First on the show this morning we looked at the ASTI pay and working hours row. Hours worked in schools as part of the Corke Park agreement on pay have been described as “detention for teachers”. 68 per cent of teachers have now voted to stop working the extra hours, saying they were totally unproductive and nothing to do with teaching and learning. Under the agreement, teachers must work 3 extra hours per week – mainly for meetings. They're part of the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest legislation. ASTI says that if FEMPI isn't repealed, it'll mount a legal challenge against the State. The union also ways it'll ballot on industrial action – up to and including strike action – if the government moves to worsen teachers' pay and conditions. **Also worth asking about this: A consultation process has begun to develop the education sector over the next three years. The Education Minister has written to more than 200 stakeholders to ask for their views on the sector. Included in the draft are proposals to use schools out-of-hours for community activities, including after-school services, etc. Peter Quinn is a teacher at St Flannan's and the ASTI rep for Clare and he explained the situation to Pat.
Next we heard about the rising cost of fuel. The AA is warning motorists that the period of cheap fuel prices has come to an end after both diesel and unleaded fuel costs continued to climb this month. Growing pump prices are a result of the recent rise in the cost of oil which is now sitting at $47 per barrel, up from $44 last month. The AA report finds that a monthly average of €4.65 has now been added to the cost of filling up a car that runs on 150 litres of petrol per month. A typical Irish motorist is now spending around €193 per month. Conor Faughnan, Director of Consumer Affairs, AA Ireland was on the line with more.
Then we heard from Eimhear McMahon from Bellharbour who was Line Producer on Loach's latest film, “I, Daniel Blake”. It's not the first time she's worked with Loach – she teamed up with the director on a number of films and documentaries, including on 2009's “Looking for Eric” and this year's “Versus: The Life and Films of Ken Loach”. Eimhear is just back from Cannes where “I, Daniel Blake” scooped the top prize at the festival. Eimhear returned from the awards at Cannes yesterday (Monday) and she told Pat about the experience.
John Lowe, Independent Financial Advisor, was on with the weekly Money Doctor item. He spoke about Electric Ireland's latest offers of discounts to its existing customers. He also gave five Golden Rules For Investing Abroad. The articles are available on John's blog: http://independentfinancialadvice.ie/blog
Each year in Ireland, hundreds of people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Very often the impact on their lives – and those of their families – is enormous. The condition is a neurological one that gets worse over time and, so far cannot be cured. Advances in treatments for managing the condition will be outlined at a major conference in this region on Sunday next (May 29). The Munster Parkinson's Disease Conference (at the Radisson Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick form 10.30am to 4pm) will hear from a panel of leading doctors and therapists on the latest advances in managing the condition. Veronica Fitzgerald Veronica cares for her husband who was diagnosed 10 years ago with Parkinson's. She's from Clarecastle and invovled with the Parkinson's Association. TJ Waters Works with support group at Carrigoran House, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Both joinied Pat in studio.
This Friday (May 27th) marks the start of an event high on any Clare “foodies” list: the Burren Slow Food Festival. It's a three-day celebration of local, wholesome, well prepared food. All the talks and events over the weekend will focus on the delicious edibles that the sea and the land around Clare produce. Birgitta Hedin–Curtin from the Burren Smokehouse was on the line and Liam O'Brien from Doolin Ferries was in studio.
Frankie Coote, Clare County Dog Warden, was in studio for the weekly animal welfare slot.
Next, Pat was joined in studio by Liam O'Brien. He's a long time smoker who kicked the habit and wrote a book to persuade teenagers not to start in the first place. After seeing two school children smoking outside of a school, Liam felt he had to try something – this short e-book was his answer. It's received 5 star reviews on Amazon.com, with one reviewer saying, “It should be handed out to every pupil in every school.”
Then we heard from a special guest. May Tuohy from Feakle turns 100 today. She told Pat about the secret to a long life.
We heard about the science behind superheros. There's no doubt that superheros grab the addition of the young (as well as the not-so-young), but – aside from their entertainment value – can they also encourage kids to learn more about science and technology? Researcher (and superhero fan) Dr Barry Fitzgerald (from Mungret in County Limerick) believes these comic-book characters provide an engaging way for teaching complex science. He's had great success in using the likes of the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk and the Invisible Woman to discuss genetics, the functioning of the eye, refraction and metamaterials. His new book, Secrets of Superhero Science, not only reflects his interest in superheroes and what they can do but also demonstrates the science behind their superpowers. Dr Barry Fitzgerald Post-doctoral researcher, Eindhoven University, was on the line.
Finally today we heard more from the Windy City. With thanks to United Airlines, Clare FM travelled state-side to attend the Clare Association of Chicago's 50th Anniversary. In the second of our four-part series this week, Clare FM's Gavin Grace and Fiona Cahill spoke to our diaspora about the Irish Culture in Chicago.
