 Continues with Greg Hughes this morning. Good morning Greg. Morning Lee. How are you? I'm doing fantastic. What about yourself? I'm doing good. Thanks very much. What's the crack with the secret sound? Oh, it's 520. 530 euros. You didn't record it Did you? Didn't. Does it sound like what it is? I still don't know what it is. People are giving me these answers. I'm thinking, no, it doesn't sound like that. That's for sure. Cross and Deet. No, that's all. I must ask Roy what it is. Do you know what it is? No, how would I know what it is? That was a bit hesitant there. No, I don't. But I'm shocked that you might not know what it is. I know. How do you know when to play that? But sure, I don't want to annoy Rory in the morning. You say, Roy, this is Lee here. What do you follow me this time in the morning for? It's supposed to be off. Have a good show. All right, Lee doesn't know. I really hope he doesn't know what to do. Thank you. It is just after nine. It's time for a news update. Good morning. Get McKellichlark. Thanks Greg. Good morning. The EU has this morning announced details of a complete ban on Russian oil imports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the proposed ban will be rolled out in a way that will minimize the collateral damage to the EU and its partners around the globe. She told MEPs crude oil will be phased out within six months and refine products by the end of the year. Today, we will propose to ban all Russian oil from Europe. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil seaborn and pipeline, crude and refined. We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion. So in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and at the same time be very careful that we minimize the impact on the global market. The health minister says the decision to delay sign off on the new national maternity hospital is to address people's very genuine concerns about the project. The relocation from Hollow Street to the St. Vincent's campus has been the subject of controversy due to suggestions of possible religious interference in the delivery of services. Cabinet will review it again in two weeks and Stephen Donnelly has offered to answer questions about the move before the Eructus Health Committee. The Finance Committee will today undertake detailed pre-legislative scrutiny of Dunningall Deputy Pierre Storley's Judicial Council Amendment Bill. The legislation would require the insurance industry to provide information to the central bank outlining how the cost of claims has reduced as a result of the new personal injuries guidelines. It would also legislate for evidence of how such reductions have been passed on to customers. There's further calls for unused and derelict properties in Dunningall to be brought into use to tackle homelessness. Answer me, Hal Colmogil asked, but claims homelessness has forced some people in the west of the county to sleep on streets, in cars or couchsurf. With extensive housing waiting lists, he says house is lying empty, including holiday homes should be taken over by the council immediately. He says for people to be homeless in this day and age is completely unacceptable. If you see the waiting list itself, there are hundreds and hundreds of people and families who are looking to get a forever home, but unfortunately due to the crisis and policy of the Dublin Government, we're stuck in the position that we're in or more partly the people who are looking for these homes are left. This is not good, 2022. Whether or not I scatter patches of light rain and drizzle this morning, it will become drier and brighter in the afternoon with highest temperatures of 13 to 15 degrees. That's all from Highland Radio. News for now will be back with news again at 10 o'clock. Until then, good morning. COVID-19 can still cause serious illness, especially in people at higher risk. We need to keep protecting each other, so stay home if you have symptoms. Wear a mask in healthcare settings, public transport and busy places. Let fresh air in if you're meeting indoors. Keep hands clean and get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Let's keep looking out for each other from the HSC for us all. And now, it's time for the talk of the Northwest, the Ninetown News Show with Greg Hughes on Highland Radio. OK, good morning. Four minutes past nine, Wednesday the 4th of May. How are you? You're very welcome along to another edition of the Ninetown News Show with plenty to keep you entertained. I do hope over the next three hours and the line's open for you now to get involved or remind you of the numbers a little later on. Obviously also, if you wish, you can watch the program. Go to our website, HighlandRadio.com. Watch it in browser there on YouTube or if you're on your Firestick, Facebook Watch, your laptop tablet, wherever it is, you can watch there. We'd love to have you with us and interacting with us. Good morning also to Phil and me watching in Mallonhead and Michael wishing us a good morning. Good morning to both of you too. Right, let's crack on with a look at what's making the front pages of the newspapers this Wednesday. We'll start with the Finn Valley voice and Reverend Raymond Blair in his first official engagement as President of the Lonely World Historical Society and veiled a sign directing people to the grave of Isaac Budd in the Church of Ireland Graveyard on Monday morning organised by the Malibu Faye and Snorler in District Historical Society. The initiative highlights the legacy of the founder of Home Rule. On to the initial times this morning and good to see this story being highlighted again. Out of the initial impatience of being forced to travel to Sligo University Hospital to receive treatment for the chronic eye condition macular degeneration, along with what the newspaper understands to be a significant number of other ophthalmology patients, older citizens are being prevented from receiving treatment locally in Lettokennie University Hospital which provides only limited ortholambic services and the thing that saddens me most about this story is that firstly, it's a very quick procedure in Sligo, but secondly there are people that actually don't travel because it's too far to travel, it's too much effort or it's impossible so there are people not only enduring the journey to Sligo for this relatively quick treatment, there are those that actually don't bother going at all because it's impossible for them, maybe they don't have family that can help them get there or whatever it might be so people, as I say are having to travel great distances but many people, and we've spoken to them on this program actually don't travel at all which is incredibly sad macular degeneration is an eye disorder which causes blurred and reduced central vision patients with the condition require monthly intravitural injections into the eye, currently these injections are only being administered in Sligo University Hospital and as a result it has shown patients of no alternative but to travel down to Sligo something has to be done about that it's been going on far too long it's completely unacceptable and particularly I think as it affects older people more so than others and they've contributed so much to this country over the years and now we are failing them on something that should be provided locally for them, they shouldn't even have to travel to letter Kenny from Anishone they should be able to be some sort of a one half day a week or a clinic half a day a week in Anishone or West Anigola or wherever it might be that's my opinion anyway that Anigola post for parents on a day out or even a simple trip to the supermarket with children knowing where there are clean accessible toilets or baby changing facilities is a must but if you are a parent or care for a child, teen or adult who cannot use a toilet because of additional needs planning for changing facilities can be a nightmare that's according to the Steering Group there are no registered changing places in Anigola only 17 nationally and that's the story also we were covering yesterday as well, good to see getting more coverage there as well on to the Irish Independent now and levels of obesity in Ireland which affects more than one in four adults and now above the European average and the condition has reached epidemic proportions a major world health organisation report has warned Obesity prevalence for men and women in this country has now climbed to 25.3% that's compared to a European average of 23.3% now that 2% might not seem like an awful lot but in terms of people's health and the treatment of them it is hugely significant well the difference is most striking for Irish men 25.1% of whom are obese this is compared to 21.8% on average across the EU Ireland ranks ninth in a table of 53 countries for obesity it is in 11th place for people who are either overweight or obese among children aged 5 to 9 children is in 9th place for overweight and obesity for those aged 10 to 19 Ireland is in 20th place in the same table the report warns obesity has reached epidemic proportions across Europe and is still escalating obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancer so it is you know life and death situation and when you speak to people in medicine they believe it should be treated as a very much more seriously you know we've had guests on this program that warned of it that it's a disease and it should be treated as such and the approach to it should be as such but it doesn't seem to be the case the Irish times this is a story that is it's going to create a lot of debate across America beyond in fact a potential Supreme Court ruling overturning the president that legalized abortion across the US could undermine other rights including same sex marriage and birth control President Joe Biden has said the constitutional right to abortion in the US has been thrown into serious doubt after a leaked draft opinion drawn up in the Supreme Court maintained it had voted to overturn the 1973 Roe and Wade ruling on a case which challenged restrictions on terminations in Mississippi Mr Biden said the draft if adopted by the court as a final rating would represent a fundamental shift in America jurisprudence he said the rationale used by the Supreme Court justice who wrote the draft if upheld would mean that every other decision relating to the notion of privacy is thrown into question and what effectively means this is another issue that really has America split 50-50 though it's 60-40 but you know what I mean it's very very divisive half of the states in the United States if that ruling is as has been leaked would mean that there would be no abortional services at all in half of those states ok the Irish Daily Mail now grocery bills are set to rise by at least 330 euro annually as food prices inflation hits its highest level in a decade the soaring prices are leaving families struggling new data shows particularly coupled with six price increases from energy providers hitting within less than one week Ema Healy senior retail analyst with Cantar which analyses supermarket spending said the impact is being felt widely across store shelves and consumers will be noticing the effects on their budgets foods such as cooked poultry bread, pasta and butter have seen some of the biggest jumps in prices the average household is facing a 330 euro increase on their annual grocery bill and 23% of households say they are now struggling to make ends meet when it comes to their weekly food shop and you can see why very easily you know if you heat your home using oil or coal the cost has gone through the roof if you have to try and run a car the cost has gone through the roof and then obviously when it comes to food prices going up as well and you add it all together even more people over the edge on to the Irish daily star now and the secretary general of the department of health will tell the Erachtis health committee of his regret the appointment of chief medical officer to a professor role will not now go ahead Robert Watt will appear before the committee tomorrow to discuss the botched appointment of Dr Tony Hoolahan to a role at Trinity College Dublin Dr Hoolahan is also due to appear before the committee Mr Watt will tell politicians that he believed when he conceived this proposal that it was essential that we continue to harness Dr Hoolahan's knowledge and skills in the public interest and I regret that this will not longer be possible I would suggest it's his fault if they were so keen to have Dr Hoolahan work in Trinity go through the proper procedures create the role advertise the role, interview people and if in fact Dr Hoolahan is the best qualified for the job hire him and find a way to hire him whereby the department of health is not paying effectively for two almost 300 grand isn't it for two CMOs that's how you do it so I think in his own testament there Mr Watt shines even brighter light on his role in that whole debacle on to the Irish sun now and the government has been blasted over a deal that will hand over control of the new one billion Euro national maternity hospital to a company linked to the catholic church TD Rosheen Shortall last night described the proposal as murky the state plans to enter into a long-term lease deal for a patch of land in Dublin on which the new national maternity hospital will be built it previously was owned by the religious sisters of charity but has since been handed over to a company called St Vincent's Holdings following agreement of the Vatican but has that not been put on hold now as they tease that out further and lastly but not least it's a sports story in the mirror today and we were talking yesterday about Katie Taylor's her oaks weekend and it seems she is going to get the big homecoming fight that many feel she deserves Katie Taylor's chances of defending her role title at Croke Park in October got a huge boost with stadium bosses and residents saying it's a knockout idea as they say the mirror revealed but sure everyone was talking about it the boxing queen dreams of treating fans to a world beating performance on home so they claim that as they revealed it she literally said it in the ring after the fight but anyway after the weekend's historic win in New York she said we could sell out Croke Park imagine fighting in front of 80,000 people at Croke Park absolutely that can happen but it would be unusual it would be unusual to see an outdoor event a sporting event like boxing held in October very late in the year so I don't know how that's going to work but that's what's being planned right now did you know that there's been almost 184 claims for compensation as it relates to footpath trips and slips not across the country in Donegal we're going to have more details on that for you after these Michael Murphy sports and leisure has everything you need to gear up for the GA season this year get your hands in the new Donegal GA home jersey available in men's, ladies and kids gear up the whole family for pre-season and match days with the new Harlem range of sweaters, leggings and snoods at Michael Murphy sports.ie since she got her free hearing aids with her PRSI at SpexSaver's Roshin is a changed one music has never sounded better and that makes her dance and dance and dance her singing though yeah well yeah well free hearing aids with PRSI at SpexSaver's music to your ears find out more online terms and conditions apply it's back and it's bigger and better than ever before the one the only Grove Furnishings a sale odyssey your local easy living store Grove Furnishings big anniversary sale is now on at Kiltie Road Lettercanny little older pre love perhaps what adventures I wonder did it have in the past another family another life bright city lights or a quiet country existence seeing islands best sights we don't really need your car's story with a Skoda service you get a complete vehicle health check genuine Skoda parts and free roadside assistance for 12 months your local Skoda dealer is DMG motor's Clairo Donegal Town telephone 07497 21396 or visit dmgmotors.ie one of the biggest expenditures for the council not one of them but it's certainly very significant and I believe going up it certainly was the last council meeting I attended a couple of years ago is insurance and not surprising when you see the amount of claims being lodged as a result of trips and slips on Donegal's footpaths Councillor Jimmy Kavanaugh has been looking at these figures and he's going to raise it at the next sitting of the local authority good morning to you Jimmy thanks for joining us good morning Greg how are you I'm good so what do the figures tell us how many claims are being lodged over what period yeah Greg at the minute this is a recent newspaper reported 184 active flames 68 of those are relating to slips and falls and so you know the 33 of those are in high category of claims of over 250 50,000 and in the final quarter of 2021 there was 364,000 paid out in relation to trips and falls but I'm asking Greg is that the council review how we deal with small repair work especially in relation to footpaths you know I think you know if a footpath is on the footpath program it gets done within a period of what three years or whatever but I think there's so many small sections of footpaths that get damaged and it's getting those done quickly I think could prevent some of those I think there's a contraffective factor to this well I presume if you can be seen to trying address problems as soon as they are notified to you that would be a pretty sand offence I mean are we defending you know are we defending these claims or are they being settled I'm not quite sure how that works now but to be paying out over half a million to be paying out over half a million between October and December last year that's that would repair an awful lot of footpaths we get the calls here Councillor I know some of these footpaths and people they don't want to be claiming because they're not really tripping in the first place yeah well that's the thing Greg it's not just about claims and about insurance people are getting hurt people are getting injured and obviously people are getting quite seriously injured if there's substantial claims so you know we want to avoid that it's not even you know a broken ankle or something like that you can end up with arthritis down the line and have a problem your whole life Earlier this year we're speaking to the family of a lady walking in Balabafe tripped over and can you imagine this this is a lady I think she was late 70s early 80s broke both wrists and smashed her face you know I mean and this is a stretch of footpath that is in really really bad condition then we get calls from another dozen people in the same boat they had tripped generally speaking it was people older people and I don't know if it's been repaired yet like I'm not asking you if it has but I mean it's not hard then to see that's one little area with a dozen people injured you know what's going on Yeah that's right Greg and that's what I really want to examine in this motion to the council how are we dealing with that but the system of responding to calls like that about a wee stretch of footpath I know from your experience that it can be difficult to get small things done and it's no fault to the workers or you know they're working hard and all that but I think we need to look at the system how are we dealing with that some councils have a response that they respond immediately to trip dangers and stuff like that there's other councils I've been looking at this other councils around the country that they use a rebate that you get from from APB insurance and so on they put that money directly into dealing with trips and falls dangers you know and I don't know if we're doing that the same or not because I'd rather really talk to you after the motion Greg Yeah I got you I want to try and find out what do we do are we doing these things that are happening around the country there's also a Fixed My Street website and you know it was talked about a couple of years ago I don't hear it mentioned much now but I wonder how much that is used and how much attention is paid to it as well This money is being paid out one way or other probably paying it out but that means the premiums go up presumably we're paying a lot in any case you know we need to be looking at what we're doing to firstly as you quite rightly point out prevent people having very serious injuries and injuries that they carry with them for the rest of their lives in some cases I know that so I'm not being dramatic but secondly also this money is being spent anyway we need to be doing more to fix the problematic areas