists hit by spirally prices. He spoke to Gavin about the issue.
Clare's Independent TD has welcomed news of a major conference on primary care. Dep Michael Harty's also commended the Health Minister, Simon Harris, as a 'lateral thinker'.
The Kilmihil-based GP says closer cooperation between health care providers like GP s and pharmacists can deliver wider community benefits; but says that more staff on the frontline including nurses, doctors and home care providers is essential. Dr Harty spoke to Gavin about his vision for the sector.
McIllroy donation to help sick kids in Clare
Golfer Rory McIlroy is being praised for a charitable donation that will benefit families in Clare and throughout the country.
McIlroy's foundation has donated 317 thousand euro to the Jack and Jill charity which provides nursing care and supports to children with severe neurological issues, as well as respite care to their families.
The money, part of McIlroy's winnings at the Irish Open, will allow the amount of care to be increased, equating to just under 500 hours of home nursing care for seven families in Clare alone.
Nurse Mags Naughten who works with Jack and Jill in County Clare spoke to Clare FM's Fiona Cahill about the donation.
Earlier this week, Morning Focus told how the Workplace Relations Commission had ruled in favour of a teenager in a case that he had taken against his former primary school.
The boy, 17 year old Luke Kelly-Melia, was found to have been discriminated against on disability grounds by Knocktemple National School in Co. Cavan who had refused to allow him bring a specially-trained assistance dog to the school with him.
The ruling is believed to be the first of its kind in Ireland, and the solicitor behind it was Aisling Glynn from Kilrush, who works with McMahon and Williams Solicitors in the town.
She spoke to Gavin about the case and why it's one that's close to her own heart.
Gavin's next guest was getting set to take a whistle-stop tour of the last 100 years of life in Clare at an event tonight (Thurs. Aug. 25) at the library in Scarriff.
As part of Heritage Week, Jackie Elger will present an illustrated lecture on A Century in Clare 1016-2016, celebrating the life, pastimes and music of this county. The event is free and open to all.
The author and historian joined Gavin in studio as part of our Heritage Week coverage.
This edition of Morning Focus concluded with the arts round-up with Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer.
