MORNING FOCUS MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER
Ebola has now been likened as the worst disease outbreak since HIV. Preventative measures have been stepped up in Europe and around the world as the deadly virus begins to spread to areas outside of Africa. Damien Quelly who is from Ineah is currently in Senegal and is due to visit some of the most affected areas of Africa in the coming days. Damien who as a first responder has been on the ground in some of the most high profile humanitarian efforts from around the world believes this is the worst crisis he has seen , on this occasion its not a lack of funds which is the main problem in containing the outbreak but people and logistics. Damien outlined the situation on the ground with John.
SIPTU said that benefits of the reduction in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent had not been passed on to customers, employees or the exchequer Ministers have urged employers in the hotel and restaurant sector to engage with unions as part of a reformed process for determining terms and conditions for staff. The country's largest union has said employers were refusing to engage on the establishment of a new joint labour committee for the hospitality sector. It has called on the Government to withdraw the special reduced VAT rate for the sector until employers agreed to take part in the new system. Brian O 'Neil of the Rowan Tree and former president of Ennis Chamber and John King SIPTU Divisional Organiser spoke to John ahead of tomorrow’s budget.
According to this mornings Irish Examiner Water charges will be further reduced for vulnerable groups and low earners in steps to be announced in the budget.The Coalition move comes after disappointing by-election results for the main parties over the weekend, and a warning that growing opposition to water charges would mobilise into a national movement. Political Correspondents with the Irish Examiner Juno McEnroe spoke with John regarding the move
.This is in addition to the €100 allowance for water charges for those on household benefits, as already announced by Tánaiste Joan Burton.
Sergeant Joe Downey joined in studio to discuss policing and crime issues which have arisen over the past 7 days
Cratloe and Kilmalley were celebrating today as both won their Senior finals over the weekend. Cratloe secured an historic double in Cusack Park in the Senior Football final where Clarecastle was the venue for Kilmaley’s win in the Senior Camoige decider. Colm Collins, Cratloe Football manager and .Claire McMahon Kilmaley captain joined our man in Sports Dereck Lynch to celebrate their respective wins.
Finally as always on a Monday John Murphy, wildlife expert and Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.