absolutely I agree and we need a way of responding yeah okay I think Councillor Caffer yeah pick it up there go ahead you're back again we need what we were saying there I think yeah we need to look at how we respond to this and we need to see if there's things with the system that we can change so that we can respond more quickly where there's a danger of trips and falls alright it'll be very interesting to see what the council's response to that might be I'm I mean like I'm not surprised that this this amount of people falling and being injured I'm surprised so many people are claiming do you know what I mean like I'm not sure it'd be the first thing I think the right to if they're injured don't get me wrong but I don't think it'd be the first thing that would come to my mind but obviously people see the pathway there to be compensated yeah and Greg you're right there to that point I've said there's loads more people obviously they don't claim at all they pick themselves up and dust themselves down and walk on yeah okay yeah so this is probably the tip of the iceberg okay when is that meeting the meeting is next Tuesday Greg okay we look forward to hearing what comes from that thank you very much indeed Councillor Jimmy Kavanaugh there 08 660 25000 are you surprised at that so let me look at these figures again there are 184 claims for compensation currently active and between October and December last year the Council finalised over half a million in payouts the bulk of those relating to public liability slips and trips they accounted for 364,000 of claims in the final quarter of 2021 and that's not to suggest that they all happened at that time maybe that's when they chose to settle them right yesterday on the programme we were speaking to Betty Holmes from DACC she's obviously always at the forefront in terms of raising issues affecting people's health women's health and we learnt that almost 6 out of 10 women are not turning up this is according to the breast check figures are not turning up for their initial screening and the figures seem incredibly high and we and Betty and obviously the team here are going what's going on here so we're contacting breast check to find out what the story is but what happened then following that conversation is the majority of calls that we were receiving and texts we were getting from women was that they were 50 51, 52, 53, 54 they had registered with breast check and had yet to receive an appointment at all and they were very very keen to get it obviously because it's a health screen and if you can pick something up early you know it can be treated far more effectively also women in their 60s late 60s by their own testimony by the way who said that they were concerned about their breast health and they were waiting also one said that she would travel wherever whenever to get the screening done such was her concern as it relates to her well wanting to make sure she's in good health and then obviously the conversation started as to why is 69 the cutoff as if women after the age of 69 might not have concern for their health or that it might not be worth screening them we know that's not to be the case so there's two things going on here some of your comments coming in on that which I didn't get to towards the end of the program this caller says I missed your topic on breast check my daughter phoned me to say normally we have Highland on all the time but was downtown that's okay I've been trying to phone breast check as I thought I'd better check why I was doing an appointment in July 2020 but no appointment so it's coming up to nearly four years don't think it should stop at a certain age either the same with cervical check women should be more valued as part of society I had breast cancer surgery two years ago says another lady I had a mammogram in a mobile unit in Donogaltown on Tuesday I got a letter on that Friday to go to breast check in Galway hospital the following Tuesday I had surgery three weeks later in Galway in radiotherapy in June 2020 out in the Galvan I had a mammogram last year but haven't seen a consultant since the op it was the start of the first lockdown I should have been called to a consultant in letter Kenny one year ago but heard nothing since I'm lucky to have been diagnosed so early and I dread to think of where I'd be today if I hadn't gone for the first mammogram I even thought of not going because I usually have my mammogram in letter Kenny so that is why it's so important but we really need to we need to ascertain as to what's going on in terms of people saying they're really really keen for their screening and others and then breast check saying more than half of people aren't turning up I call us as I use ostrichel for my menopause and I also use lens auto spray neither available in my pharmacy and no one can tell me when they might be available there is no way this shortage would be acceptable for any other condition now I don't know the ins and outs of this but if I were you I certainly would check across the border to see what the availability of these products might be because I have heard that sometimes they can be available in the north and not available in the south for whatever reason and we are at an advantage maybe in this case in that we're really quite close to the border so certainly worth checking out perhaps I'm sure you already have by the way I hope I don't sound patronising talking about the state of our roads and footpaths I call us as those silly paving stone cobbles on streets on bon crana are an accident to happen especially in those courtesy crossings can we not simply tarmac with that ash slip proof can't be any more expensive and it's funny I wonder what the situation is in other countries you know say for instance the Mediterranean countries their footpaths are often those footpaths are often built with those little stones and there's many many the time you'll see the stones are out or they're lifted up and are a real tripping hazard are the same level of compensation claims lodged in those countries or do people not lodge them or does the system not allow because as bad as ours are in some of these other places there can be incredibly slippy too you'd imagine there's far more slips and falls I call us as the new footpath and bicycle lane that works are being carried out is coming to a stop is there a plan for a footbridge I don't know where this is by the way but they go on to say because it comes to an end and does not join the path at the bridge what's the point of a footpath cycle lane if not to join the path at the bridge is it the path to nowhere could you let us know where it is by the way please because I don't know where you might be talking about retrips and falls too many claims and payouts in this area are they genuine they ask a quick book with no look with that kind of money named the people who received the taxpayers money what have been calls for those who make claims I think certainly above a certain amount not to be named in shame because a lot of I've spoken to people very seriously injured and inconvenienced and perfectly entitled to compensation right okay we were talking to yesterday about maintenance and the fact that we don't really know how many people pay the maintenance that they should and we heard the stories of mostly women who they don't get their maintenance a rear is built up to such an extent that they don't even bother chasing it up but this caller says if a father doesn't want to contribute for his own flesh and blood for their food clothing and heat in school and the law of the land has to take him to court then he couldn't steep any lower any parent who doesn't contribute to the cost of living for his child should have no access to them says another and finally it should be the law of the land to have maintenance orders attached to the parents wages the state should not have to pay for these absent parents and the strong arguments with all of those comments there let me see a caller says there was one he allocated 11 years ago for footpaths up on Erigal Road as they're currently covered in mass so bad that they actually have to run a lawn mower over it whatever happened or is the work ever going to be done so what we're saying is that we the on the Erigal Road I'm not familiar with this road obviously the greens around it are mowed with a lawn mower are we saying that the footpath is in such a state that you mow the footpath well that must be bad another caller says why don't the state take the sight of the maternity hospital off the sisters of charity as compensation for all the wrong that the church did to mother and babies the church should have no say in any part of the stunning of state bodies including schools that's the running sorry of state bodies including schools okay just a quick mention before we take a break that John Bresen is around the north west today's broadcasting live from letter Kenny Main Street from 12 noon to 2 30 p.m. it's in advance the Erigrid Energy Citizens Road show taking place later today at the Clannery Hotel in letter Kenny and then it moves south to the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town tomorrow the road show events will provide information about Donegal's energy future future proof in the grid in the north western details about home energy efficiency upgrades and grants so the usual mix of music and entertainment and also a bit of an education there as well this may be a sign that something is in your water Brothers Tech Donegal provide a complete private well water treatment service using the best water treatment equipment to meet your needs or maybe you drill the new well and the water isn't satisfactory at Brothers Tech their expert team will also service existing problematic systems if you're concerned about the quality of your water call Brothers Tech on 087-638-7057 experience a taste of Italy with the Italian event at DoneStores mix and match any three for two on our new Italian range think delicious Italian made fresh and filled pastas flavour some sauces hand-stretched stone baked pizzas and all butter, tear and share breads buy any two products get the third free plus with our 10-50 grocery voucher you save even more which means every trip to DoneStores means better value DoneStores always better value terms and additions apply with longer evenings outdoor living is back and there's great offers right now in garden furniture outdoor tables chairs and benches at unbeatable prices also portable barbecues accessories and everything for grilling and chilling find all you need for outdoor entertainment at Kelly's award-winning central mountain top letter Kenny Harry Jack's diner American style diner opening soon at Market Square Strabat or the real diner experience it will have to be Harry Jack's your specialty is quality tiles, bathroom suites and wooden floors who is the best range of tiles in Donegall Crawford Taze the best wood flooring Crawford Taze the best bathroom suites Crawford Taze five day bathroom refits Crawford Taze now an inspection of HSC Ron Disability Centres in Donegall has found poor oversight and governance arrangements at local regional and national level the HICWA looked into this and published their report recently in addition the HSC was required to improve its assurance mechanisms at regional and national levels to ensure that safeguarding arrangements to protect residents from risk of harm are effective the inspection followed a report published last year residents in the Ard Greenew Court Center were sexually abused over a lengthy period by another resident who is now deceased a resident called Brandon carried out at least 108 sexual assaults on 18 intellectually disabled adults many non-verbal over a number of years up to 2016 should there be failures to address these poor governance and oversight arrangements it remains conceivable that another safeguarding incident may occur similar to that which was identified in November 2021 that is that last statement attributed to HICWA and Robert is Minister of State for Disability in the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality Disability and Integration and Youth good morning Minister thanks for joining us today good morning thanks for having me right I mean this makes for shocking reading but I suppose in a way it lays it bare so that hopefully we can do something about it absolutely I think at least it really bare I don't to me there is no real surprise and this I'd like to tell you the rates there's no real surprise and that's why at all times I wanted the publication of the Brandon report I think by having had the publication of the Brandon report I could have been X number of months on I believe and at the same time when I talked about last November when I talked about it last September I genuinely wanted openness and transparency to actually would highlight what has come out within the HICWA reports here and the piece that comes out is that HICWA as the regulator do their job they go in they identify there is a reactionary process and then it slips away again so there's no sustained delivery of implementation is what we care telling us in the 12 sites that they visited have you seen the HSC's plan on how it is going to address these shortcomings? Yes it's meeting about meeting about meeting and perhaps I am not totally look at I think myself from my point of view what I am looking for is an independent review of adult safeguarding in Donegal's long-term residential care settings What would that tell us that the HICWA report hasn't told us I mean we need to throw it out and start from scratch really if what HICWA says is true what would another review of what's happening in Donegal what would it achieve beyond what the HICWA report reveals? Let's be clear here what HICWA says is true okay let's start there what HICWA says is true it's very very clear there and HICWA are the regulator and it's not the first time HICWA has said this and it is on quite unusual that HICWA would blitz accounting the way they have done throughout the month of January and that proves their point so what an independent review would do is like I've always been critical perhaps in the past that we've looked at how we deliver care perhaps through a completely medical lens and that's what I was critical in relation to the commentary around London everything was about episodes of medical lens I believe that we need to look at it in the social care model like we're talking about very very vulnerable adults we're talking about how we can reassure their families their siblings that there's proper safeguarding facilities in place and understands the complex needs of if a person has as they would call it within the HICWA in episode how we support reinforce and change the culture of delivery and it's also important as well to say this morning on the show as well is that in HICWA's commentary as well they were very very complimentary of the frontline staff they were very very complimentary of the staff in the units the critical piece within the report was middle and upper management it was not to do with the staff that were there they didn't feel they were supported okay they're identifiable presumably by the HICWA by yourself you know if this were a private run company they'd be out on their ear or suspended pending an investigation but that doesn't it doesn't work like that here you can be found to you know a system can be found to be failing those that it's been put in place to protect and then we have HICWA saying look this could be happening again right now it could be happening in the future and yet many of these people are still in their positions and you're calling for a review what the families I presume want is you to go in there with a wrecking ball if required and root out who's responsible for this and replace them so what and go back to it again what HICWA were very clear about is that the frontline staff are doing a really good job and if they were listened to if they were listened to what the findings of the brand the findings of the brand and report may have been very very different so we know that the people on the front line those working directly with these people do for the most part a very good job those are not the people I'm talking about I'm talking about and I know they don't like the phrase pen pushers that should be easily identifiable in these positions root them out suspend them do what might happen in any private company and put people in there that families and service users can trust and that's why I'm saying is that we need an independent group an independent adult safeguarding reassurance group put in place that is independent of HSC independent of HICWA with the expertise in social care with an understanding of where it is failing and how it is failing and how it is repeatedly failing and the reassurance pieces that it won't fail or reoccur again that we can protect our adults that are in long-term residential care in it's also important as well to identify here that within the same CHO be it Sligo which was cited this problem doesn't exist so clearly there is an issue with how when an issue is identified how it's responded to how it's acted to it how it's understood and actually how staff are supported or how families are informed so what I really want with my independent because I've never got the opportunity of the publication of the Brandon report is by having an independent review they get access to all the reports they pulled from within it and they can draft up the mythology and the teams in terms of reference which looks at relationships and passwords and what they'll probably do okay they will probably come in and replete what HICWA said and they will look at what's happening elsewhere or whatever and they'll put pathways identified you have to report it here and that person's obliged to do this, that and the other right no one's going to be held responsible for what has gone on up until now to be quite honest with you if I didn't read the Brandon recommendations and over 12 months ago and where it says challenge the old guard perhaps we wouldn't even be having this conversation today perhaps for the likes of Thomas Pringle Charlie McConnell continuously raising this with me it actually would have gone unnoticed as well so I would like to think that I am here with the intention of putting a system to clearly understand I think the most important piece that we need to give to families is reassurance okay these and it has to be about reassurance you or I are not walking in the footsteps of any of the families that have loved ones they themselves need to know that when their loved ones is in care that they are in the best possible care and they are reassured if something goes wrong that the triggers can be identified right so this is obviously going to allow loads of time is it going to be the same as what we see in the past that this drags on those who should be held accountable for this will maybe take early retirement move to another department go into the private sector collect their pension and ride off into the sunset no one again will have to take the blame for what's going on here I think you very cynical approach to the whole process I agree I really really do have a very cynical approach to the process so I have to say that because I think you're not listening to what I'm trying to do here first and foremost my timeline on this is that I will have the terms of reference for June there will be an independent person appointed with the proper skill set and it will be time bound within six months so there will be a clear pathway as you would call it there of understanding of what the methodology is behind it what's the terms of reference and what's the end result and also we have enough reports out of Doney Gull to paint Lester house at this stage it's time to action those reports as opposed to talking about all right so at the moment just as a short term measure can you not sort of have people within your department that say well what's what is happening in Sligo that works that's happening in Doney Gull that doesn't work and make changes immediately to try and plug any gaps or failings there yes and I met yesterday with my department of health and the department of children in equality actually to actually tease and drill down into that exact point to actually have a meeting with the HSE themselves to say what's working why is it working in Sligo not in Doney Gull and what can we do to plug the gaps in the interim while I'm doing my review are you getting much of a pushback from the HSE either locally regionally or nationally on this well should the biggest pushback of all is the home