 have shortages due to COVID-19. Teaching unions have called for additional safety supports to be introduced to help schools manage an expected increase in outbreaks. Many schools across Donegal have been impacted by staff absences, with at least one school opting for a staggered reopening as a result. The General Secretary of the TUI Michael Gillespie says some teachers are reluctant to return to the classroom. Teachers who are pregnant, who are very, very nervous, even though they may be vaccinated and have the booster, they are very, very nervous as all people are. We have teachers who are in the high-risk category, who may last year have even been in the very high-risk category, who have a certain level of protection from vaccinations and they are nervous going back into the classroom. Meanwhile, updated digital COVID certificates will start being issued from tonight. From February 1st, the cert will only be valid for travel within the EU for nine months since a person's last vaccine dose. Irish issued certificates currently do not reflect an individual's booster status, meaning many certs would be out of date when the new rule comes into effect. A major funding boost has been announced for the regeneration of Moncrana shorefront. Almost 1.17 million euro has been sanctioned by government as part of 21.5 million euro for 27 landmark regeneration projects nationwide. The repiring Moncrana project will strengthen the shorefront, enhance walking and cycling facilities, provide quality shorefront amenities and integrate art and biodiversity into the urban landscape. Agriculture Minister Charlie McCollough says the funding is significant in recognising the potential of Moncrana. This is initial funding to facilitate and fund the development of a much wider plan to ensure that the shorefront, its potential can be developed and also integrated into the town centre. There's a lot of very significant work left. The potential for Moncrana is massive. It's a wonderful town. It attracts people from all over the county and indeed the country. But there's even more potential there in relation to how that tremendous amenity that is the shorefront works and integrates to the rest of the town and makes Moncrana the real thriving hub that it is, but can continue to develop further. Heelsleet and snow is set to bring hazardous conditions right across the country later. The Santa Schella snow and ice warning takes effect from four o'clock this afternoon and runs through until eleven o'clock to more morning. Metairne says shards will be most widespread in the west and north and there's also the chance of isolated thunderstorms. But for now, rain will clear this morning with sunny spells and frequent blustery shards following some heavy with hail and isolated thunderstorms, with highest temperatures today of four to six degrees. That's all from Highland Radio News for now. We'll be back with news again at ten o'clock. If your child is aged five to eleven, you can now register for their free COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 usually causes mild to moderate illness in this age group, but it can cause more severe illness. All vaccines used in Ireland are tested before they're approved by the European Medicines Agency. To find out more or to register, go to hsc.ie or call hsc live on 1800 700 700 from the hsc. And now it's time for the talk of the Northwest, the Ninetown Noon Show with Greg Hughes on Highland Radio. Hello, a very good morning to you. You're very welcome along to the Ninetown Noon Show. Three minutes past nine on this Thursday, the sixth of January. You're very welcome along, as I mentioned. And we've got a busy show lined up for you as always, which I think you've come to expect. And we want you involved as always. The WhatsApp the text number 08 660 25,000. Everyone's views important, by the way, even if you, not the majority of people don't text into radio stations, but why not be one of the ones that do? If you want to give us a call, it's 07 491 25,000, 07 491 25,000. And your email's going towards via comments at highlandradio.com. If you're joining us on our socials, YouTube, Highland Radio Island, you can watch and comment there as you can on Facebook, Highland Radio News and Sport or Highland Radio. It's Thursday morning, so lots of papers out today. Let's see what the front page is and some of the inside pages. Let's see what news they bring us starting with the Chicano Tribune. Repair work on Creaseloss St. Michael's Church, which was severely damaged in storm force winds in the early hours of Monday mornings, expected to cost over a quarter of a million euros. A large section of the building roof structure collapsed as south-westerly winds battered the area, an area of around 60 feet of an external wall covering just below the roof line gave way and it came crashing down into the flat roof area that covers the church entrance, office and vestry. We heard from Father John Jowary in the week of the great effort there was on behalf of people that heard the call to come in and limit as much as was possible the damage caused by that damage and they did a job in that, but still it's gone to cost quite a bit of money to repair. The Donegal Democrat tells us that Donegal's main hospital is feeling the brunt of the omicron surge with rising case numbers in the community and an outbreak of the disease in the hospital causing a high number of stab absences. Visiting at Leicicane University Hospital has been suspended after recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases of any hospital in the country on Tuesday. Some surgical procedures have been cancelled with the hospital's emergency department recording high levels of overcrowding this week and unfortunately the numbers sick with COVID or with COVID in the hospital increased again yesterday albeit the national figure dropped somewhat. The Donegal News this morning Leicicane University Hospital is on the front page here as well. It's undermining pressure as it deals with a double whammy of staff shortages and an almost 50% increase in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The country's largest private ambulance service has also added more crews to the rotor in letter Kennedy to meet an unprecedented demand. At present almost 300 staff are currently out of work because of COVID-19 related issues while the number of COVID-19 patients requiring care has increased from under 40 to a peak of 61 since the weekend. But since they went to press there I think that number has gone up to 68 if I'm not mistaken. I'll check that for you. The Dairy News the horse has bolted as far as a new COVID-19 lockdown is concerned that's according to dairy based GP Dr Tom Black. In an exclusive interview with the Dairy News as figures show yet another sharp rise in the area's COVID rate. The chair of the British Medical Association's Northern Ireland Council predicted infection rates would continue to rise over the coming weeks. Dr Black was speaking as figures from the Department of Health showed that 4,434 cases per 100,000 were racked up by Dairy City and Sturban District arise from 2,688.5. It's still the highest rate in Northern Ireland has been teetering around that mark since the get go on to the farmers journal now and fears of a serious fertilizer related credit squeeze at merchant level abated this week following confirmation that the country's credit union network will finance purchases through its cultive loans package. The news comes against the backdrop of a 50% fall in European gas prices. A key driver of fertilizer costs. This has raised hopes that later season fertilizer supplies will increase and prices will ease. Now on to the national newspapers that focus mainly on news. Of course, the farmers journal is a national paper. What do you think about this story? I believe that operation transformation came back on the air yesterday or last night. It's not a program I've ever watched before. It's just not my thing. I've no particular issue with it. But it's been controversial because a conversation has started now about whether the program is, you know, harmful to those maybe with an eating disorder. And this is encouraged body wise. It's an eating disorder Association of Ireland to raise concerns over the return of RT's operation transformation saying it is triggering for some service users. Now what do you guys think out there? The organization issued an online statement yesterday ahead of the return of the show on RT last night. body wise said many of its service users have highlighted that they find the show continues to be triggering for them causing them distress and impacts negatively on their mental health. Although the show has a positive objective intended to bring focus to health and well being the considerable emphasis on dieting, body weight and shape and the way these are measured collectively counted and presented, create a community sanctioned dieting culture that research shows does little to achieve long lasting weight loss or health promotion. It said so I mean, do you agree with that? Do you think body wise and those that are concerned about it are correct? Now, everyone is correct. By the way, if someone out there feels that it's triggering to them, they're not wrong. They are correct. But I'm talking about sort of the broader point. Or does this feed into a little bit of sort of cancel culture? I mean, you know, and I'm not conflating. I'm not trying to be objection. I'm not. I don't think I'm controversial. But anyway, you know, people watching, I don't know Coronation Street, or Emmerdale who have alcohol addiction or gambling addiction, or any addiction really that might be touched on on some of those cell poppers might find the discussion of the subject or even virtually every scene being a pub triggering. But would that be enough to sort of have a conversation about that? What do you think anyway? Oh, 8665,000. That is the text line. That's the WhatsApp line. I mean, do we have is there a future for programs like that? Or do we need to maybe, you know, not toughen