This week saw the introduction of a number of reforms in the area of family law.
Landmark changes will allow unmarried fathers automatically become guardians of a child as well as grant relatives and step-parents an easier route to guardianship.
Some of the changes include: Unmarried fathers automatically become guardians if they live for 12 months with the child’s mother, including three months following a child’s birth. The change is not retrospective; A parent’s spouse or civil partner, of not less than thee years, can apply for custody where he or she has shared parenting of the child for two years; A grandparent or other relative can apply to court for custody where he or she has cared for the child from day to day for at least 12 months and the child has no parent or guardian; A child co-parented by civil partners will have the same protections as under marriage; The court can impose enforcement orders where a guardian is denied access, requiring he or she get compensatory time with the child or that both parties attend parenting programmes.
Local solicitor Mairead Doyle spoke to Gavin about how the changes will impact families.
The organisation representing pharmacies warned that they are at increasing risk of crime. Brendan Quinn of Quinn's Pharmacy, Gort, a former IPU president, spoke to Gavin about the situation in this region.
The full re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor from Sligo to Limerick remains an unrealised dream for those who've been campaigning for close to 13 years on the issue. Ahead of the General Election, Morning Focus asked if the full re-opening of the line's disused sections any closer. Michael O'Doherty of West on Track spoke to Gavin.
Following recent severe weather in Clare and across the country, the number of blood donations fell off at the start of January. Aileen Browne of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service Board spoke to Gavin about clinics taking place in Clare.
An email from a Morning Focus listener sparked concerns that some taxi drivers are refusing passengers on the basis that they would have to travel too far out of Ennis. More concerning is the situation, our listener experienced, where a taxi driver changed his mind mid-way through the journey to her house in East Clare, leaving herself and her friends stranded on the side of the road around 10km from home. Gavin was joined in studio by Martin White of Triple A Taxis, Ennis. A warning was issued about 2CB drug, a dangerous new drug. Gavin spoke with Clare O'Dowd from SpunOut.ie.
Paul Wolfe from Citizen's Information joined Gavin in studio to discuss what consumers can do if they purchase faulty goods bought in January sales; or receive faulty Christmas presents or out-of-date vouchers.
Oliver O'Connell has spent 15 years researching the O'Connells of Clare and ahead of a lecture (Thurs., Jan 21) for Clare Roots Society he joined Gavin in studio.
John Underhill of Burren Vets dicussed the topic of thyroid problems in animals.
Ahead of the 17th Shannonside Winter Music Festival, Gavin was joined in studio by the Brendan Walsh Band – an eclectic combo featuring a trumpet, sax, drums and guitar.