publisher so like that to me is the biggest pushback the lack of openness and transparency that we could be further in the process if this was published to last December I'm very more than yourself I can be a little bit cynical to publishing this the day before we rose coming into the Christmas period allowing us not to discuss it never had the time on the floor of the doll to tease right into it that in itself is a management of a minister and a management of openness and transparency and it's a disrespect to the families in Doney Gull last time I spoke to you I believe it was the last time I asked what your relationship was like with the HSE you said it was a good good work in relationship is that still the case and yes I it is a working relationship I have to look at of course there's challenges being a minister and there's challenges I suppose from the HSE point of view I probably don't understand the word to know very well but I still just get on with the job they have a job to do as well but at the end of the day when I came into this role as a minister of participating in all stages when I looked around the room I saw the role of the HSE I saw the role of the department and do you know the voice that was missing the voice representing persons with disabilities so I have adopted that particular avenue okay and I don't want to labour a point and I'm sorry if I sound cynical but people feel and I'm sure you get this as well right people feel that we stumble from one crisis to another and in this country we seem to have a difficulty in saying this person or that person or these group of individuals were responsible for this not to be dragged out into public and something done to them I don't mean it like that but there's a sense in politics in health in the civil service that there is people take responsibility for it and that's why I'm labouring that point a little bit and because we'll have we have HICWIS report we'll have this independent review and hopefully things improve and service users and their families can feel more confident in it okay unless why can't we just say that you know these are the people that are responsible and this is the sanction against them you know I'm not looking to ruin their lives or anything but I think that's the problem with why people feel nothing ever gets done in this country I believe in accountability I believe in transparency I actually am accountable every four or five years before the public and it's my name that goes either at the top of the letter or at the bottom of the letter and everything whether it's right or wrong rests with me as the minister so it's important for me to get this right and I do believe in accountability and I will be dogged to the end in Donegal and whatever is the outcome or the findings out in Donegal will be the benchmark as to how we look at long-term residential care not just in Donegal but nationally okay and just off the back of this HICWIS report what is being done right now to as much as is possible ensure as they say that a incident similar to that exposed in as much as we saw of the Brandon report does not happen again so in terms of an emergency response to making sure we aren't seeing the same thing happen again what's happening as we speak now to make sure that doesn't happen if all managers been called or all people decision makers been called and said look at least in the interim precisely what has to happen and we need to pay betrayal and this stuff will be checked every week or whatever it might be to make sure no one is being subjected to abuse or any other mistreatment yes that's exactly what HICWIS are doing and they're in that conversation with the HSE as we speak at this moment in time but I suppose what has come out of the HICWIS reports is that when they get off the pitch we need to ensure that there's continuity of that piece of service and that's the piece that HICWIS are not confident in HICWIS are not confident in is when we walk off the pitch can we trust that proper safeguarding measures will continue into the future and at the moment HICWIS are not in that space and neither is the minister well that's some statement isn't it finally Deputy Thomas Pringle wants a dull debate on this report I'm not sure if that's been scheduled or if it will happen would you welcome that I would welcome it absolutely okay minister thanks for your time I've been ground down I suppose over the years I appreciate your time thank you very much alright that is the minister of state for disability in the department of health and department of children equality disability integration and youth and maybe I don't know I just want some sense of assurance that one of the ways that we prevent stuff like this happening again is that someone feels that if I put a foot wrong or if I don't do my job correctly there could be some consequences of it and I just I'm not sure that that really feels like that is the case right I want to mention that a Gemma McHale Memorial 5K Walk Run is taking place at the Ahoyaran centre this coming Friday the race begins at 7.30pm sharp registration for the evening is from 4.30pm to 7pm also on Wednesday the 4th of May at 7pm at 9pm in the centre or online which is probably most convenient mark.athletics at gmail.com proceeds go to Castledark comforts and terminally ill fund MS, mindfulness and cancelling in local primary schools and other local charities refreshments served afterwards that's the Gemma McHale Memorial 5K Walk Run at Ahoyaran centre if you're that way inclined it's this coming Friday evening 7.30pm register at mark.athletics at gmail.com when the smart glasses are recording you'll see an LED light on the frame so now you know a bit more about smart glasses a message from Metta and Esiel or Luxotica Chagisk are holding a spring crop walk this Wednesday the 4th at 7pm on the farm of P&D Killen, Labadish, Manor Cunningham F92, K7, 29 topics include spring and winter crop management, nutrient management and outlook for tillage speakers are Shea Feelen, Chagisk Crop Specialist and Martin McCullough, Chagisk Donnie Gall all are welcome I have great news for everyone who's looking for a good night's sleep ResTechs Beds are looking forward to welcoming you to their brand new showroom at Mountaintop Letterkenny it's one of the biggest and best bed mattress showrooms in the northwest and has fantastic opening offers now in store ResTechs is the most trusted name in beds and mattresses in the northwest why don't you call in and get the bed of your dreams at Mountaintop Letterkenny Ok, so it's gone to remain a little bit damp this morning but things are expected to brighten up somewhat into the afternoon that's me bluffing it now I'll actually read it a cloudy start today with scattered patches of light rain and drizzle however it'll become drier and brighter in the afternoon I wasn't doing too bad there with sunny spells developing, feeling humid with highs of 13 to 15 degrees and a light to moderate north-western breeze Jen McCarran is spokesperson for Innochone Pride and joins us on the programme now Jen, good morning to you Hi Greg, good morning It's good to have you with us Right, tell us what Innochone Pride is Well, Innochone Pride is basically a brand new showroom that's a brand new showroom that's a brand new showroom Well, Innochone Pride is basically it's an opportunity to celebrate the diversity in Innochone, in Donegal in relation to LGBT plus community really a diversity that's always been there but that's not been visible and we really want to just create visibility around the community and give allies, friends, neighbours a chance to come out and show support and solidarity That's it, it's an event for all It's an event for every sector of society and voluntary communities, services statutory bodies LGBT people are part of our families, our friends our work colleagues so it really touches all aspects of society and we're really excited about it As in all communities so to speak people are at different places you'll have those that are very open or whatever or feel comfortable but there are many that don't feel there for whatever reason maybe it's their own personal choice or maybe it's a bad acceptance Events like this are important for those that would get a benefit from it Do you get where I'm coming from? It's a clicky way but I think you know what I'm trying to say Absolutely, I think last June for anyone that visited the town they would have seen the beautiful colours of businesses put up that the county council put up from the time that the guard went and had up on the station and I really think it sent an important message it was a great sign of inclusion and that's really what inspired this year's parade That's exactly the word I was looking for The theme we have for this year's parade is all welcome here and I think it's really fitting because we are a welcoming community and I think there is elements of fear and worry and anxiety around today and people haven't always felt that sense of belonging and we're having quite meaningful and emotional messages coming from people who left many years ago and left in a show who planned to travel home from Galway, from Dublin, from Cork and from other countries because they're so moved by the idea that this event is happening And many of those may have felt because of their sexuality that they had no choice if they wanted to be themselves that they had to move to Dublin or what have you Yeah, I think that was a lack of visibility there was a lot of silence, a lot of shame around people's identity and this event is really going to be a chance for people to kind of move away from those times and to create positive change for the future for our young people but also our older people for also people of similar age of myself to just change the narrative and let people know that they're welcome and we are a very diverse community as we always have been and we're going to celebrate that big style on June 5th and I don't want in any way to be negative, Jen, but I suppose this is about moving forward sometimes to get a feeling over the last over the last year or so that maybe we're moving backwards a little bit sometimes I think there's there is worries out there that there is negative attitudes but I think the positivity, the power of positivity that comes from a pride parade is pretty overwhelming and last year we saw that alone with the flags shown around Bunkrana and I think the the community spirit that is being shown at the moment in relation to this event and the positive messages, the responses that we are getting in relation to this event is overwhelming and I just would love for all members of the LGBT community in a show on and Donegal to know that we have got incredible positive support in relation to this it's overwhelming and while there is negativity I think the positivity is going to outweigh any negative responses OK, so hopefully people turn out in the big numbers in terms of setting the stage, what can community groups, businesses, whomever, homeowners do to sort of get on board with this? Greg, I think you've named the inclusivity there, this is crossing all divides so number one, family, friends, neighbors, listeners here today you guys are the important people it's either to come and walk in the parade or come and show your support people may feel that this is a parade for somebody else it's going to take place what will make it a success what will show support for our LGBT plus community is people being present on the day there's many ways that we can show support throughout the year but in one action just being there on June 5th in Bunkrana you will show your values of support inclusivity, your values for equality for the likes of businesses, community centers schools any social groups sports clubs, anybody involved in any form of group we would ask that you think about decorating your premises putting on a window display come with a banner possibly come with a float, we're asking anyone interested in coming with a banner or floater group to just email us, just to register you can give spot prizes think about organizing a fundraiser or give a donation and this is obviously too it will show you support for individuals in the LGBTQ plus community but it's also their brothers, their sisters, their aunts, their uncles their mums and dads which pretty much includes every household probably in any show, do you know what I mean? Absolutely Greg I think the easiest thing for people to do is to try follow us on one of our social media outlets which would be Facebook, Twitter or Instagram we have a lot of exciting things planned so we'd really like people to watch those faces, if anyone's interested in volunteering we've had such a positive response in that we've actually started a register so whatever your skill set is the background is if you value equality if you value inclusivity if you want to be part of the celebration the first celebration in Donegal I'm being hosted by Innocent Pride then contact us, be a part of it there's room for everybody And if you want to have fun, turn up at in Boncran June 5th at 3pm I hear the weather's going to be wonderful It's going to be the best Ben Healersheim we're going to be celebrating in style Greg so we hope to see you there too of course between now and then again I'm sure for a final push Thanks very much for that, that's Jim McCarran spokesperson for Innocent Pride and we'll be back with more after the news and obituary notices at M&S food you'll find loads of quality products all at a new lower price like our traceable lean Irishman's beef just four euro, perfect for a cottage pie rich tea biscuits just 30 cent perfect with a cup of tea and four crisp juicy bray brown apples just one euro 50 and the best bit the best bit the best bit the best bit the best bit the best bit there's absolutely no compromise on quality or taste look out for our new lower prices just one of the ways to save with M&S food subject to availability new lower price since March 31st see and store for details Join John Breslin for around the northwest of this Wednesday live from Lower Main Street Letterkenny with Air Grid the operator and developer of the Electricity Grid ahead of its Energy Citizens Road show which takes place on May 4th at the Clenery Hotel Letterkenny and May 5th at the Abbey Hotel in Donegaltar to register visitairgrid.ie there's more than me coming back to the mountaintop Letterkenny this month, Res Takes Beds have just opened their brand new showroom and if you're like me and you really appreciate a good night's sleep these guys have brilliant ranges of beds and mattresses and they have some great offers too call in and check out their new showroom now open just for status here at the mountaintop in Letterkenny Live on Air online and on the Highland Radio app this is Highland Radio News Good morning, I'm Akilah Clark with the news at 10 o'clock Minister Ann Robert has called for an independent review of adult safeguarding in long-term residential care settings in Donegal a report published by Hickwa last week following inspections at 18 HSE Rund Centres in the county found major issues around governance and oversight concerns were also raised over the HSE's ability at a national level to bring about improvements warning that feeling to do so could result in a significant safeguarding issue Minister of State and the Department of Disability Ann Robert told the 9 till 9 show this morning that the social needs of residents needs to be looked at also what an independent review would do is like I've always been critical perhaps in the past that we've looked at how we deliver care perhaps through a completely medical lens and that's what I was critical in relation to the commentary around Brandon everything was about episodes of medical lens I believe that we need to look at it in the social care model like we're talking about very very vulnerable adults we're talking about how we can reassure their families their siblings that there's proper safeguarding facilities in place The EU has announced details of a complete ban on Russian oil imports European Commission President Irsa van der Leyen has told the European Parliament that the proposed ban will be rolled out in a way that will minimize the collateral damage to the EU and its partners around the globe She told MEP's crude oil would be faced out within 6 months and refine products by the end of the year Today we will propose to ban all Russian oil from Europe This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil seaborn and pipeline crude and refined We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion so in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and at the same time be very careful that we minimize the impact on the global market It's expected the issues surrounding the new national maternity hospital will be raised by opposition TDs in the dull today Last night cabinet delayed signing off on the relocation of the facility to St Vincent's campus in South Dublin as they said further details of the plan were needed It comes amid concerns from pro-choice activists that the sites links to the Catholic Church will impact reproductive care Minister Stephen Donnelly insists the hospital will operate entirely independently One of the questions a lot of your listeners are asking are will termination of pregnancy, will tuba ligation will gender reforming surgery will assisted reproduction be available at the new national maternity hospital The answer isn't absolutely clear and categoric Yes, they will The finance committee will today undertake detailed pre-legislative scrutiny of Donnelly Gold Deputy Pierre Stockwood judicial council amendment bill The legislation would require the insurance industry to provide information to the central bank outlining how the cost of claims has reduced as a result of the new personal injuries guidelines It would also legislate for evidence of how such reductions have been passed to customers The key outlook of the latter, Kenny Milford municipal district is urging the council to carry out a review of how small repair works on footpaths are dealt with It comes as latest figures show claims totaling 364,000 euro for trips and falls was paid out by the council in the final quarter of last year There are currently 184 active claims against the local authority 68 relating to slips and falls 33 ranked in the high category of claims of over 250,000 euro Councillor Jimmy Kavanaugh believes repairing footpaths in a more timely manner could be the solution I think, you know, if a footpath is on the footpath programme it gets done within a period of three years or whatever but I think there's so many small sections of footpaths that get damaged and it's getting those done quickly I think could prevent some of this I think there's a contributing factor to this There's further calls for unused properties in Dulleygold to be brought into use to tackle homelessness Councillor Mee-hul Carl McGill Askbook claims homelessness has forced some people in the west of the county to sleep on streets, in cars or couchsurf With extensive housing waiting lists he says houses lying empty including holiday homes should be taken over by the council immediately Councillor McGill Askbook says for people to be homeless in this day and age is completely unacceptable If you see the waiting list itself hundreds and hundreds of people and families who are looking to get a forever home but unfortunately due to the crisis and policy of the Dublin Government we're stuck in the position that we're in or more partly the people who are looking for these homes are left This is not good 2022 Whether nice, scarder patches of light, rain and drizzle this morning it will become drier and brighter this afternoon with highest temperatures between 15-15 degrees That's all from Highland Radio News for now, we'll be back with an update again at 11 o'clock Until then, good morning The obituary notices for this Wednesday morning May the 4th The death has taken place of Jim Kenny Sleeve Vaughn Mallonhead Removal from the Eternal Light Chapel of Rest, Mount and Top Leisure Kenny this afternoon at 2 o'clock going to his late home on Friday morning at half past 10 going to the Star of the Sea Church Mallonhead for Requiem Mass at 11 o'clock Interment afterwards in like Cemetery Mallon, house private tomorrow from 9 o'clock for family and close friends only place The death has taken place in Islington London of Michael Dealey, formerly of 38 St. Joseph's Park, Bunkrana Michael's remains are reposing at his sister Helen's residence 28 St. Joseph's Park Removal from there to more morning at quarter past 10 going to St. Mary's Church