up a little bit. But you know what I mean, just accept that everything that's on the TV is not going to suit absolutely everyone. But we can't just have a pylon for the sake of a pylon. You know, it's like the there's a number of issues that come up every single year. It's the same thing. That's going to be an annual situation as well. I can tell you right now. I haven't figured it out. It's not a program I really watch. And I wouldn't be offended by it. But that doesn't mean I can't understand how others might be. And we want to hear from everyone. The Irish Times government tax receipts surged to a record 68.4 billion last year as consumers spending and spending and employment rebounded from a pandemic related slump in 2020 and increased at a sharper than expected rate year end exchequer returns published by the Department of Finance show tax receipts rose by 11 billion, almost 20% last year, despite the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions early in the year. Now, of course, a large portion of that is from corporate tax. And that might change in years to come, though, you know, people have been saying we'd lose out in that regard in previous years that hasn't happened yet. You know, the tax, that tax has gone to increase. So maybe some companies will do less work here, but we might get more from the companies that do work here. And it all balances itself out. But a lot of this was down to, you know, money coming in from people's wages, people spending money. This is like a genuine increase in tax receipts. And it's really quite significant. And it could, it could bode well for the budget later in the year. The Irish Daily Mail tells us that the nation will be able to enjoy more freedom this summer and spring, as government insisted yesterday that there are brighter days ahead. However, the next 10 days will be critical, the T Shock warned as the Omicron wave peaks, schools reopen and the health system deals with a rise in hospitalization as it stands. There are some indications that in terms of test positivity, that, you know, maybe the figures have topped out, they have shown a trend a little downwards over the last few days, they'll probably go back up again when schools reopen. But that will only speed up potentially the exit from this wave, who's to say, but me, Martin added that the bulk of people in intensive care right now are sick with the Delta variant. These are long term sick people and not Omicron. Based on data he has received from the HSC fueling hopes that the latest strain is less severe, as the country recorded another 17,656 COVID-19 cases yesterday. But it has to be said, I mean, he's rolling the dice with those comments because there are a lot of people in hospital. It is not fully clear yet, but we hope it is the case. And that's what I go to bed hoping that they won't transfer into ICU cases. But a lot of those currently in ICU are there for a long time because of the impacts of Delta. We shall wait and see. Headline writers having great fun with the Novak Djokovic story, of course. Novak's Djokovic was trending on Twitter last night. Well, the world's number one tennis player was last night set to be flown out of Australia after his visa was cancelled after locals reacted with fury to his claim he'd been granted a medical exemption from vaccine rules. Now those two things are facts, but one isn't connected to the other. A lot of people in Australia are happy, sorry, unhappy that he was given an exemption, but that's not why he wasn't admitted to the country. So there's a bit of conflation there. But Australian border force confirmed Novak Djokovic had been denied entry into the country after the player was forced to wait for several hours at Melbourne Airport over visa issues. Djokovic failed to provide an appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements in Australia and his visa has been subsequently cancelled. Now, my understanding wasn't my reading this morning, is that he subjected, submitted the wrong visa and that's why he was refused entry and he's currently holed up in a quarantine hotel with an appeal to that decision taking place on that Monday. His dad, his dad threatened to take everyone out and straightened to fight them for them holding his son for as long as they did. Right. Now, if you've got a stockpile of antigen tests, lateral flow tests, if they are Genru or Genru, G-E-N-R-U-I, they're unreliable. Okay. So you need to return them. Now what we are trying to find out, because I know a lot of people, they're white and purple. The rest, this doesn't seem to be an issue, but these Genru or Genru-E, I don't know how they pronounce it. I just would say, can I have one of them? But it's Genru-E or G-E-N-R-U-I. You'll know the brand. It's up in the top left hand side. They are pumping out false positives, right, which is very problematic. False negatives, that's going to happen. It's not, I mean, it's not as impactful as on an individual as false positives because false positives means people aren't going to work or they have to book PCR tests and all of that nightmare. Okay. 550 so far have logged that they've received false positives. Lots of you out there. I know lots of you out there have these G-E-N-R-U-I antigen tests, but they're not reliable. A brand of these, as I've just mentioned, has been pulled from Irish retailer shelves amid an investigation by the State Regulator. The Health Protection, Products Regulationary Authority, they received over 550 reports in recent days from Irish consumers of false positive results associated with the G-E-N-R-U-I SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen self-test, the antigen tests are manufactured by G-E-N-R-U-I Biotech in China. Now, we are trying to find out if you can return them because they're being sold, certainly I believe in Aldi had them, they don't sell them anymore and I believe Don's and maybe other retailers as well, but as I say, some of you might have went in there yesterday and bought up 20 of them or whatever you're allowed to. I don't know what the ins and outs are there, but they're no good. Well they are, they're no good. You might as well shove your finger up your nose and stick it in your ear and see what way the wind's blowing because they're giving false results. So, but as I say, we're going to get on to the consumerist association of Ireland, see if you've got any rights. I can't imagine any retailer would say no, but I want to give you the confidence if you're returning them to not feel embarrassed to say, well what if they say no, I want to give you the right information, if that's of use to you, 08, 6, 60, 25,000 texts a WhatsApp. Now the highest daily rainfall for 80 years was recorded at a southern Metairin station on Christmas day. The deluge happened at St Johnstown, Castle in Wexford as 58.9 millimetres bucketed down. The most since records began in 1941 according to the forecasters monthly report. Storm Barra was the standout weather event last month as Metairin issued several orange wind warnings and severe gusts, though we could have done with a couple of orange wind warnings when they weren't released, weren't they? If you're going to do that stuff, you have to make sure you get it right. You know, it can't be hit and miss. We have our Ruse Ratlin and no warning out there at all. But anyway, December was mild with low pressure dominating. The first and final thirds of the month bringing more above average rainfall and the majority of monthly rainfall totals were above their long-term average and it was wettest in the south and east and I might dig out that report and see what it says about Donny Goldy. Papers haven't included us in it, but it'll tell us how we fare it up here in terms of weather and rain and temperature and all that malarkey. Okay, it is the nine to a noon show. We are broadcasting across the region on air. We are across the world online. We're on your smart speaker. Just give your smart speaker the command. Listen to it there. You can watch us as I mentioned on your tablet, your TV. If it's you've got a fire stick or if it's got Google built in. We're streaming on YouTube and Facebook as I mentioned. So no end a ways to watch and engage and listen and get involved. All right, our first guest is right on the way. The newspapers are courtesy of Kelly Centra, Mountaintop, Letterkenny. 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Before you do, remember to first think or SVP. Risk, symptoms, venue, people. Risk. What's the risk? Am I vaccinated or have I got my booster? Symptoms. Am I currently showing symptoms of COVID-19? Venue. Are they following the guidelines? Will I be wearing a mask? And people. How many people am I meeting? How many households are coming together? Let's all or SVP ahead so we can stay safe this year. Find out more gov.ie forward slash risk aware supported by the Government of Ireland. Do you suffer from high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, digestive issues, anxiety, aches and pains, or a lack of energy? That highly trained team at the Natural Way LetterKennie can provide advice on natural remedies for a number of individual health issues. The Natural Way also has its own brand of herbal treatments to help fight fatigue, relieve digestive discomfort, maintain a healthy immune system and alleviate common menopause symptoms. The Natural Way LetterKennie Shopping Centre, your one stop health shop. Bringing you the time, Ash. Okay, the time is 20 minutes past nine so we're going to start with some good news and it's good news for Bonkraner, a significant announcement. 