Morning Focus opened with a look at the issue of insolvency and the prospect of an improvement for those struggling with debt. There was a 70% increase in the number of permanent solutions agreed through the Insolvency Service of Ireland last year.
In its latest report, the ISI says the recent removal of the banks' veto over proposed arrangements involving debtors' homes has resulted in financial institutions reversing some of their own rejection decisions.
John Horgan, Ennis-based accountant and Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) spoke to Gavin about the situation here in Clare.
A new report on the post office network has concluded that its future lies in providing more financial services.
The Post Office Network Business Development Group, which compiled the report, has recommended that less viable post offices become hubs for business and social activities in their areas. Tom O'Callaghan, Clarecastle-based postmaster, who runs an office in Limerick spoke with Gavin.
Rita McInerney, CEO Ennis Chamber of Commerce, updated Gavin on progress in dealing rates hikes for Ennis and Kilrush business communities. She also spoke to Gavin about initiatives to move Irelands towards being a cashless society.
One of the provisions of Budget 2016 that kicked in this months is a 12c charge on all ATM transactions, capped at €2.50, in an attempt to nudge us a little closer to being a cashless society.
Ireland is still among the biggest users of cash and cheques in Europe. Efforts to switch habits have been hampered by the state itself being one of the biggest users of cheques until recently and many shops still not accepting card payments. In another move, the purchase limit for contactless payment cards has also been doubled to €30.
Dr Maire Finn of Ennis Family Medical Centre provided some welcome advice on avoiding colds and flus and staying well in the last remaining weeks of winter.
Following the launch of the new edition of the Tallyman's Campaign Handbook, political analyst Noel Whelan gave his expert opinion to Gavin.
Michelle Flannery from Busy Bees Garden Centre and Tea Rooms, Clondrinagh, Limerick spoke to Gavin about planting roses.
Anne Marie Flanagan, a member of Clare Leader Forum, told Gavin how the organisation is preparing to put Clare's General Electino candidates though their paces at a special hustings on the isuse of disability.
Following new research that suggests that beards may be capable of growing new and powerful strains of antibiotics, Morning Focus producer Fiona McGarry spoke to Gavin about hairy male faces.
There were TripAdvisor honours for Clare this week, with Dromoland Castle being named the 8th best hotel in Ireland. Gavin spoke with Sales and Marketing Manager, John Hehir. There was also a major national honour for a Banner B&B, as Kate's Place B&B in Doolin was judged Ireland’s top B&B. Charles Monod joined Gavin in studio to talk about how about how such a successful B&B is run.
With Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann just a matter of months away, Clare Tourism has put a special emphasis on capitalising on this wondeful opporuntity when it holds its annual networking event. Maureen Cleary Marketing Executive with Clare Tourism told Gavin that the evening will feature presentations from the Fleadh Cheoil committee, Failte Ireland and Clare Tourism. Clare Tourism will be also be launching its new brand and announcing the redesign of its new website www.clare.ie.