Cock Hill for Requiem Mass at 11 o'clock burial in the Adjoining Cemetery Mass can be viewed live on ChurchServices.tv The death has occurred of Hugh Rogers Molledove his remains are reposing at his home house strictly private at the request of the deceased funeral mass tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock the star of the sea church with interment afterwards in the new cemetery The death has occurred of David Whelan, Bally Bow Liz Monaghan, letter Kenny David's remains are reposing at the family home funeral mass at 11 o'clock to more morning in St. John's Cathedral with interment in Newlake Cemetery family flowers only place family time plates from 9 o'clock to night and on the morning of the funeral The death has occurred of Agnes Brazzlin named Malrini Bally Mackle, Frost's County Donegal, remains are reposing privately for family close friends and neighbours at her home today from 12 noon until 10 o'clock removal tomorrow for 12 o'clock funeral mass at the church of the blessed Virgin Mary Frost's with interment in the Adjoining Cemetery house private on the morning of the funeral please family flowers only donations and lead to the hard foundation care of any family member or John McGuyan funeral directors Agnes's funeral mass can be viewed on mcmediate.tv The death has taken place of Kevin Doherty Harbour Road, Bombay and formerly Ballona County, Mayo his remains are reposing at his home rosary tonight at 8 o'clock house private after rosary until 11 o'clock funeral mass in St. Mary's Church Derry Bay to more morning at 11 o'clock with interment afterwards in Mahara Gaon Cemetery The funeral mass can be viewed live on the Kearn Rorty funeral director facebook page and on the Chapppubble World Webcam The death has taken place of Mary Canavan, Ney Sweeney formerly Strelangford, Drum King and London, England funeral from the family home Nockbride Letter Kenny this morning at quarter past 10 going to St. Patrick's Church Drum King for 11 o'clock in the Adjoining Cemetery Family flowers only please donations in Leof Flowers if desired to the Irish Cancer Society care of any family member and the death has taken place of Christina O'Keehan, Ney Galhurt 10 at Croham Buster Barn reposing at her home funeral from there this morning at 25 past 11 for Requiem Mass in St. Mary's Church Melmont at 12 noon with interment afterwards in the Adjoining Cemetery donations in Leof Flowers please to Straban and District Caring Services care of Quigley funeral directors the Requiem Mass can be viewed live by the parish webcam for more details including any family health guidelines for wakes and funerals please go to highlandvideo.com with all the stories that matter across the northwest it's Greg Hughes on the 9 to noon show on Highland Radio and you're very welcome back to the second hour of the show on this Wednesday the 4th of May how are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? The show on this Wednesday the 4th of May how are you all keeping? Tell us 086 60 25000 share your news your feelings call Caroline on 07 4 9 1 25000 some of your comments coming in so part this morning and whats a busy first hour I think the Vatican should be in control of the hospital I understand that hard decisions need to be made but it shouldn't be on the same grounds up as where life is created which would mean pretty much any hospital I presume I presume. Could you please explain why we're hearing and seeing so much information recently about smart glasses? This is an ad or a warning? It's a very interesting question. And one which, one which I've asked myself, I mean Metta obviously, which is the the the main company for Facebook, they're obviously pushing out this, the likes of smart glasses, the the alternative realities and all that type of stuff. I presume what they're trying to do with softness up to it to say that this thing, this could be a norm. I know Google Glass, they've been out for years. I'm not sure how heavily they were adapted, but Facebook, Metta are going to be going big into that space. And I presume they just want to be seen to be letting everyone know what's going on. I don't think it's anything to be worried about. But as soon as I heard those ads, you're thinking, you know, if there's an LED light, people are going to block off that light if they were looking to use their glasses for, you know, any controversial reasons. I'm thinking changing rooms and stuff, you know, or any sort of private environment like that there, you know, everyone's going to be suspect of someone wearing glasses. But if it is the future, maybe that's the way it is. But I presume they're trying to get out in front of any controversy to say that there's beeps and there's lights, but all of that can be circumnavigated. I would just wonder if we're going to be hearing an awful lot over the coming years about secret recordings of people in compromising situations or in private situations. So I don't have any insight other than that. I'm in the exact same position as you. I'm just supposing what the reason might be. Right. Sadly, your cynicism betrays the fact that you are an enemy of the establishment to the minister. Excellent journalism, Greg. No minister should get a comfortable time, especially with the incompetent way they've run the country well done. Read the minister on this morning, the usual blah, blah, not a mention of disciplinary action against these middle management and their senior management found to have been at fault. It's the same old stuff throughout government and senior management. Look at the couple of texts, but I'm I'm pleased that some people agree with me because I thought I was barking up the wrong tree, but it's just these talks, these reviews. There's a report there from Hickwell, which is damning. If that's not enough to start taking some action, then we need another external review from someone in Northern Ireland and yet still on and on it goes. You know, so I mean, I admitted my cynicism. Greg, I'm a patient in three departments in Letherkenny Hospital. I'm 18 months behind on treatment from my eyes. I finally got my appointment and on the way to the hospital, I was called to say it been cancelled. I'm also two years behind on what is supposed to be a annual oncology scan. I know I'm not the only one. I don't understand what has happened and I'm really sorry to hear that. Greg, 500 litres of heating oil has now jumped from 640 to 720. This is ridiculous. It's so expensive. I think it was around 720 the last time I bought oil, but everybody is on strict instructions not to switch it on at all possible. It's so blooming expensive. Greg, the price of coals expected to hit 30 euro by winter will sanctions really help us or just continue to drive up prices. We are going to be in a period of price growth. I note the Pope yesterday said that in his conversations with the Hungarian Prime Minister that Vladimir Putin indicated to him that the war would end on May 9th which is the victory day. I'm not sure that is the case, but that's what the Pope said yesterday, wouldn't it be? It would be fantastic on so many levels particularly in terms of the protection of life if that situation was resolved sooner rather than later. I'm not confident and I don't think the Pope was either. Greg, I want to raise the question of banks going completely digital. I'm 90 years old and I've had to put my daughter's name on my account. I would rather handle my own affairs, but I'm just too afraid of pressing the wrong button. Why can't there be a service for older people so we can keep our independence? A question that's been asked many times on this program. I think as people age and as younger people age there would have been a natural transition there as it relates to, you know, the likes of post offices and that personal touch with customers and what have you. I think these big businesses, these huge businesses, could have retained a certain amount of real people even if it were for a certain over a certain age group or people under a certain age group that might need that type of a service and then push everybody else digital. But I think a lot of people are being left behind and it is terribly unfair and I agree with you. Ask the council how much debt they are in. I think it will raise an eyebrow. Well, it's huge. It's there. It's released in the budget. It's released in the budget annually. I can get that for you. Following on from the texts on a footpath connection at the Port Rowdon letter, Kenny, there's a river banking between the bridge path next to the pole star roundabout and the new path as it stands, the new path comes to a dead end. Okay, thank you for that. I do appreciate you clearing that up for me. The footpath in front of the shopping centre in Ballabaffay that was the scene of a lot of accidents has been repaired at long last, Councillor Patrick McGowan. That's brilliant news because you remember we spoke to some brilliant people but unfortunately talking about a difficult thing that had tripped there but that's been repaired now. So perhaps it was scheduled to be done and it's been done. Congratulations. Perhaps you raising it on this program expedite or is it expedited? Sped up. Let's go with that. Sped up the process. If that was the case, well done to you guys as well for raising the issue publicly and maybe pushing things along. Okay, our next guest right up after the bingo numbers and a quick break. It's time for NCBI Bingo on Highland Radio. It's Wednesday the 4th of May. You're playing on the blue sheet. The reference number is S8. It's game number 18. The numbers are 54, 41, 49, 26, 71, 20, 33, 31, 35 and finally 82. Phone your claim to 9104833 before 8 tonight. Leave in your name contact number and the name of the shop where you purchased your book and we'll call you back the next working day. Get all your NCBI Bingo information at HighlandRadio.com. Tune in this Thursday for all the latest farming news and views straight after the 5 p.m. news brought to you in association with Lifford Credit Union who have recently launched Cultivate an agricultural loan at only 6.55 percent, APR 6.75 percent. Call into any of their three offices for more information or to make an appointment. Lifford Credit Union. Raphon Newton Lifford supporting local farmers. Ellen, write what you want to be when you grow up on the blackboard. Ellen, remember to sign up for the swim team. Ellen, all competitors must register today. Nothing is written until you write it. Ellen, can I have your autograph? You write it, we underwrite it. Allians, proudly supporting Paralympics Ireland since 2010. By choosing Donegal Creamery's Milk, you're supporting over 200 dairy farming families across Donegal in doing what they do best, producing delicious fresh milk every day. For over 100 years, Donegal Creamery's Milk has been brought to you daily from our dairy at Crossroads Killigarden, the longest established creamery in the region. Support local farms, local families and local jobs by choosing Donegal Creamery's Milk. Are you ready for a role or a career with one of Ireland's leading food companies? Due to a further developed business base in Donegal, Glanbia are looking for a door-to-door milk agent to service the Bally Buffet, Stern-Orler, Killigarden, Castle Finn, Drunkine and Glenfin areas. To apply for this exciting role, forward your CV to P Burns at glanbia.ie. That's P-B-Y-R-N-E-S at glanbia.ie or call 087-253-054. I want you to stay tuned to the program, particularly the last hour. Business Matters of course is coming up with Kieran as always, but we've an exclusive interview for you just after the 11 o'clock news. So I want you to stick around for that. I'll tell you a little bit more about that in a wee while, but it's an interesting one. It's an exclusive for you, so stay tuned. Right, now Jim McLaughlin joins us on the program. Jim, good morning to you. Thanks for chatting to me. I think one of your opening statements in your contact with us, or what I have in front of me, is that farming is on its knees right across the board. Not an exaggeration, Jim. No, definitely not. Greg Farman, sort of very low air, but not. The wire in Ukraine hasn't helped much either. Like the supply of fertilizer and meal, even getting fertilizer and meal has become about three and four times the price it was from last year. That has just become unaffordable. What has surprised me in conversations with small, medium-sized farmers over the last couple of months, is they're planning to operate differently next year to reduce their outputs, or to exit out of farming all together. I'm only speaking to a handful. I don't know how representative that is right across the agriculture industry, but I think a lot of people might be thinking the same, okay, it's a family business, it's a passion, but there comes a point whereby you have to say I need to be dedicating my time somewhere else. Oh, for sure. You were saying that farmers are going to diversify and get smaller, and make massive decisions. Even before this war, and even before everything gets so expensive, there was no young people calling behind. I have nobody calling behind me to farm. Most farmers have no young people. There's no incentive, because there's no money. There's no money to be made of it any more. My big fear is, like, I know the government was intervening yesterday at the Department of Agriculture and they're going to give every farmer a thousand euros towards making saleage. I honestly think that they should rethink that, because they're putting $55 million aside for that, and that's very quick, to $55,000 ton of fertilizer. I think it's better off doing about sourcing and seeking to get $55,000 ton of fertilizer and give each farmer a voucher. Have to buy the fertilizer. And how would that be, pardon my ignorance, Jim, how would that be better than the money for a produce and saleage? Well, I think if most people get a thousand pounds each, the actual availability of fertilizer is not easy at the moment, because supply chains have been fragmented. I would like to see that $55 million being hauled up into the farm fertilizer and grow the grass. Next home farmers will get that thousand euros and will just grow their pocket. They're about peeved off the farm and they might even buy the fertilizer. Like next winter, like it's going to be a tough time, come October, there's not going to be the same amount of saleage. Maiden for fillings and kettles is going to be about $600 ton. Again, my big fear is that a farmer's tiny hold on to the same numbers they have now. An animal welfare issue is eminent, like that's going to happen. Yeah, it's a good point to haven't heard that before. Does it say the farming unit will be as very few people talk about, like as pike farmers? Mm-hmm. The pike farmers are absolutely on dire straits. Well, they're in such a bad state that not only did they say that they need some government intervention, they wanted it done in a way that they would actually pay it back. Ah, the pike farmers are absolutely that serious all together that they've lost. They've hemorrhaged all the money that they've made in the last 20 years. Does it suit, though? Does it suit some maybe Brussels even though, Jim, if this speeds up a lot of people exiting farming in this country? Because they're doing it at a loss for the most part. Anyway, other countries then can be supported in their farming. We can reduce our emissions potentially. I'm not saying any if that's a good thing, Jim, but I just wonder if this direction of traffic really suits a few agendas and who's going to be there to actually bat for the farmer? I don't think it's going to be any good. There'll still be farmers there, Nick, but they'll not do the same numbers. Like, the farmer also, like, apart from the business recovery of farming. Farming was a culture, like, 90% of people there didn't come from farming backgrounds. Like, like, you're aiming right, and they're now demanding, right? And probably he's proposing a ban on turf. Like, that is absolutely ridiculous. I think, I know there's smoke coming from turf, but you go to the, go to Mayo, you only go all right down the West Coast. Like, there's a lot of people all they have as a range that burns turf. Mm-hmm. I just wonder if you talked to a lot of farmers who were, say, 45 and had a son or a daughter that now were 15. I wonder how many of those farmers think there is any future in farming for their, for their children? I would say very few, Jim. I would say 85% of them think there's no future. Yeah. And that is the death now. That's how things stop being the norm. Oh, for sure. Like, that's sad. Like, I don't, everything's a good price. The month capital and sheep and all are a good price on the live market. Like, and beef and lambs are a good price in the factories. Like, but the other big problem is you just don't want to see them getting too dear, right? Because the house price on that buy, I think, is too dear. Like, that's a tricky situation. Like, this texture says every farmer will not get a thousand euro. It's a maximum of a thousand and they have to cut 25 acres to get it. It's helpful, but by the time you jump through all the hoops to get it, many won't even bother. They say, as a small farmer, I know I'll face a loss this year. And if a farmer's facing a loss this year, I think 2023 is going to be right off. Well, that's exactly the point I was trying to make at the start. Rather than start to pick and choose farmers, just give every farmer a ton of fertilizer. It gives them no money. And if a ton of fertilizer was dropped off at every farmer in Ireland, out of that 55 million, there will be progress made. Because the fertilizer will be used because it's there. The man that delivers them is getting a turn out of use. Sorry. The diesel company doesn't get a turn. That needs to be fertilizer, not money. You also mentioned, you've already mentioned the animal welfare issue, but the pressure that this is putting on farm families as well, trying to make ends meet, struggling to make ends meet, the pressure that has on people's mental well-being, on relationships, on the family in general. Jim, it's hard to quantify, but it's inevitable. Oh, it's inevitable, sir, isn't it? Like if a man goes out to his farm in the morning and has a good day and he's plowing or cutting barley or he's caviling cows, and he comes down to the house in the evening and happy. The whole house is happy. But if a man goes out and he knows he's losing money and he can't get the money gathered up to fix the tractor, he can't get the money gathered up to pay the co-op or pay bills, he's come down to the house on the evening and unhappy, so the whole house is unhappy. That's like we're all humans, you know what I mean? Like, that's pressure, serious pressure, come on. Like... Do you be thinking about your future in farming, Jim? I'm lucky. I'm the age, I'm the 12 and are at a good age now. They're younger, 16, the oldest, 27, that. I enjoy it. Hey, I really enjoy it. And I know nothing else, but that's... You're not maybe quite... I'm getting the impression you're not made... There's less pressure on you. You're not quite as dependent on it as some others might be. You can... I'm just, I am dependent on it. Like, I'm dependent on it. There's more of a physical effort to have to be prompted and you have to make good decisions. You have to think before you make decisions as well. Like, I'm actually in the process of cutting down the numbers of them and I'll have to be prepared for this one there. And that's what I'm hearing from lots and lots of people. And you get... I don't want to be suddenly 20 cattle, too many, I'm not enough to feed them. And it's not right in the animal area, because the animal doesn't know what... I don't know much about what things are going on here. Farmers in general, like, well, it's pike's, sheep, hens, or... Farmers, like, there's a bit of spawn there between the farmer and the animal. Like... Yeah. So... There's a bit more, like, especially in my end, I think, so-called cows, I think... Yeah. ...those nice calves and all. Your line's beginning to fail, Jim, but just one final question. Like, what do you see the future as? You know, a small group of big farmers and, you know, what's not produced that we need being imported? Is that the future of agriculture in Ireland? Well, I think of the product, of the byproduct of agriculture, a meat, lamb, pork, keeps getting expensive on the shelves in the supermarkets. People are going to turn to processed food and get more cheap food, like... Which is not good. That's not good for our health. We know that. All right, Jim. Listen, I hope things improve soon. I appreciate your insights and your information. Thank you very much for that. 08-6-60-25-thousand, if you wish to stick your comments on there alongside Jim's. All right, there's a response there from the NCBI, but I don't know what the question is. I'll dig that out. It might be something that was on when I wasn't here. Raymond says NATO deliberately provoked this Russian war in Ukraine, which is actually, excuse me, something the Pope... I keep quoting the Pope, but he also said something along those lines over the last couple of days. He says, this all started with the fall of the Soviet Union long ago, with NATO deliberately choosing not to turn a former enemy into a friend and instead kept Russia as an enemy because the NATO generals needed an enemy so as to protect their very jobs. Look, there's plenty of enemies around the world. The Warsaw Pact expanded, but NATO did not likewise as a sign of good will and peace for the future. But there's more enemies, as I say, that could threaten the Western inverted commas than Russia. I mean, you know, the relationship with China is delicate. North Korea is where I'd be looking at if I was gonna start worrying about, you know, the ultimate. But anyway. Right, 08, 6, 60, 25,000. We'll play a piece of music after this ad break. If you want to request play, get it into us now on those numbers. For a great early season lawnmower deal, visit Gortley Seals and Hire. Exclusive stock is Ofstiga in the Northwest. Moors, Strimmers and H-Trimmers. Full trade and service available. At Gortley Seals and Hire, Gortley Letter Kenny. Call 9126276. They say you should have your second baby first. Because with your second baby, you'll have learned what to do. But not to do. What's best for baby and best for you. Like the loopy-loo range from Lidl, everything your baby needs, including award-winning nappies from only 99 cent. When you know what to do, loopy-loo. 