1.17 million euro, it's part of a 21.5 million package announced by Minister Heather Humphreys for 27 landmark regeneration projects nationwide. The one for Donegol is called Repowering Bonkraner. They say it will strengthen the shorefront, enhance walking and cycling facilities, provide quality shorefront amenities and integrate art and biodiversity into the urban landscape. Good work in terms of biodiversity and other things already happening in Bonkraner. So this is a could be a further string to the bow. We'll start with the Keerlock off the council, local person as well of course. Councillor Jack Murray. Councillor Murray, good to see Bonkran included. Presumably this is provisional funding to get the ball rolling on a much bigger project. Yeah Greg, I have to say I'm absolutely overjoyed to be on talking about this this morning. This is an absolute game changer for Bonkraner. The the funding that's been announced 1.17 million, it's just the it's the category two application. So that's for design alone. So to start reimagining Bonkraner, this will be just the first step of a more than 20 million euro application that will just be an absolute game changer for Bonkraner. This is everything that we've been been looking for that all councillors myself considering the Donatech House and Nicholas Cross would always be beating the drum for Bonkraner but this is this could achieve everything that we've been looking for for for so long. It's a game changer for Bonkraner. It's already popular. You know it already already has an awful lot going forward but this is the scale of a project and development that's a game changer that will have you know there'll be a lot of benefits to be reaped. This is this is where Bonkraner we would always saying that there's no reason but like said Bonkraner can't compete with with Castle Barre or Westport or to Lourney. This is the money that we'd be hoping to put us on the same level as always. Like Bonkraner has the natural beauty and the natural hinterland to rival anywhere and carry or mail but we just probably just don't have the infrastructure and facilities. This is the money now that we would hope would change that. The likes of Shorefront will be greatly enhanced. You've been talking about the pedestrian footbridge from the Iron Bridge over to the pier enhancing all the entrances into Swan's Park upgrading the likes of Church Street towards the main street and then even create an employment through the purchase of Bonkraner Garda Station to create office facilities for over a hundred people. Like this is this is huge. The 1.17 million is just a small step and part of a much much bigger project. Well it brings everything together potentially but it also this announcement it shows intent and it shows that this is something that you know we can talk about this stuff till we brew in the face but until we see the color of the money that's when you know it is actually possible that this could happen. Absolutely and when I took on the role as Cahir like I said this would be my absolute priority for my own local area. I wanted to see this and I have to say full credit to the planners Shanae McCauley and Paul Kelly that the work that was done behind the scenes by those people is that's you really couldn't kind of quantify it like I've been in regular contact with them sort of with Shanae in particular since I took on the role and absolutely tireless like exhausted days that they've put in this huge huge project and we'd hope that we'd get word in November but thankfully it was worth the wait and this is just I think everything we've hoped for it's an absolutely fantastic day for McCauley. Yeah indeed Councillor Rina Donahe joins us. Great news Rina what a government. Yeah brilliant brilliant news and yeah when you look at the funding that we have got for Cahir recently and for Balobar Faist and Orler and for Leonard Kenny great strong funding commitment to Donnie Gaul and to Rural Ireland and we're very very grateful for that and Greg as you know this is brilliant news for Balobar and I got some money today as well so I'm happy for them as well so for a few years now as as you will know from being at our meetings I have campaigned to have an inclusive master plan for Balobar up here the shorefront area and right out to Ned's point for some time and I was delighted last March when my proposal was taken on board by the ORRDF team and Donnie Gaul County Council headed up by Paul Kelly and his team and I had the full support of my local councillor the Mayor Jack Murray and Nicholas Crossan on this as well on this proposal so the ORRDF team and Donnie Gaul County Council they saw this worthy of being put forward for funding for category two from the ORRDF team to leave it a shovel ready project and it was it was a big big challenge to get the project submitted in the short time frame but thanks to Paul Kelly Sinead and the whole team they did meet the deadline and now today we have the great results of the seeds that were sown and it's brilliant news for the town of Bokana What do you think we're looking at in terms of time frames? Obviously there's processes and procedures to have been gone through and there's this this element of the work that this will fund that has to be done but I think people listening will once say well this happened well this happened in our lifetime will this happen in the next five years or 10 years I mean have we any indication in that regard? Well we have a minister in place now at the Manitas you know Charlie McConnelog and I know we have to be very thankful because he was central to this funding being allocated to us as was for the Dunray funding and the other as well so while Charlie is there we will definitely be lobbying hard to get this now there's a lot of work and that's because we have an outdoor pool and we have a new bridge to go on situ we have the whole entire shore front area to be regenerated and we have a new toilet but I wanted those toilets tumble two or three years ago because they're well outdated they're up over 40 years we've had problems with them earlier this year so everybody has agreed that we need a new toilet but there's a huge amount of work to be done I have sat down with John McCarter and the Oriental Eye in an effort that they would relocate their station to Bocanepere where I feel it is best suited and the Oriental Eye they have agreed and they would be more than happy to have their centre close to the lifeboat where I believe that it should be so a huge huge amount of work to be done but I would say I would say three to four years we're looking at yeah would you be as optimistic Councillor Moray? I do think so I think the I suppose they would work on this category two application to get the design and this whole project I think that will take about a year or so so this time next year we're going to plan for the category one fund to get the real substantial monies in place but in the meantime I do hope that there be as much consultation with the community as possible I know that the likes of the Bocanepere towns and the Chamber of Commerce were central to this application and their input and community tie in was a huge strength as part of the application but I do think it should go for they might want to you talked about how you know the potential for growth and I think it certainly is there do it at this point now do we need to be looking at what else needs being done infrastructurally in terms of I don't know access or parking or maybe that's all adequate in your opinion but you know if that's if there's other stuff needs to be looked at is now the time to sort of be doing that or maybe that's already happening no absolutely not I think that's critical to the whole thing but even the title of it we're going to reimagine as a whole so I think we need to discuss everything in this totality so that's what I'm saying we should be linking them with the community well some community organizations have already had their input into this this initial application I do want the community as a whole to have their say because the town is brimming with ideas there's lots of fantastic people in here and they've got this great ideas to put on the table now is the time if we're bringing in this such a huge cash injection into the town and we plan to be ambitious and to change it so much now is the time to do it right here those all all those ideas and to make sure that we don't miss anything because it's such such a huge huge opportunity that we want to do it absolutely right and you're right we need to look at and any potential pitfalls anything we could miss could it be infrastructure and everything needs to be on the table everything needs to be discussed and we need to harness this energy you know for the year ahead and make sure that we do absolutely everything we can for this time yep my start's the okay here like Jack worry thank you very much indeed Rena you mentioned toilets you know and what people will want to know is that the likes of yourselves and your fellow councillors will ensure that whatever toilets are there that are there and clean and maintained and have toilet paper and actually flushing what have you between now and whenever something new is provided can you give people that assurance well we have outsourced the maintenance of the toilets we had a leak this year in the toilet where water was coming in from an outdoor shower a lot of people thought it was urine on the floor and it absolutely wasn't it was water that was coming in we got that all sorted but but the maintenance of that and the care of those toilets is outsourced now so we have we have a team that we will ensure we'll look after that because it's I don't want to put you on the spot but you know the basis of a contract like that how often do they come in to check the toilets now as I say I'm not like we're kind of off topic a little bit here and I don't want to put you on the spot so if you don't know that's perfectly fine but when we outsource something like this how often would they come in for example in the summer to ensure they're clean and stocked well we will be discussing this at a future meeting and we will ensure because there's no point in people taking over the running of toilets and they're not going to be clean all day every day I mean we need we need key performance indicators if we're going to be spending public money like this yeah well up until this year we did have we did have a lady and she was absolutely fantastic she looked after that toilet day and day out she opened them she closed them she's still working with the council but not in that same area but she we just depended on her we didn't have to look towards anybody else or anything else she ensured that the toilets were absolutely spic and span every day and that is what we need but yeah this is a great project that's we're delighted with this funding as a safe to leave the project shop already at lintigrate measures that will work to strengthen the whole shorefront area and transform the centre of Bancraná and enable the town to be a vibrant lovable and competitive place we've had a lot of questions coming in they only came in after I let Jack Maury go and we've kind of run on a little bit and that's my fault but people are saying what this money should have been pumped into the new swimming pool what's the situation as it relates to the Bancraná Leisure Centre do we have any updates in that regard as I say this is not part of the same thing but whilst you know we're talking about Bancraná quite a number of people are interested in what the situation is there yeah that's a completely different separate project to this and as part of this project people had asked the people of Bancraná had asked for an outdoor pool because of the amount of people that are using the beach and the shore and Ned's point for outdoor swimming these days so I will get you an update on the position as regard there is a committee there in place and they would probably be the best place to answer right now we'll we'll look at that separately this is a different announcement and it's a positive announcement and we appreciate your time this morning thank you yeah and to to buy the the Garda Station we hope to buy the old Garda Station as well and the employment that that will give this it's just a fantastic project this is what Bancraná needs and Bancraná rightfully deserves and we're now getting our fair share of the national take and it's great to see that all right thank you very much indeed Councillor Irene Donahue and the Keir Lock as well Jack Maury there what would their time frame be to have the toilets on the shore front replaced no basics like toilet toilet paper and even in a pandemic it is no soap well you heard that in the meantime the maintenance of the toilets that are there is to be outsourced so hopefully that will see things improve but we'll be on top of that and I suspect unfortunately and I'm quite cynical or skeptical at times we might be talking about that not being the case in the summer but this one will stay on top of it what are they all doing about all the dogfiling in Bancraná you know I mean Councillors have a lot of responsibilities I suppose and people will grade them on how they how they meet those responsibilities individually I think there's a personal responsibility with the butt dog poo stuff you know I mean do we have to catch everyone in the act and throw them behind bars not literally you know what I mean to stop something like that there I mean can we not call each other out or maybe those listening who are the offenders and it's often very very few dog owners are responsible for the majority of this stuff you know is it time maybe that we sort of appeal to them to have more respect for their local area I presume it's more local area right come here we were telling you earlier on that a brand of antigen test lateral flow test has been recalled or it's not been recalled as such sorry I think the and we have to be careful with the language here I think shops are being asked not to stock it it was available in a number of retailers one at least two big big retailers but there are concerns over it because 550 people at least now at this point have reported false positives and that can have really quite serious implications by the way that has no implication on the case numbers by the way these are antigen tests they're not currently fed into the overall case numbers but what are your rights you know because some of you could have 20 30 40 of these who's to say maybe a business says a whole stock of them what are your rights in terms of returning them at this stage they're suspected to be faulty but I don't know Dermot Jules policy and council advisor with the consumers association in a violent and has been good enough to join us I never thought Dermot that we'd invite you on the program where I put it to you you know what are our rights as it relates to returning potentially questionable lateral flow tests but here we are it's a again an unprecedented conversation indeed it is and I understand Greg yeah you're right and what you're saying and being careful about the terminology and that's that's one of the difficulties in advising consumers because this is a product that has been recommended for withdrawal from sale by the the health products regulatory authority because as you say at the 550 at minimum false positives but I think the background towards it that needs to be pointed out which is fair enough with that it is a precautionary approach it makes a perfect sense in the situation where there are so many people concerned seriously concerned about their health and they're recommended to use these tests by means of protecting themselves and others so when when a body like this suggests that they be and if you like taken off the shelves and put away from sales for the moment it should naturally follow we think as a goodwill gesture and as a a practical measure that the stores that sell them would do that but would also say to the the good customers and the loyal customers that they sold them through that look and obviously this has nothing to do with you or us but as a goodwill gesture we're going to suggest that bring them back we'll give you either a credit or if we can a refund but one way or another it allows the consumer to go elsewhere and try and find alternatives so in terms of rights you know you don't have a right to say to go back and say look I've got 30 euro worth of these stuff and this and to me and this is not a commentary on the product what the consumer could say to me they're useless so I want them back I want a refund now what I think most retailers will do the right thing for the PR if nothing else and then they can sort it out with the company themselves but you don't have a right to have them exchanged or refunded or a credit note no you don't you have no right because they have not been proven to be effective if you like it and yes somebody has raised and a number of people have raised an issue but you have no right to bring them back because it is only an estimation of a potential problem so we've got to be careful and we need to understand as well the reason for that is these products carry what's known as an EU CE mark it's a certification mark of approval so the whole question in relation to this now being recommended by a regulatory authority to stop selling them raises concerns and it's going to cause a problem of trust and concern and most consumers but all we can do is try to say to everybody at the moment look don't panic there are other tests out there there are no complaints but my concern is is that people and I know because I speak to them they're mandated to take these right by the government and this I'm kind of going into different territory here but if you come with me you'll understand and they're spending literally the last money they have or some food money to get these tests be it for school or for work or whatever it might be and now they're sitting with these tests which they will feel are useless because they will feel that they can't be trusted so you know it's it's it's fine for those that can sort of take the hit on it but there could be people sitting with quite a lot of a lot of these that simply can't afford to just replace them I couldn't agree more and this is the dilemma and the problem that we find ourselves in whereas nobody else has come out with our authority and given any comment or statement of any kind and that's not that's not right I mean once somebody suggests as you very correctly point out that a state recommended if you like measure of health protection be taken and then one authority comes along as well of those protections don't go near that one for the time being you know they it should be followed with and for the time being we're recommending that refunds be given I mean we could do with a bit of government leadership here because a couple of things going on firstly the PCR testing system is under huge pressure how many I think it's four to 39 year olds are now seeking PCR tests because they got a positive antigen secondly how many people have logged on for illness benefit using one of these antigen tests which they could from the start of the week and a PCR test whenever they might get it in four, five, six or seven days by the time they get results make sure that they were negative you know what could be the impact on their employment like you know we need some leadership on this this is not insignificant no it's not at all you're entirely right and already as you point out there are so many examples from people who because of the false positive ended up having to come back at home and isolate and they've caused them enormous problems in terms of their income alone and this is the point that that lies as you made it because the tests are not necessarily cheap because they're being purchased in bulk and being used in bulk so whatever the cost is it's a completely new element of Elkley to every consumer who has to rely on them so there needs to be a statement there needs to be some follow-up to the HPRA announcement saying okay if they're off the market or recommenders be off the market then there must be some means of either replacement of them or refund for them or credit for them so that if you like consumers can move on and not be out of pocket as you pointed which is perfectly correct Dermot thanks for taking the call at short notice to you this really only emerged overnight I appreciate it greatly that's Dermot Jewel policy and council advisor with the consumer association of Ireland the tests