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Right, Kieran Martin is the senior economic development officer, business concierge with Donegal County Council. Good morning to you, Kieran. Good morning, Greg. Good to have you with us. Okay, right. We covered this last year, I think, about a study into, you know, the future of caravan and camping, camper vans, motor homes, that sector in Donegal, how we'd accommodate them, how we do it, that it's advantageous to those wishing to visit or travel within the county and those that sort of live around where they might pull in and park. So, do we have the findings of that KPMG report now? Yeah, we do, Greg. I suppose just to reiterate that in 2021, Donegal County Council and partnership with KPMG Future Analytics and one of what have undertaken the study of the camping caravan sector within the county, I suppose, and what have provided a number of our recommendations for the future sustainable development of the sector. So, it would have, I suppose, give a detailed overview of the sector in Donegal with an assessment of the opportunities and threats and an assessment of good practices. And we would have actually had huge engagement from the public on this. On the public online survey, we would have approximately 1,800 responses, working with service providers. We had 61 responses. And with the campervan user survey, we had 1,200 responses. That's impressive. I suppose, yeah, and from that, there I suppose now that, you know, we obviously, you know, determine that there's been an increase in the number of visitors over the last number of years, but that has led to increased pressures in certain locations within the county. So, there's a couple of things going on here, isn't there, because there are those that have invested heavily in providing, you know, parks that people can pull in and access services and all of that. And then obviously, because of the nature of it, some of the parking can be a little bit ad hoc. They'll park anywhere and you can put services there and they won't pay for them and they choose to do that. And then there are others that want to stay in different parts of Donegal, but we don't have the facilities there for them. It's a case of sort of marrying, merging and marrying all of that and providing the best experience with the least inconvenience, I presume, for everyone. Yeah, I mean, that's essentially what we're looking to do here, Greg, is to have a kind of blend into the accommodation experience for everybody. I mean, I suppose one of the key recommendations that came out of the study was that there wasn't enough additional, or there wasn't enough overnight accommodation in certain locations within the county. So, therefore, they would have recommended the development of this grand scheme, which is what we're kind of rolling out now in terms of supporting the private sector to increase the provision of services for people in those areas, yeah. So, what is this new grand scheme all about? And why is it directed at local businesses and not sort of to the general public that might have some spaces available? Well, it's a good question, Greg, I suppose to take the first part. What is the scheme about, I suppose, as you said, the study identified that in certain areas within the county there wasn't enough overnight accommodation. So, we were getting that issue of people parking at Bad Hawke and perhaps not parking in locations that are most suitable for the environment around the county. So, we do know, obviously, the white Atlantic way in the staycation sector has increased the number of people coming here, but there wasn't seem to be enough suitable and safe accommodation in particular areas. In terms of who it's targeted at, it is initially targeted at the private sector with this initial call here. So, that'll be wrong. The business sector, do you mean all the products? Yeah, the business sector. The business sector up until May 30th, but after that in June, we are then having an open call to the voluntary sector because we do realise that, you know, there's a lot of community centres around here, there's a lot of GE8 clubs, there's a lot of football clubs, there's a lot of other facilities that could also fill this gap. So, we would be keen to obviously provide them with a commercial opportunity as well so that we are having that best blended opportunity for accommodation around the county. Now, say, for instance, I were a local GE8 club and I had a stripper land and I could accommodate the... What about planning? Is there a planning process still has to be gone through or because these are mobile units, there's no need for that? No, generally, they do all require planning and we would be asking anybody to get in contact with our planning section just to determine their own project requirements. There are various planning clinics that would be happening during the week. People contact us, Greg, on 074917222, we can advise on those planning clinics but in general, yes, these projects will need planning. Some have already been granted planning, some are in the process and some are just initially developing their ideas but, yeah, planning will be a certain requirement and we won't be able to obviously... Financial support unless the plan is in place. Is there certain standards that, like in other words, what wouldn't be unusual is maybe a concrete plinth where one could pull up on access to disposal of wastewater, maybe access to fresh water and electricity, like other basics that have to be provided to qualify for this grant scheme? We will be judging every application on its individual merits. One of the requirements, I suppose, we have, Greg, is that there won't be displacement. Obviously, that would be a key one. We will be meeting the applicants in advance of any final decisions to see what their plans are. I mean, in terms of what can be funded, we are looking at issues such as signage, site markings, site improvements, ground works for new spaces, black and gray water disposal, charging points and lighting. So we would be envisaging that the accommodation will have those. There will have to be a minimum of four additional spaces and it must be geared towards, I suppose, one-night stopovers being allowed also. We are trying to make sure that we do deliver the best blend and opportunity so when people come to the county, they have an opportunity to determine what kind of accommodation they want to use. Yeah, there's a bit of a misnomer out there, too, that this isn't a benefit to the economy. You can speak to those involved in caravaning and camping and their groups that represent them. You know, they go into an area that, right, maybe there might not be a accommodation lift, but they do spend heavily in local bars and restaurants and shops and what have you. So this has the potential for us to be a welcoming county for these customers, this clientele. But, you know, it reaps benefits financially for... And it's particularly maybe areas that don't necessarily see a high fall of tourists. There's a financial benefit there, as well. No, that's certainly something that we want to get across, is that this is an opportunity for the county. We have, you know, wonderful tourism product. It's just now about marketing to people and making sure that people can avail of the opportunity. We would know from anecdotal conversations and through the feedback with the survey that businesses are availing of the opportunities and businesses do regard this sector as something that can be very profitable for them. We're also developing a quote of conduct for the sector in terms of trying to get them to engage with local businesses and, you know, to immerse themselves in the community while they're here visiting shops, bars, restaurants and service providers. So we are working with groups like Total Camp in Ireland, Motorhome Ireland, Donegal Camp in and Caravan Parks Association. So we're trying to bring everybody along with us and to make them realize the opportunities that are here. It's a 50% max grant up to how much? The minimum applications we're looking at, Greg, are 5,000 euro with a maximum of the 20,000 euro. In exceptional circumstances, we can look outside of those limits, but yes, and fund it at 50% of the cost. And all planning, the normal planning rules apply. So for people in a local area go, right, okay, I can see the benefits, but, you know, I have a problem with this. The normal planning procedures will be followed obviously as well. Yeah, I mean, that's critical. You know, we have an internal working group working on this kind of recommendations as well, Greg. So we have our planning colleagues advising our roads, colleagues, our environmental colleagues. So it's just trying to make sure that we're all thinking from the one M-shaped. And certainly, you know, we won't be able to pay out without any, you know, planning in place. Yeah, okay, I get you. Listen, thanks. Do you have a motorhome here? I don't unfortunately. Is it on the bucket list? Is it a wish list? I see there's certainly plenty of them around the county at the moment, but unfortunately, I'm a public sector employee. I'm not in those sort of inches. Ah, but you're also, you know, you are entitled to a mid-life crisis like me, which you need camper vans. Go fishing. Oh, yeah, yeah. Okay, all right, good man. I will hope to get you a pay rise, Kieran. Make your dreams come true. All right, Kieran, thanks very much for that. Kieran Martin, Senior Economic Developer, Officer of Business Concerts. We've done a kind of council now, as I mentioned, we've an exclusive interview for you at 11 o'clock. And I can exclusively reveal to you now that it was with Joe McHugh, former Education Minister, current Finnegale TD. He is not going to be contesting the next general election. He is not seeking a nomination for his party to run in the next general election. It doesn't come as a huge surprise to me. I've asked him the question a couple of times because I kind of was wondering what the answer might be. And he was noncommittal at that point. But I can reveal or we can reveal to you now that he is not contesting the next general election, which for anyone with an interest in politics throws up a real interesting sort of set of events. Obviously, it's a long time, decades, decades, over half a century, maybe 70 years since Finnegale in that area was represented at a cabinet, I believe. And Joe McHugh had done that. And also the question is, who would step in to replace Joe McHugh in that area? Who would be the candidates? We're not going to be asking him, we'll ask him that, but he probably won't be able to answer that question for you. So if you want to hear the reasons why, and I understand a lot of it's to do with wanting to spend time with his young family, but if you want to hear the reasons why and as much as he might answer, stay tuned. After about an hour, we have that exclusive interview with Minister, former Minister Joe McHugh, current TD. He is not, I can reveal, he is not contesting the next general election. Okay, that's a wee exclusive for you, and we'll have all the details of that for you at 11 o'clock. But just to reiterate, Joe McHugh has confirmed to Highland Radio News that he will not be contesting the next general election. Okay, we'll be back with more, including that exclusive interview after these. Always stay connected. Plus, choose from Sky Sports or Sky Cinema. All for just 60 euro a month for 12 months. Don't miss this amazing offer. Just search SkySpringSend. COVID-19 booster vaccines, now available for over 65s and all eligible patients in your local health-wise pharmacy. Appointments now available. Please ask in-store or complete an online form at healthwisepharmacies.ie. COVID-19 booster vaccines are the best way to stay protected against COVID-19 and are recommended by our pharmacists. Health-wise pharmacies, caring for your community. Your specialty is quality tiles, bathroom suites, and wooden floors. Who is the best range of tiles in Donegal? Crawford Tiles. The best wood flooring? Crawford Tiles. The best bathroom suites? Craw... Crawford Tiles. Five-day bathroom refits? Crawford Tiles. And who's been tampering with my questions? That'll be me. Crawford Tiles, Castle Finn. That'll be them. 0749143942. Highland Radio weather updates with Ireland West Airport. Now flying to 19 destinations this summer with seven days car parking from just 30 euro when you book online. Ireland West Airport. You're flying. Okey-doke. A cloudy start today with scattered patches of light rain and drizzle. However, it will become drier and brighter in the afternoon with sunny spells developing, feeling humid with highs of 13 to 15 degrees in a light to moderate northwesterly breeze. Okay, as you may have been hearing, things may be about to change in the United States as it relates to the availability of abortion. Larry Donnelly is a Boston attorney and law lecturer at NUI Galway and he joins us now to try and help explain this to us. Good morning, Larry. Great to be with you. Thank you very much indeed. Right, so talk to us about Row versus Wade. Why it was being scrutinized and how is it so important that it could bring into question access to abortion, same-sex marriage, even mixed-race marriages potentially? Well, Row versus Wade, as most people will know, is the United States Supreme Court decision from 1973 which effectively held that there's a constitutional right to privacy. That is a constitutional right to privacy and that that right to privacy extends to allow a woman to have an abortion with certain restrictions. Row versus Wade set out a framework that a state could not impose any restrictions on abortion in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Now, the reason this came before the court was in recent years states, particularly in the South, have been pushing more and more abortion restrictions. So, Mississippi and after the law, which would have banned abortion after 15 weeks, clearly against the Row versus Wade decision, that was immediately challenged in court and it was injuncted. However, the state appealed it all the way to the Supreme Court. Hence, the issue is before the Supreme Court with the hearing last year. And now what we have is a draft decision that extraordinarily has been leaked. And now we see what's going on within the court. So, if this decision is the final decision, effectively Row versus Wade will be consigned to the history books and individual states will then legislate as to whether they want to have abortion or not. Some people are saying that this could cause jeopardize other rights. You mentioned some of those. The one thing I would say about that is it may jeopardize them in the sense that they will no longer be constitutional rights. However, that does not mean again that individual states can make their own laws on a whole range of these different issues. So, it's a complicated situation. But obviously it has triggered a really strong reaction. People who would be in favor of this and those that might be against it, coming out protesting. I suspect maybe, whomever leaked it, that's precisely what they wanted. They wanted this out into the open so that it would become a political issue. Obviously, there's elections coming up in American midterms later this year. And also, you know, get that public debate going. This has never happened before. How difficult might it be to determine who leaked this and their motivations for doing so? Well, the important thing to say is that I know it's been reported that it's never happened before. It actually has happened before on numerous occasions, particularly in the 19th century. But in this instance, I mean, this is probably the most momentous leak in American history. Now, chances are a lot of people on the right are saying that this is somebody on the left who's committed to the role versus way of being enthrined, who also is concerned about the Democratic Party potentially taking a blood bath in the midterm elections, that it's likely a left-leaning clerk to one of the judges on the court. Now, that's the suspicion among many on the right. I tend to think that that suspicion actually makes a lot of sense, given the context that we're working in. But clearly, you know, the leak will drop, huge scrutiny onto the issue of abortion. Indeed, you know, things were looking very bad for Democrats ahead of the midterm. This undeniably will galvanize lots of Democrats who again would fear any erosion of abortion rights in the US, and perhaps some Democrats might look at as a chance to, I suppose, make the midterms a little bit less painful than it might otherwise have looked. What does this mean broadly? Because I understand in terms of the states the individual states, it's like kind of 50-50 in their attitude towards abortion. I think it's sort of like 60-40 across the general public. But there's a sizable amount, almost that 50-50 again, that are in a disagreement with the other 50%. Is this broadly more indicative of the fact that we really can't agree on anything anymore, it seems? Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, much has been made of the division in the United States, and I think that's true. What you're ultimately going to have is a patchwork quilt. If Roe is indeed overturned a patchwork quilt of laws around the country with respect to abortion, I should say very quickly, an important point here. Pro-life or anti-abortion advocates in the United States have long been making, albeit from a very different perspective, and against a very different landscape, they've been making the very same argument that the repeal of the 8th activists were making here on that is, take abortion out of the Constitution, take abortion away from judges, and make it a political issue. It will be interesting to see both how abortion falls and pro-choice activists rededicate their efforts. Pro-choice activists really have to take their efforts to the political realm, and as you say, Greg, at the reality of the majority of people do want to see Roe stay. They do want the right to abortion edit. You know, they differ in restrictions, et cetera. But with that audience, pro-choice activists should be able to drive debate on this, so it'll be interesting to see how it all ends up. All right, Larry, thanks as always for your informed insight. It's very much appreciated. Larry Donnelly, Boston Attorney and Law Lecturer at NUI Galway. Heading towards news 11, coming up after 11, we'll have fingers crossed that interview with Joe McHugh, deputy Joe McHugh who is announced. We kind of revealed, I suppose you could say, that he will not be contesting the next general election, and he'll be outlining the reasons why. On the face of it, of course, a father of a young family, I presume he's achieved an awful lot in politics, and perhaps now is the time for him to be able to enjoy his family life a bit more, but maybe there's more to it. We'll try and tease that out with him. For those farmers in our area, the Corn Crate Life have incentives and schemes to support farming for nature. Check out the website, corncratelife.ie. Hi, Greg, just wanted to say it was great to hear Vinnie and Mark on yesterday's show, Raising Awareness of Cystic Fibrosis, wishing Vinnie all the best of luck for his event on Friday. Great calls, well done, boys. They were great, and according to Vinnie, Mark, it's not a big public speaker. Well, he knocked it out of the park yesterday, which I'm delighted. If you want to re-watch that interview, by the way, go on to my Facebook page, Greg Hughes, and it's there for you to see, and it's also a positive one. For those of you who didn't tune in, Mark got a new tablet. He got on new drugs over the last eight months, and he's been blown away by how it has improved his life. His lung capacity went from around about 50% or was it 45% up to 85%. He's back able to play a bit of football and also play a bit of golf on Friday as well. I think even the success of this treatment for him has surprised him, so it was nice to be speaking about Raising Awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Island in the context of someone who was on a new treatment, and that had worked well for them. Right, okay, let us take a break. We'll be back with more on the 9-10 noon show in just a couple of moments. Wet and Wild is your one-stop shop for adventure travel, stocking all the leading brands of sandals, swimwear, sunglasses, points, age backpacks, dry bags, child carriers, midge and mosquito repellents, first aid kits, UV protection, money wallets and waterproof phone covers. Keep you and your family safe on holiday this summer with a visit to Wet and Wild. Homestore and more, a happy home. If you are 65 or over or you have a weak immune system, you can now get your second COVID-19 booster vaccine. Your vaccine is due four months after your last vaccine. It will improve your protection from COVID-19. You can book a vaccination center appointment on hsc.ie or contact a participating GP or pharmacy. For more information on your second booster or to book an appointment, visit hsc.ie or call our team in hsc live on 1800 700 700 from the hsc for us all. If you're getting married, the in-house design team at Bisprint can get all your wedding stationery and signage customized to your requirements. Just visit WeddingInvites.ie or call Bisprint at Port Broader Kenny on 911 7995. Okay, keep the entertainment coming for you throughout the afternoon here in Highland Radio around the Northwest. It's broadcasting live today from Letter Kenney's Main Street from 12 noon to 2.30 p.m. with John Breslin, of course. It's in advance of the Air Grid Energy Citizenship Citizens Roadshow, sorry. It's taking place later today at the Clannery Hotel in Letter Kenney and tomorrow it moves south to Donegal Town at the Abbey Hotel. The Roadshow events will provide information about Donegal's energy future, future proof in the grid in the Northwest and details about home energy efficiency upgrades and grants. So a bit of info for you, but the usual mix of brilliant music from John and conversation. You're invited to the Wellness Café's Peer Appreciation Day. It's taking place on the 5th of May, that's tomorrow, at Greenon Theatre Letter Kenney. It runs from 10.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It's a day to celebrate the Donegal Wellness Cafes and their peers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on the day with mental health information stands on a variety of topic. Music and crack also provided. So get along if you can in Letter Kenney to that tomorrow between 10.30 a.m. and 12 p.m., hopefully if they highland on in the background. Okay, it is 11 o'clock. Coming up for you shortly, that exclusive interview with Joe McHugh as he explains why he's announcing today he is not going to contest the next general election. But first it is time for a news update and we say good morning to McKayna Clark. Hi, McKayna. Thanks, Greg. Good morning. Well, as you heard, Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh has announced that he will not be contesting the next general election. The finnegill TD says he has taken the decision to focus on family life after a significant period of reflection and much consideration. During his time as TD, Deputy McHugh served as government chief whip and minister for education and skills. Minister Anrab, it has called for an independent review of adult safeguarding and long-term residential care settings in Donegal. A report published by Hickwa last week following inspections at 18 HSC-run centres in the county found major issues around governance and oversight. Concerns were also raised over the HSC's ability at a national level to bring about improvements, warning that feeling to do so could result in a significant safeguarding issue. Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Hulahin has said he isn't annoyed at the Department of Health over the handling of his proposed succumbent to Trinity College. Dr Hulahin said he decided to pull out of the role following political controversy about it. The European Commission president has called for a ban on Russian oil imports following the invasion of Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen outlined a sixth package of sanctions on Moscow designed to hurt its economy. All 27 member states need to approve the measure. The Finance Committee will today undertake detailed pre-legislative scrutiny of Donegal Deputy Pierre Storty's Judicial Council Amendment Bill. The legislation would require the insurance industry to provide information to the central bank outlining how the cost of claims has reduced as a result of the new Personal Injuries Guidelines. The key outlook of the Leicester-Kennie-Milford Municipal District is urging the council to carry out a review of how small repair works on footpaths are dealt with. It comes as latest figures show claims totaling 364,000 euro for trips and falls was paid out by the council in the final quarter of last year. And a burst water man is affecting parts of Rathmullen. Irish waters say repairs may cause supply disruptions. Works are due to be completed by two o'clock this afternoon. Those are the latest headlines. We'll be back with an update again at 12 noon. One way someone can activate their camera is by tapping the capture button on the frame. Another way is by using a voice command, like... Take a photo. So now you know a bit more about smart glasses. A message from Metta and Esiel or Luxotica. Okay, you're very welcome back to the 9 till noon show here on Highland Radio. And we welcome on to the programme now, as we mentioned, Deputy Joe McHugh. Good morning to you, Joe. Thanks for joining us. Good morning, Greg. And thanks for facilitating us a short notice. How are you feeling? I think there's an anxiety when you're trying to get the message out to party workers, party supporters, personal supporters, and trying to manage the communication side. So there's a bit of an anxiousness around that. But how am I feeling that? I'm very content with the decision I've made, Greg, and that decision has been really now for quite a while, to be honest. Yeah, and I kind of asked you the question a couple of times, and you kept your cards close to your chest, and rightly so, because you're an individual person and you're a family man, and that's your right, of course. You talked about it being in the offing for a while. When did you start sort of saying that maybe I've given as much to politics as I want to for now? I think COVID, as people say, COVID changed everything, and I suppose bringing it down to my personal level and family level, I started to realise and appreciate, through COVID, spending day after day with my family and being with the kids, and whether it's putting them in the hands at night, or putting them out in the morning and feeding them, and just being there with them, I realised, I just realised how much I missed out, Greg. Look, I am conscious that many parents are away a good bit, and everybody has their own reasons for doing things, but six years in the ministries were very, very intense, and I just realised how much I missed, and I just want to be with them more, and that's the reason why I made this decision. I know I still have two years left in this term, which I'll continue to work at, and do sort of serve the mandate that it was given by the people of Donegal, but I will not be looking for the nomination for the next general. Yeah, and I can understand why you would want to give such advanced notice and get it out there, because there's planning and other things that have to be put in place, but then again, you've got this two year lead-in, you want to spend time with your family and all, like it's going to be hard, is it to keep the head down to motivate yourself? I know I would find it difficult, so it's not a slight on you, I'm just speaking like how I might feel. Yeah, I mean, look, I think even the last few weeks, things have gone back to, not the same as what would have happened before. I mean, my life was very much leaving, you could be leaving on a Monday, having to Dublin and back on a Friday, and then you might be home late on a Friday night, and you could be away early in a Saturday morning, and you might be gone again the following week, so on. I don't think that, since COVID, people have, they're looking at things differently, and I'm able to manage my time differently now, yes, look, I still have to go to my district meetings, I was in Glenties two weeks ago, I was in Donegal Town last Thursday night, you know, we were in Fund Valley the week before that, so I'm still going to do that, but it's about managing my time better, but it's also knowing that there is an end game here, and the end game will be in two years' time. Do you feel as well, was this part of it, that in a way, you've held a really high office in minister, you've held a really high office, within the party's chief whip, I'm not sure if you had any realistic aspirations to be in the party leader, like, I mean, is there a sense that you feel that you've achieved everything that you possibly wanted to, or maybe could achieve in politics, and you just couldn't contend yourself for another 30 years on the back benches? Well, look, I've had a good run, as a couple of people who members of the party rang me this morning after they received their letters, and while people were, maybe some of them that did ring me were shocked, that there is an understanding as to why I made this decision, but also there is an appreciation for what I've given, people know how hard I work, and that is something that I'll absolutely never regret, and I'll never ever forget, and I'll always be grateful for every single individual that helped me on my journey, and look, I suppose, like, calling a spade a spade, my motivation the whole time was for my county and for my constituents and, like, any other politician in the country, and I always used the positions, and while I was a national politician as chief whip or minister of education, I think people will know that I used those positions in the best interest of the country, but also in order to make up for deficits in my own county, so I've no regrets, Greg, I'm very grateful for everybody, you know, within the party and outside the party that have supported me over the years, and I know there's still work to do, there's a lot, there's always work to do in politics, there's never a finished game, but one thing that I will be continuing very, very closely with is the Michael issue, so I'm looking forward to that coming before Cabinet in a few weeks. Yeah, we'll talk about that a wee bit more in a stand-alone way, if that's okay, Joe, and I say that with respect. In terms of, in public office now, I think more so than anywhere, there's an awful lot of criticism, you know, you're called out, even in your own community, walking down your local village, there might be someone might shout, it probably never happened, but you know, maybe someone looks at you and say, oh, there he is, look at him, and blah, blah, blah, blah. Does that wear on you? How do you deal with that? Has that formed any part of this decision? I think the danger in politics at the moment, Greg, is that there is a perception that it's a really tough game, and it's a hard game, and there's a lot of abuse and all that, but you know, you mentioned local, like I'm involved with Francis McHugh and the under-13 Downing's team, and you know, with WhatsApp groups of parents, I'm involved in the Glenry WhatsApp group, and I'm involved in the under-15 WhatsApp group, I'm involved in all these WhatsApp groups, you know, there's 100 parents straight away, and like, there's never any abuse, there's never any, you know, ill feeling or nothing, like people, when they're in bother politically and they have a point to say, they're entitled to say it, and maybe in time, you harden as a politician, as an individual, but my message would be this, that it's not all bad out there, I mean, real hard-going has been Katie Taylor in a ring in the sixth round, you know, and... Fifth round. That's real hard. That was the fifth round, but I'll take you... Oh, the fifth round. It was three o'clock in the morning, you know... Well, I only watched the highlights, but I mean, that is really hard work. I know what you're on about, that there's an awful lot of people who have it an awful lot more difficult than a politician would. Yeah, I mean, point being is, you know, I'm moving on now in a couple of years' time, and I would always encourage people to get involved and, you know, put their name forward, and the only message I would give to people who are newly thinking about going into politics, they need to be given enough running time, and it's one of the mistakes we made in successive elections. We, you know, we got candidates in too late, and it didn't give them time to get their name out there. That would be the only lesson that I would mention. You know, again, I mean this with respect, but you may have struggled to get in the next time with everything that's going on, and you might feel that you wouldn't have. You would have sailed it, I don't know. Did the prospect of a tough campaign, and it would have been a tough campaign, possibly even having to stand against market campaigners in the next general election, and how that might have played out for you and your family as well that you have to consider in the party as a whole, did that fact come in as part of any of your decision-making process? No, it didn't, to be honest, Greg, like every election, I've stood in six elections, and I've, you know, been successful in six elections, and each one of those elections, there would have been people saying that McHugh will not make it, and now it's not going to happen for him, and there's always that. So it's not a good enough reason to stand in an election to decide whether you get elected or not, but to be honest, from the amount of work we're doing through our office at the moment, and me being back on the ground and not being a minister, I'm finding myself more engaged with people, and meeting people, and I feel I have more time for people, and politics is not going to change in thousands of years, time that people want to see their local representative, they want to know they're there, and if there was an election where I could point out that it would be a confident warning, I certainly would be, if I stood in the next election, it would be one of the ones I would be more confident about warning. You talked about the Mike Rish, you being a test, I think it was you, you said it to us on this programme, a test of between sort of maybe the power of elected government and the permanent government. I just wonder through all of this, and from what you've seen, you know, behind the curtain that we don't see, have you lost any faith in politics, that elected politics, has there been any frustration, has that fed into maybe part of this process? No, it's funny, I was a youth worker prior to politics, and I was always the guy knocking at the establishment and knocking the door and saying they're not looking after young people, and they're not looking after communities, and but once you get into politics, you get an insight into how things work, and I suppose in a nutshell, it's about relationships, it's a building relationships, and you mentioned Micah, the two most important relationships I have on the Micah issue is a Micah Action Group, which I work hand in glove with, and there are good officials in the Department of Environment, you're right in saying, I pointed out that there are officials who make it hard within the department, within the Department of Public Expenditure, but I've met so many good people within those departments that people like John O'Connor, who's working closely with the group, they want to make it work as well, so in time and politics, and that's why it's important that people don't just dip in and dip out of politics, if you want to deliver for your constituency, you need to build those relationships, and they are not trust in order to deliver for your own constituency. As much as you're comfortable in talking about, I understand that maybe you've faced some health challenges over the last couple of years, as I say, I'm not going to ask any questions, I don't know to be honest, because I don't really involve myself in people's personal stuff really, I don't mind the politics, but outside of that, everyone is a normal person doing their own normal thing, but has there been an issue there, and how are you? I'm 100%, I'm fitter now than I have been in a long number of years, and that's probably because I'm maybe eating regularly and getting more sleep, and not running around like an Egypt, as I did for many decades, but in fairness, can I just say that, Greg, like you and your team there, while I was going through my health scare this time last year, or around February time, March of last year, you respected that, you respected those boundaries, and I've always said that I wouldn't talk publicly about it, but I have thought about it, and I think if I can get a message out that maybe might help one other man, I'm going to do it today, Greg, and I'm going to say this briefly, I spent a weekend at McKinney Hospital with septicemia, and following that, I had a prostatectomy done in Dublin, and I think it was because it was out of the Ministry for Education that I decided to get my health checked out, and I did my PSA, and in doing that, I was given a heads-up, an early detection of a problem with both my prostate, and I got it done, like many men that's got it done, I know in our own county a lot of men have come out publicly on it and fair play to them, and I'll just say this, at once a year for men, just once a year, do a check-up, just check your PSA, you know, I'm on the other side of 50 now, if you're over 50 or an around that, just do the one-year check-up, and if there's men listening today that they're wondering about this or wondering about going to the toilet too much, or they have a wee issue there, just go to their GP and just get a check-out, and that's taken that opportunity, Greg, to do it today, because I'm... And it's important everyone, everyone's different, and everyone does it when it's the right time for them to talk about it, because it's your own personal stuff, and I think it's a good message, and we should also listen to it. Do things like that scare us like that, and there's a period of time, probably before you're told these things are early, that everything flashes through your head, what's the future, what could happen? Did you reevaluate a bit around about that time too, Joe? Look, when you're lying in the bed horizontal, looking up at the ceiling, you reassess everything, you reevaluate everything, Greg, and this, as opposed to decision, has been just dating now for quite a period, but the important thing is to get the message that our healthcare system, and while obviously there's so many faults within it as well, robotic surgery, and to think that for four hours, there was a consultant sitting at a computer, was back to me in the operating table, basically doing a robotic surgery, and it's just so, it's miracle territory in many ways, but it's really, really important that the recovery, and I know women are good at getting the message out there, and getting the message out about early prevention, and getting the early