in question by the way for those of you that just switch on because you switch on at different times of course they are G-A-N-G-E-N-R-U-Y they're white and purple or cream and purple they're a brand of COVID-19 answering tests they've been pulled from Irish retailer shelves amid an investigation by the state regulator that's the health products regulatory authority now have you been impacted by this you know if you missed out on stuff it could be work it could be school it could be could have been a holiday whatever it might have been I don't know what has been the impact on you okay let us know 08 660 25000 no perhaps they weren't as widely sold in this part of the country as they were elsewhere though I do know because I've been contacted by people that they were sold by at least two major retailers I want to say major I mean you know national and also international the I think Don's and little were mentioned to me I'm not doing them a disservice though they didn't know but we'll see have any of you brought them have any of you brought them back to the shop let us know too right listen we're gonna delay our break because Sarah Navin is a journalist in Australia and she joins us now Sarah thank you so much for your time this morning no problem how you doing I'm doing great and it's lovely to speak to you right before we talk about how things developed overnight or during the day or whatever time it is wherever we're talking can you tell me what the reaction was in Australia to the news that Novak Djokovic had received a medical exemption to to enter to take part in this tennis tournament because he's a well known anti-vaccination person I don't mean that as an insult he said that himself what was the reaction in Australia which has really been under very stiff lockdowns for the longest of times in certain parts anyway my goodness yes if I could give it one word I would say uproar yeah as you said Australia we're in the depths of our largest COVID wave at the moment we're having more than 70,000 cases a day we only just came out of severe lockdown restrictions in October and Melbourne especially where the Australian openers being held is has the title of the world's most lockdown city it was under heavy restrictions for 260 days so this news I think is a bit of a it's a bit of a rubbing salt in the wound for a lot of people in Australia because you know people weren't able to see critically ill relatives or go to funerals and there's this sense that elite sports stars are given special privileges and you know these exemptions to play tennis when there's so many other important sacrifices that they've had to make so yeah certainly it was creating a lot of reaction across the country today and it is not necessarily about the virus itself or the vaccinations itself is it or maybe it is you can answer the question but it's really a sense that and when we get it here and people get it everywhere that there's one set of rules for your regular folk and then if you're flying in to enter a big brother or something or to play in Australia in the Australian open it's another set of rules for those that are rich or well off is that the element of it that's angering people? Absolutely we have few early cases early on where it was movie stars or sporting teams or yeah these big groups that would get government exemptions because they brought great tourism dollars or you know they had a match coming up that was going to be televised when you're every day Australian has had to miss out on so much so you're right there is amazing support for vaccination here in Australia where more than 90% double dose across the country but of course he does have a choice not to be vaccinated but Australians say well we have a choice to reject you because rules are rules and we're abided by them and we've missed out on a lot so that's the feeling So he's locked up in a hotel at the moment was he refused access based on the merits of his exemption or was it the wrong visa being filled out because I'm reading sort of mixed reports in that regard Yeah so from what we understand he landed at Melbourne airport on Wednesday night and was rejected entry and had his visa cancelled on the spot because he failed to provide any evidence that he was double vaccinated of course or that he had a legitimate exemption but there has been reports as well that apparently he did present tennis Australia's logo documents some of he was photographed doing so perhaps he truly believed that he was eligible and then the Australian government has stepped in in response to the public outrage because the Victorian government did have this tennis Australia policy where they had you know a team of I think it was two independent medical panels it was anonymous they didn't know who the players were so they had this system set up which apparently granted him an exemption but then something has changed in the last 24 hours and it could have been politically motivated by our Prime Minister Scott Morrison as we do know he's facing an election in a few months time Yeah and of course too you know this was supposed to be blind in that whoever was deciding the panel that was deciding whether or not who could get in or who couldn't get in apparently they didn't know it was whether or not it would have been Novak and I note particularly maybe between some of the Australian tennis players a bit of skepticism or cynicism in that regard that might be a cause for another investigation to see was this truly a situation that he just has the number one tennis player in the big draw happened to blindly get this exemption Yeah I think we need to look into exactly how that decision was made apparently there's three other tennis players that have also been granted an exemption I mean the world wants to know if he has a genuine reason medically to not be vaccinated but from from all accounts of what we've seen him say it is that he's against it so on what grounds tennis Australia decided to to gain him entry is still an unknown and that's causing a bit of pain for for many people And very finally Sarah more generally you know you guys are probably a year or two years behind us in terms of you know really big significant waves of COVID because of the policies you adopted previously what's the mood like amongst Australians and what is life like over there at the moment It's been a really difficult start to the year for us here it was hard to make any new year's resolution because it really ended the year opening up you know our state premiers were telling us that this was the path forward and yes we'd have cases but it wasn't going to you know prevent us from doing things and that's true in a way you know our restaurants and cafes are open but now that we're dealing with this way people are scared to go out scared to mingle you know there's so many businesses that are losing staff members due to COVID cases and people needing to be in isolation we're having trouble getting you know trucks sending our food to supermarkets and the shelves are you know empty and missing key products like meat so we're really facing challenge after challenge as we try and adapt to what is a less serious variant from what we're experiencing so far but still the daily impact and the cancellations of you know things that you plan for the future so there's a bit of disappointment still in the air as we move through this next phase Yeah and very finally I mean I know it's a very serious matter but part of me would have been interested to see what kind of no reaction Novak Djokovic might have got on the court as he stepped out he'd be used to adorning fans of course it might have been or even fact it still possibly could be quite a different reception Yeah look I'm a big Kenneth fan myself and have been to the Australian Open and cheered him on but I think he would have got a pretty big boo walking out onto the crowd or whether many people would have even watched his match that might be a bit harsh to say but you know we appreciate good sportsmen but we appreciate people who are also good sportsmen qualities it's a real Australian trait of ours so I'm not sure even from the the biggest tennis fans whether he would have got a positive reception All right Sarah and Evan journalists in Australia thank you so much for your time today I really appreciate it greatly My pleasure thank you It's been lovely speaking to you okay that's the latest from Australia okay the ATP should pull all players out of the country to protect their players from an authoritarian dictatorship let them lose their revenue for a year and see what they reckon next January I don't think they'd have a problem with that I think really the majority of ATP players probably might be in favour of this you know I mean there's always this presumption that an entire group of people would be happy to be pulled out of the Australian Open there's going to be mixed views like there is in any area of society Novak Djokovic is pretty stringent in his views or strong in his views but you know there are other tennis players and I heard them being interviewed that are upset with him and they believe he should be vaccinated they're pro-vaccine so I don't think really the ATP would make a stance I don't think they're going to get involved in that because they might not have the support of the majority of their members you see right okay we have to take a break and we'll weave it behind stay with us back in three minutes is 2022 the year you need to change your mattress rest expires letter Kenny the massive January sale is now on sponsors of today's show new this week in home store and more all fireside accessories are half price but better hurry because when all our half price fireside accessories are gone they're gone also all 100 cut and printed duvet sets and all our duck feather and down duvets are still half price but when all our half price all 100 cut and printed duvet sets and all our half price duck feather and down duvets are gone they're definitely gone drop by your local home store and more home store and more a happy home at cherrymore kitchens and bedrooms dunigaltown 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if operation transformation offends bigger people yes let's say it's fat people they say then all they need to do is press one of the wee buttons on the remote and hey press to a different channel will appear before their very eyes why don't we ban Love Island and all the rest because let's face it 99% of people will never look like the contestants on it um I don't think how you look is yeah I get the point you're making but it's not the same Greg it does sound like the council culture should look at the US show called the biggest loser I believe actress rebel Wilson lost a lot of weight through it education is what is needed and common sense especially minimum pricing and not heed the Twitter arty mob by the way if people can't find ancient and tests look at exorbitant prices being fleeced on web pages okay thanks for that Kevin reaching the stage now getting out of bed is offensive to some the walk culture is reducing us all to be a sanatide sanitized self-centred drones do we need to have something to show we have had a booster vaccine some people have got them some have not your COVID pass will be updated over the coming weeks and days to show that you had your booster it's problematic for some because some countries I think Italy amongst them require you to be boosted before you can get in to that country I know but I don't have I just don't have the time before 10 Caroline thank you very much Caroline speak to my ear ask me to do something but I simply just can't because I don't have the time we're going to hold the guest off till after 10 rather than rush it really Millbrae clinic but sorry Millbridge is it Millbrae in Strunaller Carolina Millbridge it is Millbrae and Millbrae clinic in Strunaller is having a walk-in booster clinic from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today Thursday by the way for those in that area who are interested in that hi could you ask Jack Moray what's the current status regarding Bunkrana Leisure Center can this not be sorted before any other works start well the works could happen in tandem or be completely separate projects but we'll get an update on that because a lot of you interested in that great you not think the money should be pumped into a new swimming pool yet another coming along those lines we've covered that swimming pool story many times over the years we will return to it because there's clearly a lot of interest out there if people have an objection to operation transformation or any other TV shows could they not just switch channels this would be the simplest solution I mean it's a strong argument no word of the frontline workers and shops were so short staffed so do we not count now I mean obviously I don't do you mean we're not talking about it generally in society and understanding what you're going through or is that connected to a another issue as well I'm not sure they're now going for herd immunity open all up open all up as I said before you have to also text me back and accept the consequences of the hospitals at least for a period of time being able to do absolutely nothing else whatsoever and an elective or elective surgery and all the day services not going ahead that would be a by product by product of it you can't have one without the other if that's acceptable to you that's fine that's your point of view but you have to accept that that would also be the case and in opening everything up you're saying okay well we're just going to have to do that because that's just the way it is right we've lots to come in the next two hours or so the show stay right where you are but we have to take a break and we want to take a break for the very latest news followed by the obituary notices the best place to get a new better mattress at a great price is Rest Ex Bed's Letter Kenny the massive January sale is now on sponsors of today's show Loganair's biggest ever sale has landed we're taking off 15% from a whopping 2 million seats for 2022 and you can book and travel with confidence 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with our expert audiology team today call us on 04890667030 or visit kingsbridgehearingcare.co.uk individually sized storage units store and go offers storage for personal storage house moves and renovations business storage for excess stock or filing systems once signed up you can access 24 hours a day through an app on your phone gaining access through four levels of security to your most precious possessions call store and go springtownderry on 02871278900 to discuss your needs and get bespoke advice or get a free quote at store and go.net the rest x beds and furniture winter sale is now in full swing at our letterkenny store supplying only the finest quality luxurious irish made beds and mattresses with genuine savings throughout our range we look forward to seeing you at the rest x beds and furniture winter sale live on air online and on the Highland Radio app this is Highland Radio News good morning it's 10 o'clock Donald Kavanaugh at the news desk a major funding boost has been confirmed for the regeneration of Bunkrana shorefront almost 1.17 million euro has been sanctioned by government as part of a 21.5 million euro package for 27 regeneration projects nationwide the re-powering Bunkrana project will strengthen the shorefront enhance walking and cycling facilities provide quality shorefront amenities and the backers say integrate art and biodiversity into the urban landscape Minister Charlie Mcconnellook says it's a significant contribution this is initial funding to facilitate and fund the development of a much wider plan to ensure that the shorefront its potential can be developed and also that it's integrated into the town center there's a lot of very significant work left the potential for Bunkrana is massive it's a wonderful town it attracts people from all over the county and indeed the country but there's even more potential there in relation to how that tremendous amenity that is the shorefront works and integrates to the rest of the town and makes Bunkrana the real thriving hub that it is but can continue to develop further meanwhile 196,000 euro has been confirmed for a northwest bioeconomy hub in Kilalt the funding will assist in developing plans for the hub that will provide state-of-the-art facilities and create sustainable employment opportunities in the bioeconomy sector updated digital COVID certificates will be issued from tonight from February 1st the certs will only be valid for travel within the EU for nine months since a person's last vaccine dose Irish issued certificates currently don't reflect an individual's booster status that means many certs will be out of date when the new rule comes into effect Ministry of State for EU Government Oshun Smith says the certs will arrive automatically and that process will start this evening we are expecting to start sending those out tonight the vast bulk of them will go out by email so if you've had a booster shot and that's nearly actually more than two million people have had booster shots in Ireland you will be receiving your updated digital COVID cert very soon changes to the rules on close contacts could be on the way with Nefford set to be considered reducing the isolation period when it meets this morning coalition leaders have voiced their desire for the rules to be changed for people who are vaccinated it comes as services across the country struggle with staff shortages brought on by the more transmissible Omicron variant a number of schools reporting teacher absences this morning that's happening right across the country with difficulty in securing substitutes a mobile COVID-19 testing centre has opened in Straban this morning it follows many calls for a centre to be re-established in the town because of the high level of the virus in the community many from the town have been forced to travel to Derry in a skill and awe as far as Antrim to receive PCR tests in recent weeks the centre opened at 10 this morning in the canal basin excuse me it'll operate tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Foreign Affairs Minister will meet his British counterpart in London later it'll be the first time that Liz Truss and Simon Coveney have met since Ms Truss took over Brexit responsibilities with more here's Adrian Harmon Simon Coveney and Liz Truss have already held a long virtual meeting on Anglo-Irish relations but today's will be the first in person and the first since Ms Truss took over the Brexit brief that followed the resignation of David Frost last month who cited concerns over the direction of Boris Johnson's government today's meetings expected to focus heavily on the Northern Ireland protocol and the EU-UK negotiations Minister Coveney and the Foreign Secretary have worked opposite each other before during their times in the agriculture briefs so have a working relationship today's talks come ahead of a meeting between Ms Truss and the EU Vice-President Mara Sefkovich next week The European Court of Human Rights will not consider the long-running gay cake case Northern Ireland gay rights activist Gareth Lee referred the case to the court after a previous hearing at the UK Supreme Court in 2018 it ruled he wasn't discriminated against when the Christian owners of a Belfast bakery refused to make him a cake with the slogan support gay marriage this morning the European Court ruled that the case is inadmissible and one year on from the US Capitol riots the country is more divided than ever according to a former White House chief of staff US President Joe Biden will make a speech commemorating the anniversary of the event which saw supporters of Donald Trump storm the Capitol building former chief of staff to Donald Trump Mick Mulvaney believes the former president's speech beforehand was not inciting a riot however he adds Mr Trump should have taken action when it became clear that many people had started to take his speech that way some people even believed he wanted them to do harm to