tests, and recovery, recovery is so important, and years ago when surgery was done for prostate, a lot of men would have had bad experiences, and maybe that's why they don't talk about it, but it's pros, it's robotic surgery now, it's very sophisticated surgery, and there's nothing to be afraid about, and you will recover, and certainly, as I said at the beginning, Greg, my health has never been in a better place, in fact, I'm trying to get John Breslin to get the Highland Radio team going there again, I'm mad to get on the pitch again. Okay, well, I'm not sure about that, maybe he could be a manager or something, I don't know, I think you count, Leo Faradkar obviously is the party leader, but as a friend, when did you tell him, what did you tell him, did he try and change your mind? I told him, I suppose, the week before, I did tell him because he was in America last week, so I timed it, I wanted to meet him personally, before he went to the States, no, he didn't, in fairness, he didn't try to change my mind, he respected it, and he acknowledged the fact that we are, not just politically close, but we're also with a personal friendship there as well, and Leo's a serious guy, and out of respect for him, I want to give the party that two years, and look, we will identify a candidate, we've got a good time to do that. And he's up here on Friday, you can't tell me that's a coincidence. Well, no, I mean, I'll hold on to you a second, right? Okay, you make this big announcement on Wednesday, right? There's a two, the party locally might be going, what's going on here? He's got all the business up here, I'm sure, but it can't be a complete coincidence. Well, look, I mean, there's a development report the party's been working on to set out a strategy for the next two years, and I didn't want to be sitting at the top table with Leo, saying that I was going to be part of that particular strategy. So it's out of honesty to the membership and being honest with Leo, so at least now there's a blank page for them to start working on that. I think it would be incredibly unfair, especially it would be different, maybe if you weren't still a TD, to ask you about who might replace you. So I'll keep it general. Are you confident that the two years is long enough for a candidate to be sort of identified, you know, maybe raise their profile if necessary, and to successfully contest your seat? Yeah, I mean, look, there's ambition in our organization, and that has been the total message from right through the work that we've been doing this last three years. And look, there's ambition and there's ambitious councillors. Martin Harley, you know, was on the ticket with me the last general elections, the last general election, there's experience there. Martin's very much a team player. Jimmy Cavanaugh, situated in the largest town in the county. And Barry Sweeney could come into the equation if the constituency boundaries are redrawn. Three fellas, three fellas. And well, I'm just talking with the councillors, and first we ran four female candidates in the council and they didn't get elected. And Johnny McGinnis is making, you know, Johnny's very experienced through family and politics, and he's very articulate, and he will, you know, he will be a person as well within the organization that, you know, that will mark that ambition. But look, there's always, there's going to be potential council candidates, there's going to be openings in different electoral areas, and let's see what'll happen over the next two years. What has been the highlights of your political career? After putting the children to bed on a Friday night, two most calls, and Leo asking me to become Minister for Education, I just, I couldn't believe it. I think it's the only time I got any way emotional when I got something in politics, and I just felt so good about that, and I wanted to do so much in it. And I was glad that he put his faith in me. Have you had to pick a low point? Look, when I think back to the post-recession years, or not even post-recession during this recession, 11, 12, 13, 14, I think the low point was, you know, us coming into government in 2011 and being, you know, paralysed to an extent that everything that was thrown at us at an official level was, well, look, this is what the AMF says, this is what the trike is saying, and you have to balance your books. And I'll never forget the pain that taking 30 billion euro out of the economy over a very short couple of years inflicts on people and that hurt people. And I was part of a government that tried to get the economy. We eventually got the economy back on track again, but a lot of people have difficult times along the way, and it wasn't nice seeing that and meeting people and trying to explain that to people when people were really, really struggling and 90,000 young people emigrating and all that. Like it's very hard to be part of that and not being able to do something at that given time. Yeah, and we'll talk about the micro situation now, and in your statement, it's front and center that you're going to be committed to doing as much as you can over the next two years, not presuming you'll have influence afterwards and you can exercise that. It's devastating. And once even in two years' time, I'm not sure how much progress we're going to have made for a number of reasons and how many more people might be affected by this. It is almost beyond words what families and businesses and everyone's facing across Donegal and beyond. What can be done? What needs to be done in your view? Well, I think the first thing we don't know is get the memo to cabinet, and that's going to be ready in a few weeks to spoke to Dara Brown last week about that. And the legislation has to be robust enough to cater for all the individual hard cases. There's so many hard cases and you will have got insights on your own radio show there, but it's important that that legislation is completed before the doll rises this summer. And then implementation, implementation, we have to see the work starting, we have to see the work on the ground. And I know we've all, it's a background of constraints and labor supply, cost materials, but all that being said, there's still people building houses on an individual basis against those constraints as well. So we have to figure a way to try to fast track it. And look, it's very difficult for somebody now who's sitting in their kitchen today, maybe listening to this or looking at a cracked wall and trying to figure out children going to college or teenagers going to college and looking at money or maybe looking at their first holiday. It's the worst of the worst situation. And as somebody explained to me recently, she said, Joe, we were looking at our life. People look at life and steps and the mortgage been cleared, children going to college, things easy enough. And it's like starting out, starting out back, you know, back a few steps. And that's just so hard. You know, obviously everyone's different, but a lot of TDs, you know, they're the front of it. It's almost like an organization or a business. I don't know how to describe it, but there's you there, right? But there's those that support you. There's those in your local area that you might fall out with from time to time, but they remain loyal to you when push comes to shove. There's confidence, and I'm sure, and I'm thinking on the late Vernon McGinnis that are no longer with us, but there's an awful lot of people it takes to get someone elected to support them in that position and to support them, you know, whilst they're in that position. You'd have a lot of those people in your life too, I'm sure, Joe. Yeah, and far too many. I'm not going to name them, but I'm glad you mentioned that the late Bernard McGinnis, because Bernard was very much part of the one candidate strategy in 2007. And I don't know about it, maybe an hour and a half from Malin and Kaldaf, from Carigart, and to top the poll in Kaldaf and Malin in that election. It was just, I mean, it's something that still shocks me, but obviously that was the intervention of Bernard. But there's been there's been so many people from within Finnegale, established Finnegale, new Finnegale, and then non-Finnegale and the people who would meet me in the doorsteps and Joe, I'm giving you the vote, but I'm not giving Finnegale the vote. And that's the personal connection. And I value that. I'll always be grateful because by being in politics, it's given me opportunities that I never would have got. And it's given me an insight into human behavior, human, the human condition. And the overarching, I suppose, analysis of my time in politics is that people in the main are good, people in the main are fair. And it's not a bad job politics. And I would not discourage people from getting into this profession. And if you sit on Facebook all day, if you want to reach out and get the negative, you'll get the negatives are there. But years ago, those same conversations were happening in a pub and the politicians just didn't get a chance to hear them. So just people can protect themselves in politics too. So you'll be having more of these conversations in the Glen Bar and others? I think we're going to have to... I don't know if I'm going to start advocating the return to the pub. No, I know. But listen, obviously, you know, as impressive as the Downing's GA underage structure is, there's not enough there to sustain all of your time. Have you any idea what you would like to do with the extra time that you have? Of course, you've talked about the importance of your family and what have you. So that goes without saying. But personally, on a personal level, I mean, I'm presuming you're not prepared to put on the house jacket and the slippers. Is there an area that you would like to maybe pursue a bit more? Even a return to teaching, dare I say? Well, I mean, look, I'm committed to serving out the mandates. Like the people of Downing all elected me. So that is a full-time job in itself. And it's funny on Bank Holiday Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Like the phone, I was at a tournament in Colrain, and the phone was going and the texts were going about passports and does that. So I'm going to finish out this mandate. But look, during that time, like obviously, I love to start about thinking, you know, as the future gets a bit closer, I have to think about it. But look, I think that's for another day. I'm committed to this. I'll finish it. And even if I was offered something even on a part-time basis, over the next two years, I wouldn't take it because I wouldn't be doing justice to that and I wouldn't be doing justice to my own job. And I'm conscious too. And Eamor and Evelyn and me, offers are impacted by this decision. So that's something I'm conscious of. Yeah, man, I understand that. And listen to the back of my head, because every action has a reaction. And I think you kind of reference that, or maybe explicit reference that, in that you're having to inform people of a decision that you're taking that's going to impact on their lives and stuff as well. Leo for Adcar. I want to thank Joe McHugh for his work and for successive governments for Ireland, for Finnegale and his constituents. He has been and will continue to be a dedicated and hard-working member of Finnegale and Darlaren. I am very sorry to hear that Joe will not be contesting the next general election, but haven't discussed it with him. I understand his reasons. Deputy McHugh and I were elected to Darlaren in the same, at the same time in 207, both regaining seats for the Finnegale party. We served together on the Finnegale front bench in opposition and as ministers in government. It was an honor as T-Shock to appoint him to the office of Chief Whip, Chief Whip, and Minister for Gail Totten, subsequently as Minister for Education. Joe is one of the most compassionate and kindest person in a profession that is often fought from kind. So that's a statement released to us there from Leo for Adcar. Okay, well, sure. We'll be chatting again, I'm sure. Very well, very well. And just thanks as well, Greg, for you and Caroline. I know Caroline has... People who have a politician have a difficult job. Caroline has an impossible job there as well, like herding sheep at times and trying to get... Herding cats more like sheep. Sheep or easy herd. Did you mean herding cats? But thanks to you and yourself, Greg, for allowing me to get my voice out there and let the people of Donegal know what's happening. All right, okay. And it's not easy in government. And those in opposition will see. The other side of it, I suppose, may be down the line who's to say. But we appreciate your time this morning, as I say. I'm sure we'll be speaking again as you continue as TD representing your area for the next couple of years. Thanks, Joe. Thanks, Greg. All right, take care of yourself. Yes, go ahead, go ahead. Yeah, just say, Greg, Doreen Sheridan, the constituency secretary, and Harold Orte, the constituency chair. This became news to them over the last couple of days as well. So I'd like to thank them, and I know they have a body of work to do, and I just want to thank them for their support as well. Yes, Doreen, to go a bit easier on me. You know, she can be, she reprimands me far too. Doreen just says it as it is. Oh, I know. I think that's what's needed. That's what's needed. And I wouldn't like her to change this. And thanks very much, Joe. I appreciate it. Great, take care of yourself. That's Deputy Joe McHugh there. 08, 660, 25,000 WhatsApps and texts. Hear that? It's wonderful, isn't it? The sound of appreciation, of love, of gratitude and joy. Yeah, let's hear it for our ears. Love your ears. Book a free hearing test at hiddenhearing.ie. Your hearing is our expertise. At McGee's.ie, you can create gallery quality art on canvas from your favorite photo, direct from your phone, laptop, or PC. Simply upload your favorite picture and have it printed on canvas, transformed into gallery quality art for as little as $44.95. Click and collect or have it delivered to your door ready to hang. Big picks, small prices. At McGee's Chemist, letter Kenny. See McGee's.ie. iMotors Nissan, the place for award-winning range of vehicles, including the Micra, Leaf, Juke, Kashkai, and the all-new Nissan area. There's a model to suit everyone. 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Get a new perspective with the Yaris Cross self-charging hybrid, available now at Kelly's Toyota Port Road, letter Kenny, or drum by Mount Charles. You'll never take a wrong turn with Toyota, built for a better world. COVID-19 booster vaccines, now available for over 65s and all eligible patients in your local HealthWise Pharmacy. Appointments now available. Please ask in store or complete an online form at healthwisepharmacies.ie. COVID-19 booster vaccines are the best way to stay protected against COVID-19 and are recommended by our pharmacists. HealthWise Pharmacies, caring for your community. The Ulster Championship is an association with Henry McGinley and Son's limited Milford Donegal for all your general engineering queries, corner lintels and specialised fabrication. Call for a quote on 074 91 53 181. Okay, we are joined on the program now by Jerry Davenport, former national president of the Community Games and chair of letter Kenny Community Games. Good morning to you, Jerry. Thanks for calling in. Morning, Greg. Thank you for having me. It's one of these things we're really talking now, aren't we, about the very future of the Community Games. That's not an exaggeration, is it? No, it's not an exaggeration. That's why I tried to get on today, Greg, to bring it home to people here within the letter Kenny area, because Community Games have been in existence in the letter Kenny for nearly 50 years. We've seen a decline all right over the last number of years, but with COVID not, no people can blame COVID for maybe volunteers not getting involved not again, but we called our AGM there about a month or so ago and we held only three people turned up. It's heartbreaking, isn't it? We called another meeting there two weeks ago, two extra people turned up. So we had to go again. We decided to give it a third chance on Monday night, half eight, in the station house here in the letter Kenny, just maybe to bring home to people what is happening and what is likely to happen if things don't improve. Well, before we get to that, let's talk about the Community Games and their history. For you, what are the Community Games, who's involved in them and what's their importance? Community Games was established way back in Dublin and Walkenstown to involve communities, areas, housing states in around the Dublin area that didn't have sporting facilities and they were basic at the time, but then as years went on, they grew and they grew throughout Ireland to be one of the major organisations and years ago, 30, 40 years ago, Community Games was the game. That was the only game that was on the pitches and answers at the time, but things have moved on since Greg and other sporting organisations seemed to have caught up and passed us out, maybe, in a way. Well, that's what I was going to say to you, because between all different sports, GEA, boxing, soccer, basketball, golf, young people playing it, and improved facilities in schools, perhaps as well, and more time dedicated to it, my question, I ask, is there a future for Community Games or maybe that area is well-served now? That area is well-served, but I think there still is a niche there. Now, maybe not in the bigger towns like Lederkinny, but certainly in the smaller communities around the country, you know, and when I say Lederkinny and the size of Lederkinny, I also am aware that other areas throughout the country, similarly in size to Lederkinny, that are having difficulties as well. Now, let me say, Greg, we have great support from all the sporting organisations. Yeah, that's not that much. Like, if we went through the swimming organisation, we wanted to do the gymnastics, soccer, Gaelic. The schools helped us with arts and projects and whatnot like that, you know. But they'll still continue. But for them to compete within Lederkinny area, Community Games, there has to be a steering committee in place. And this is where we find that we've no problem getting the support out there within the different sports but it comes down to forming a committee to run, you know, to run the games. And a lot of people may be shy away over child protection and whatnot, but every organisation has the same issues over child protection. I think people should be reassured by that, though. I can understand, oh, God of it. But that's reassuring. That means that, you know, anyone that you deal with, they know that you're a good, upstanding citizen. And I think people should be encouraged by that, but not discouraged. That is correct, Greg. And I always say that the Guard of Ethn is there as much to protect you as it is to protect the child or the children competing. Like, I think this is one of those things, Gerry, that if you build it, they'll come to quote that old film. That in other words, if you get enough people in so that not one or two people's doing all the heavy lifting to get an event organised, get it in the calendar, there'll be no shortage of people to take part in it and to have fun in it and it to be a hugely successful event. It's really getting the event off the ground, is it? That's correct. You're 100% correct. The children are there. They're eager to compete. They're eager to take part. But we need a steering committee in place. There are a few of us stepping down. Some of us have been involved for more years than we care to remember. We've seen our children come through it and we've seen our grandchildren come through it. You know, and, you know, maybe it's just time for new people and fresh ideas and a new outlook. And I think that's what we're looking at at the minute. OK, so paint a picture for us community games. Say, let's just say 2022, right? Where would be hosted? What kind of sports would be involved? What age groups would compete? Yeah, well, you compete from 6 to 16, wide-ranging, maybe 40, maybe too many activities. You have an area final, an area competition, county competition, regional competition now because Donegal are in with Galway and Mio in the Connacht area and then you go on to a national competition. You know, and we've had a lot of people, Greg, I know it's about competing, you know, but you know, competing and participation, but that way element comes into it as well. And we've had here in Lerner County, we've had some great people who started out like of Mark Agneshkin and Sinead Jennings who started out in community games. Probably got the pace for it. Connacht represented Ireland, both at World Shell Baches and the Olympic Games. In terms of sort of organising them on a local level, Jerry, are you, from other people involved in community games nationwide, are you getting the same message from them or are we particularly behind a little bit in terms of interest in Donegal, I wonder? We are not really behind the rest. So there are some very strong counties out there and always has been strong counties. But in terms of interest in organising them, is it really what I'm talking about rather than competition? Yes, yes, there is in certain counties, there is a lack of interest in organising them. Yeah, as I said, the people, the children are there. You know, I'd make an appeal here now today, Greg, for parents to get involved with this committee. The workload will be shared. You're going to be coming to a committee and you're going to be sitting there looking around you. And there's a plan as to how to do it. It's not like, well, what do we do first or how do we do that? It's a case of we know what to do and these are the jobs that people have to do. So just to emphasise this, right, because we're at a really, really important point here. There's been a couple of meetings to try and get together a committee and to get people involved. So far at this stage, very few people have turned up. There's one meeting, perhaps even the final meeting, to either, you know, progress or get shot of this whole notion, I think. It's on Monday, the 9th of May. It's at 8.30pm. It's in a central location in the station House, Hotel, Letter, Kenny. And people listening to this have a choice. They can go to that meeting and be the start of saving something and maybe even growing it bigger and better than ever or they can not turn up and it could just fall into history. That is really almost what this meeting is about, Jerry. You've put it very well, Greg, and I would hope that Monday night would not be the last meeting of the Recony community games. 