Mike Pence the Vice President of the United States I do not believe that's what the president meant or intended but as soon as that became clear it was incumbent upon the president to go on TV and say stop in a definitive and a presidential manner so if I blame the president for anything it's that it's not being presidential at at an absolutely critical point looking at whether forecast persistent rain this morning will clear with sunny spells and frequent blustery showers following some heavy with hail and isolated thunderstorms this afternoon will become colder with showers turning increasingly wintry and falling asleep or snow in places this evening fresh to strong southerly winds will become westerly as rain clears with afternoon temperatures of 4 to 6 degrees celsius tonight cold and the blustery with wintry showers some falling as snow with accumulations particularly on higher ground some hail and isolated thunderstorms also low stormy temperatures 0 to 3 in fresh to strong gusty westerly winds that's Highland Radio News we're back with news again at 11 o'clock the wintry notice says for this thursday morning january the 6th the death has taken place of Dorothy jean dot mcmahan victoria road mahera mason a funeral service will take place tomorrow at 12 noon in mahera mason presbyterian church followed by burial in milford presbyterian church burial ground family flowers only donations if desired to lupus uk the heart foundation or cancer research the death has taken place of john kennedy name mullen 37 glebe garden sig mills you're leaving her home tomorrow morning at 20 past 10 for requering mass in sin tree's church sig mills at 11 o'clock and term it afterwards in the adjoining cemetery donations and leo flowers please to marie curie care of quickly funeral directors the house is private to family and friends only please the requering mass can be viewed live via the parish webcam the death has taken place of mary josephine magrenra kilmore church hill who remains a reposing atterlite residents funeral from there today for requering mass at 12 noon in st calm kills church glendoan followed by interment in garden cemetery funeral mass can be viewed on church services dot tv wake private to family neighbors and friends family flowers only donations and they have desired to the stroke unit letter kenny university hospital care of any family member the death has occurred of margaret roger nace weenie glendys and fintyne removal from her home tomorrow going to st calmill's church glendys for requering mass at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the local cemetery house private to family and close friends funeral mass can be viewed live on church services dot tv flowers welcome or donations if desired to the glendys day care centre care of james mcginnis and sons of funeral directors the death house taken place of james brezlin carrick mcquigley red castle james's remains are reposing at the home of his son james and daughter lauditina carrick mcquigley funeral mass will take place tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock in st clumbage church strung followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard funeral mass can be viewed live on mcn media the death house taken place of morris mcgrotty symphine's park mobile morris remains are reposing at the home of her daughter grogna and bali nally mobile family time please from 10 p.m until 12 noon with family only on the morning of the funeral place morris funeral mass will take place tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock in sympires the 10th church mobile followed by burial in bali brack graveyard funeral mass can be viewed live on the parish webcam donations and the afflores police to the dunigal hospice care of any family member the death house taken place of mary boil in the adjoining connell ardra and formally al mcgapil ardra remains are reposing at her late residence funeral from there this morning at half past 11 to the church of the holy family ardra for 12 noon funeral mass with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery family flowers only please donations in lay of desire to charlie bennett memorial fund care of shea ms chauvin and sons at funeral directors the death house occurred off teresa quilley nate quinn five ahaloha castle derek recreation mass will be celebrated on saturday morning at 11 o'clock in sympatrix church ahi ard and term it afterwards in the adjoining church yard the mass can be viewed via the parish webcam the house is private to the immediate family and close friends the death house taken place of shea ms dowry dobs 25 castle park bon crana removal from his residence tomorrow afternoon at 20 past one going to st mary's church carkill for two o'clock recreation mass followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery the house is private to family and friends only please funeral service can be viewed online at church services dot tv family flowers only please donations of desire to cash on the core care of any family member and the tragic death has occurred of darah collin leap garrow armore island his remains are opposing at his late residence which is strictly private to family close friends and school friends please funeral will take place tomorrow morning in synchronic church armore island at 11 o'clock while by burial in the adjoining graveyard for more details including any family health guidelines for wakes and funerals please go to highland radio dot com if your child is aged five to 11 you could now register for their free covert 19 vaccine covert 19 usually causes mild to moderate illness in this age group but it can cause more severe illness all vaccines used in Ireland are tested before they're approved by the european medicines agency to find out more or to register go to hsc dot ie or call hsc live on 1800 700 700 from the hsc okay you're very welcome back to the nine till noon show here on highland radio we are into the second hour i do hope you well and i think most of you might be delighted that the majority of the young ones where possible are back at school uh today um one or two schools i think in the county have i think it's two have gone with a staggered approach they've had to because of staff shortages and what have you staff being absent um and hopefully all students will be able to return on monday but a lot of you've been texting in through yesterday and i want to read those comments as well so some might be out of dates and what have you but we'll run through them um a caller says that before christmas his daughter was going to school and because of the fact that there were no teachers present classes had to mix too many students in each room had no proper teaching his daughter does not want to go back to that scenario again and other teachers have a brilliant union what other sectors get full pay went off for covid-19 other sectors have to absorb shortages and risk same story with them good morning greg i believe the schools should wait until february to reopen or they should have this month could be crucially monitoring the repercussions of the holidays and all the mixing that went on throughout the past few weeks we've got used to waiting by now does not one play chess anymore we live in a technological age all that would be required is a little innovative thinking i fear that covid-19 will further expose our government's lack of common sense on this matter what are children really going to learn an environment that's being made less accommodating for education and other the ventilation systems that the teachers are talking out of are not sufficient these only filter dosenair impurities a caller a retired ventilation engineer states that they need a carbon ventilator which is the type that filters viruses chemically they need to talk to a proper filtration specialist about this another greg if the children are allowed to go back to school then why can't the pubs be open with the windows and doors open just a thought and he bought remember eight o'clock you know what happens then as a teacher i'm very disappointed with how the leaders of government announced that schools would open before the minister met with unions the unions have a lot i think a lot of them were given opinions but the decision had been made of course but the caller goes on to say the unions have a lot to answer for they claim up to the top of the hill and come back down again every time i fully understand that schools must open but anyone who knows how schools work fully understand that schools do their best but students interact very closely all the time and it's impossible to monitor that comes in from barry but you know i mean if it's in every house or will be in every house and they're mixing at lunch time around the bus i mean really does it it's it's going to pass through isn't it which is problematic a lot of people very worried about that but is that the strategies that's what's happening i think we called out on this program the day that they stopped contact tracing in national schools was the day it was said in this show i said it myself that well we are going for a different type of strategy how do you vaccinate the unvaccinated you know how is it different say as a caller for teachers and girls who work in chemists are meeting sick people every day simple answer to this problem teachers go on the pup payment like everyone else see how anxious they'd be to close schools then and although the schools are going to be completely freezing over the next few days and with all windows open this is an awful environment to send our children into never mind the very high case numbers i feel like taking my children out of school i don't think they can learn anything when they're sitting shivering with the cold and mask on i wonder how many of you out there chose to keep your children off today and tomorrow how many of you made that decision and said look we'll see what the situation is on monday or give us another couple of days to go through it i imagine quite a few of you did but i don't know i've no way of