8.30pm in the station House, Hotel. No one's going to be God-overted on the night or no one's going to... That's not... This is about getting as many people as possible together. People, maybe they've retired or in a career break or maybe they're working from home and once by a time. Who's to say? But this is about getting people and the more the merrier into this building at 8.30pm on Monday night and to say, right, let's crack our heads together and see what we can create here. 100% correct, Greg. And as I said before, anybody new coming in and taking up a position will not be left on their own. We'll have enough support around them to ensure that the community games continue in Letter, Kenny, for many, many years to come. And I would hope that we have a good turnout on Monday night so we can continue with community games in the Letter, Kenny area. All right, okay. It's one of those things that I think if we leave it to John or Mary down the road who's big into these things to do it and they've other things on and they don't turn up. This is the type of thing that I think people are going to have to take a little bit and say, right, I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll be the person that does it. And we hope there's a great turnout. We'll mention again on Monday morning as well, Jerry, just in case people need a final reminder. I'd love to see 20 or 20 or 30 people there. There's loads of people out there and we don't need an awful lot of them to make this happen. Yeah. I think by today, Greg, what we're trying to get out there to the people within another sport and I know a lot on their plate on their plate with their own sports and all that but they're going to have to realise that they want their children and their sport to be involved in community games this year and you committee has to be formed on Monday night. Okay, right. It's as simple as that. Not wishing to jump the gun will think too far in advance. When would you be planning theoretically the next community games? Is it 2022? The planning is in place at the minute and we would have to be registered as an organisation by the 31st of May. Okay. So you see we're time pressure and we're working towards a deadline. We have to be up and running by the 31st of May in order to compete this year in the community games. Yeah, okay. The meeting is Monday the 9th of May, this coming Monday, 8.30pm in the Station House Hotel, Letter County, Good Park in there and all. So there's no issue driving in and getting involved, the more the merrier and you can be part of something really important in getting involved in that. And also brilliant for CV, you know, if people are out there looking for work and all. Employers love to see people involved in this type of work as well. We're a voluntary organisation, you know, and I'd love to see a lot of people there and say new faces, new ideas and which I think would be a big help for us going forward. Jerry, I hope you get a good turnout. I think so. Hopefully Greg. And we'll see. I'll mention it again on Monday as well. Jerry Davenport, former National President of the Community Games, Chair of the Letter County Community Games and current legend, I'm told. Not really. Another legend standing in the background here as well. Oh, Caroline, now she's all right. Oh, you're all right here. Oh, yes, yes. Another legend, yes. That's another legend. Listen, the very best luck of that. I mean it genuinely. And I think if people get into that room and listen to you, they'll be enthused as well with your passion. So thank you so much. Can I thank both yourself and Caroline for giving us the time to get this? Anything we can do to support things like this? This is what we're here for. This is why I come to work and I hope we can make a difference. Thank you. Okay, Greg, thank you. Bye-bye. We're all faced with things going up these days, but you'll still find amazing value every single day at Aldi. And you could save over 70 euro on your big family shop when compared to one of our nearest competitors. Nearest and dearest indeed. So don't change your lifestyle. Change your supermarket. Aldi, every day amazing. Comparisons against product sourced in SuperValue 28th of March 22, lowest pro rate used and offers excluded. For full details, see aldi.ie. Atlantic Technological University, Donnie Goals May Open Day will take place on Thursday the 5th of May from 3 to 7 p.m. Join us on our Ladder County Campus to discover the wide range of course options available with undergraduate, postgraduate, and part-time offerings Soak in the atmosphere at Donnie Goals' newest university. If you're not able to come in person, log on to our Virtual Open Evening Platform on Thursday from 3 to 7 where you'll be able to join live webinars, take a virtual tour, and talk to academic and support staff. Atlantic Technological University, the future is here. The Michael English Celebration Tour comes to the Millennium Forum Dairy on Wednesday, May the 11th, and the Strule Art Centre Olma on Friday, May 20th. Come and join Michael in a Superband for a spectacular musical extravaganza. A brand new tour is the best, yes. Celebrate once again with a night of non-stop sing-along favourites. It's a show you simply won't want to miss. For more on the dairy show, see Millennium Forum Dakota, UK. And for more on the Olma show, see Strule Art Centre, Dakota, UK. For details of all Michael's shows, see MichaelEnglish.ie. Ireland West Airport, you're flying. Okey-doke, cloudy start today, although it's already starting to brighten up a little bit. Dryer and brighter for the afternoon, with sunny spells developing, feeling humid, with highs of 13 to 15 degrees in the light to moderate, south-easterly breeze. Business matters in association with the Faculty of Business at ATU Donegal. Looking for a career in financial services? Consider the Level 9 MA in governance, compliance and data protection. Take the next step in your career and contact the exec ed coordinator on 9186206 or email execedexeced.ie today. And on to a really busy show. We're delighted to welcome the presenter of Highland Radio's Business Matters podcast, Kieran O'Donnell. Good morning to you, Kieran. How are you keeping? Good morning, Greg. I'm very good. It's good to have you in with us. Right. I'm doing good, actually. You're busy. It is always busy. Spending plates. Spending plates, yeah. But I've done much harder work, too, Kieran. So I'm not complaining, man. I enjoyed your interview with Julia. Yeah. It's an interesting one. It's got to prompt a lot of emotions out there because there are going to be those, and I think those particularly affected by the microcrisis. And although Joe was committed to work hard for them for two years, there's going to be a sense that they feel that he's walking away. You know, that he's walking away from the problem. And that's something he's going to have to deal with and contend with. And that's an emotion I can understand that some might say, well, if you've had that much, stay on and fight for it. But there comes a point where you have to make your own decisions for your own sake as well. That'll be teased out, I suppose, over the next couple of years. I don't think it's going to be the first, sorry, the last that might choose not to go the next time either. Anyway. Right. Okay. On to the business news. The ATU, Donnie Gull, formerly L-Y-I-T, formerly the regional. It's, there's an open evening. Tell us about that. Yeah, we're still getting used to the new name, Greg. ATU, Donnie Gull. It's such a big step. We're not saying it. Well, host an on-campus open evening in Lyric, Ennis tomorrow, Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event will provide perspective students with the chance to connect face to face with ATU, Donnie Gull's academic and student support staff. It's worth noting this is the final on-campus event before the leaving certificate begins, Greg. So those considering ATU, Donnie Gull and their CEO choices are advised to register and attend the event. More information is available on ATU, Donnie Gull's social media platforms. I wonder whether there'll be a huge interest from the get-go or will it take a couple of years for the penny to drop that this is, you know, it always has been a legitimate alternative, but more so now than previously. If you get where I'm coming from. Yeah, I suppose not. Maybe in the age we live in now where everything is at the touch of a button and I think that the change in the branding and the change of the name will happen much quicker given the ease that we're living in now, Greg, maybe. Yeah, because I saw a few signs for ATU Sligo and it kind of was... I was ATU Sligo. It's a major job for an institution to sort of switch over like that and get that message out there. I think it will take time, but I think it's catching on well to be fair. But maybe to be seen as a whole rather than as an individual camp. I don't know. Anyway, that'll all be teased out, I suppose, as they do their work in terms of PR. Another mention of this new cancelled grant scheme, for those that are tuning into this hour but didn't hear the last one. Yeah, I know you have Keir Martin on later on this morning. Yeah, Donegal County Council has launched a new grant scheme for local businesses that aims to support the development of overnight facilities for the caravan, camping, camper van and motorhome sector in the county. The grant date has been offered at up to 50% of actual costs for local businesses and the application process is open until Monday, May 30th. It's also proposed that a further call for applications from community and voluntary-based groups will open in early June. Further information contact Amanda McNamee by emailing ccc grantschemeat.onegalcoco.ie or telephone 9172282. All right, are we going to use from the Letakini Chamber? Yeah, just a wee thing that caught me there last night. Letakini Chamber held its first in-person board meeting for over two years recently since the start of 2020. So it's another sign that thankfully things are returning to normal. All right, the Education and Training Board have a walk-in information session. What's this about? Yeah, it's going to take place on Wednesday, May 18th on us on two traineeships, data science and international trade. The session will take place at 6 p.m. in the ETB's Letakini Training Centre on Remelton Road and will provide an opportunity for people to talk to staff about the course content and future employment opportunities. Yeah, indeed. This is a story that caught my eye. A Donegal Man winning Deal of the Year, the Deal of the Year award. This is property-related, is it? Yeah, Kevin Sweeney from Crossroads and Kelly Gordon has won the Deal of the Year award for the letting of a combined 60,000 square foot at the new Cleary's Quarter on Dublin's O'Connor Street. Kevin is Director of Retail at Savils Ireland and was presented with his award at the inaugural Property Award ceremony in Dublin last Thursday night. So nominations were judged by a panel of six experts across 12 categories and these identified the highest level of achievement across both residential and commercial sectors. So well done to him. Yeah, another local person doing good on the big stage. Great stuff. Congratulations, Kevin. Right, okay. That's a look at some of the news. Let's talk about this week's Business Podcast, Kieran. Yes, my guest this week, Greg, is Moncranab-based Irish designer, Bernie Murphy. Bernie worked at Fruit of the Loom for 21 years and set up her own business in 2017. She grew up in a family with traditional sewing and knitting were valued skills and at a time when the textile industry was still a major employment provider throughout the Northwest. Bernie is passionate about traditional Irish fabrics and exports her creations all over the world with Europe and the United States being her biggest markets. Bernie also teaches the skill of sewing to children and adults at Spray, August Sport and Cairndonna. In this clip, Bernie talks about the advantages of working from home while working for herself. It depends on what the workload is. You can work late or you can work early, you know, get up at six and finish at six, but usually in busy times you'd be getting up at six and finishing at 12, you know, but and no, it's great and to be able, like my parents are thankfully both with us now but it's to be able to have that flexibility to be able to do other things in your personal life that you wouldn't have that opportunity if I was still working I'm afraid of a loom. You know, maybe their their policies would have changed and you could work for extra time but no, it's just the that's you're working for yourself and creating beautiful things for other people. So working from home to me suits me well. Yeah, and serves me well. All right, another fascinating business story but personal story, personal journey there, Ciaran seems to be you hit the nail in the head in that regard often. Yeah, look, Bernie went back to college and she upskilled and retrained herself. She was actually teaching part-time and she's teaching now and spring yoga sport as well. And look, she's talked about being able to work from home and the advantages of working from home while working for herself. One thing that she did amazing during the podcast and asked me the amazing what the visits to the studio are about appointment only so you can contact Bernie but you need to do it by appointment only. But the fact that she talked about starting from nothing, creating something from nothing and literally sent it to all parts of the world most probably a sense of job satisfaction for her as well. All right, and the interview in its entirety available right now? Yeah, Business Banners is available on our website heilingradio.com and on Spotify, iTunes or wherever you get your podcast. And if you just want to listen to it on the radio as a schedule shows up on Sunday, isn't it? Yeah, Sunday evening Greg after the six o'clock news. All right, okay. You'll be probably listening to that on your way back from Clonus, will you? Correct. Are you looking forward to it? How do you think it's going to go? I think we'll win, yeah. Yeah, okay. All right, I agree. Okay, email the show Business Matters at HighlandRadio.com must be close to 100 at this stage, Kieran. 90. It just tends to go. Good, man, Kieran. Thanks very much for that as always. Good morning, Greg. All right, 086 6025,000 is the WhatsApp or text line 086 6025,000 or call us an 07491 25,000. The chair of the Donegal executive of Finnegale, Harold Daherty, has been on to us. He wants to wish Joe McHugh well. He says while we are upset that he's stepping down, we wish him well and thank him for all his work and the investment he brought to the county. We look forward to working with him over the next two years. I mentioned actually in the course of that interview with Joe McHugh that Leo Veradkar is in Donegal on Friday and we're hoping to have him on this program at some point between 9 and 12. So if you're a fan or otherwise, tune in between 9 and 12 here on this program. True gentleman and great help to us in the Glenn Swilly community. He is minister for education, played a vital role in getting us our long-awaited extension. Joe McHugh won't be missed as a politician, did nothing for Donegal, probably wouldn't get voted in the next election anyway. Joe McHugh would not get elected the next time anyway, says another caller and all valid points and we'll get to all of those and I'm sure it will be debated and tossed backwards and forwards but at the end of the day we are all humans and individuals and try to focus a little bit on his views and what he thought was positive and otherwise but as I say everyone will have a view don't you know over the next wee while. Right, we'll be back with a wrap up on the program after this break. I just want to mention to actually I'll do that after we have this break. Be right back. The Blue Stack Special Needs Foundation presents its 20th anniversary Blue Stack Challenge fundraising walk on the 21st of May. The Blue Stack Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with additional needs. They offer a range of supports to children, vulnerable adults and their families. This year's ambition is to fund expansion into the wider Donegal area. Registration closing soon To register or donate visit www.BlueStackFoundation.com This ad is sponsored by Print Supplies Donegal Chagosk are holding a spring crop walk this Wednesday the 4th at 7pm on the farm of P&D Killen Labadish, Manor Cunningham F92, K7, 29 Topics include spring and winter crop management nutrient management and outlook for tillage. Speakers are Shea Feelen Chagosk Crop Specialist and Martin McCullough Chagosk Donegal All are welcome. In the build up to the kindy flower which takes place in Lettercanny this weekend, John Braslin will present Around the Northwest from Lettercanny's Main Street just outside Dillon's Hotel this Thursday. Tune in to find out about the kindy flower weekend as well as the Killies concerts and sessions that will take place at various locations throughout the town this weekend. That's Around the Northwest live from Lettercanny's Main Street this Thursday from 12 noon. All right we were chatting to Jim a farmer earlier on his views on support for farming Paul on social media says listening to your program about farming and it's it being a family business looking for help from government I wish the same applied to the haulage industry as I used to own my own business had to close up because I never got any help from government and I can understand exactly why you might feel like that. Another caller says where is this message that I had? Yep, hi Greg. Following on from my message yesterday on breast check I phoned them this morning and after taking my details and after asking why I had not had an appointment since 2018 I was told they were running behind because of Covid and when I said a few of my friends got their checks last year and I was always before them and Covid-19 was still around she couldn't say what had happened but after checking my details and as if by magic I had an appointment she said I see you are scheduled for an appointment on the 13th of May what a coincidence. In Lettercanny should be in the post as we speak so if in the post I should receive it today and I hope you do. The moral of these health appointments is if running behind schedule chase it up with a phone call I did and it got sorted. Okay, there's more to that message actually which is quite important which I'll get to tomorrow but that's where we have to leave