determining that information a few more before the bingo numbers i have a secondary school child who had covered in november she still is pretty run down as it is and she's been sitting in a freezing school since november and now we'll go back to sit frozen again regardless how many extra clothes you put on they're still freezing and will be the same tomorrow giving our weather at the minute and that is so true you know um if you're out walking or uh working outdoors you can you know wear a lot of clothes and that helps but if you're sitting in the one spot eventually the cold gets through so i understand exactly how your daughter might feel as a bit of a cold crack on myself to be honest with you um right okay uh more here everyone else can go back to work and a lot of them are at more risk if catching the virus i've catching the virus and i'm not complaining i'm sick listening to teachers thinking they're special if you're afraid to go to work go on the pup and let someone who wants to do work do your job greg listening to the show yesterday you would think the teachers don't want the schools back i am sure a lot of parents are looking forward to getting the children back to get back to a bit of normal whatever that is yeah indeed i i i think in fact we know 70 percent of parents want their children back in school we know that because surveys have been done hi just wondering about children going back to school my child had covered over christmas and it's now testing negative but i'm showing symptoms and a positive answering test what happens now can the children go back to school can't find anything online thank you it's very complicated to navigate but the hdc website has that information it is embarrassingly complicated to navigate they really need to simplify the close contact rules if i get a chance uh in an ad break or something i'll try and find that out for you but as i say it's complicated last for now if teachers can't handle the heat get out of the kitchen they agree with the government all the way but now it's a different story when it affects them suck it up now so well one teachers union's farmers aware as far as i'm aware looked for a staggered opening that was the tui wasn't it um i didn't hear much from other unions um well i did actually but nothing no one asking for opening to be delayed is is really what i'm trying to get at all right it's bingo day today wouldn't it be nice uh this is the second week of the bingo in 2022 wouldn't it be nice if someone wanted here's how you do it listen to these numbers good luck it's time for ncbi bingo on highland radio it's thursday the 6th of january jackpot day today jackpot is 7600 euro today's jackpot number is 47 you're playing in a pink colored sheet the reference number is s4 it's game number one the numbers are 76 47 83 24 43 42 65 the number 4 72 and the number two phone your claim to 91048 double three before 8 p.m. tonight leaving your name contact number at the name of the shop where you purchased your book get all your ncbi radio bingo information at highlandradio.com the best place to get a new better mattress at a great price is rest x beds letter kenny the massive january sale is now on sponsors of today's show stunning all start the new year with their opening game in the doctor mechanic cup this friday evening in bally buffet deckland boner side will face down at mccool park and you can hear full match commentary with oshen kelly and martin mcquee from the 730 throw in online on our website at highlandradio.com coverage is an association with highland motors letter kenny your main reno and dacia dealer in dunny gall the iconic dacia duster the family suv for all your adventures is available in diesel and petrol from just 189 euro per month order yours today lending terms and conditions apply reno.ie the dunstores baby event is on now and we've got big savings on baby products like 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shopping in dunny gall free parking and shopping all under one roof letterkenny shopping centre bringing you the time at the time is 20 minutes past 10 now the brine freel shyman showman documentary airs tonight on rte one it's on at 10 35 so either watch it as it is broadcast you can record it of course depending on the plot platform you watch or catch up if you dare entertain the rte player um and you can watch it there as well i'm sure we're joined by the director of the documentary jane mcgown thank you very very much for joining us jane great to have you on the program oh you're very welcome good to be here i mean tell us a bit about brine freel i mean absolutely don't have a ton of time and and there's so much there but you know the people are introduced to greats all of the time you know new fans all of the time so even for those who maybe aren't fully familiar with his work and how and how much he influenced tell us a bit about him so brine freel was born anoma brought up in dairy um but lived a lot of his adult life in in dunny gall it was very important his place now when he started writing he actually was a maths teacher to start with and then he began started writing short stories and then plays his first big hit was in the about 1964 a play called philadelphia here i come and that really changed our state which had become a bit stale a bit semi you know same old characters sitting in a rural arish kitchen and he sort of took that format and turned it on its head and made it really relevant to the issues of the time you know this very conservative state church young people emigrating in droves and it made a huge impact and it went to broadway and he was lauded in america and really that that was the start of a career that that went on for the next well he was writing up until you know shortly before he died in 2015 so 24 published plays um and some of the the greats of of arish theater and of english-speaking theater you know he's done all over the world and this was um and his popularity was despite him not really very engaging like you know a lot of a lot of artists are with the media promoting his work being accessible i imagine a lot of people going well what's next you know where's the interview what you know he wasn't that type was that did that work in his favor or to to his different i think i think he definitely um sort of in later latter years he he just stopped giving interviews all together i think he got to the point where he felt like do you know what my plays say everything that i want to say i don't want all these you know interviews you know digging into depth let the play speak for themselves so he was quite a shy man despite the fact that he was producing these wonderful theatrical creations and he i know he loved the glitz and glamour of theater and um to his detriment i don't think so i think perhaps it made him feel slightly mysterious and a bit elusive to people who were desperate for me to get that but we get more of an understanding of all of this because as you say that was more laterally from the around the eighties on um because there's an on-screen interview with uh brown frills widow which i believe is the first so we're going to get between uh conversations with that lady and others we're going to get more much more of an insight into all of this i presume oh yes i mean ann has has never done an interview like this before so when we thought we want well we wanted to make this program for a long time and the first thing was we went to see ann and said what do you think and she gave us her blessing and then it took a little bit of persuading to say no no you know you you were his first reader his critic his confidant the person who knew him best in the world and and she very kindly generously agreed to to film with us so you do you there are insights there that i think people have ever heard before and she's very funny and very intelligent and very witty and she really sets the tone i think of the film and who else do we hear from so um Liam Neeson um Sinead Cusack, Neve Cusack, Steven Ray, Siobhan McSweeney, Sir Tom Stoppard Indira Varma i mean i've been a documentary director for quite some time and normally you have to sort of coax people into being of something but these people were amazing and that we we phoned people up and said like we're doing this or yes i i i revere Brian Freel Brian Freel was my friend and i will take part so we were incredibly lucky with our cast list um i've asked this question before of of a documentary makers especially in this era where you know lots of stuff can be spread out of a very very long time you know how long is this piece in total Jane do you mean how long is the documentary in total the film is in our long yeah so as i say that could be very easily i imagine made three hours long or eight hours long do you know how difficult was it or is it or maybe that's the exciting challenge and going the other way can drag things out too long but to get all of this in to an hour and do it justice it's hard it's really hard i could have made a six-part series but you know when when you have a time restriction it makes you be very you know you you're aware of what are the audience going to want to take away from this um and what are we trying to say about Freel so actually you know it's no bad thing to have a you know time constraint otherwise you'd be rambling all over the place but it was hard there were some wonderful stories and contributions that we just didn't have time for yeah how did Brian Freel deal with you know not favourable refused you know what i mean i mean i mean obviously you know you talked about him loving the glitz and the glamour and that often comes you know with with success nor but you can't hit the jackpot every single time do we get an understanding of how he dealt with maybe the more negative reaction to some of his work absolutely and there was a period in the 70s where he was writing plays and they just weren't you know critically or commercially successful not they just weren't hitting the right note perhaps so and i know that was tough i mean he he did say oh well you know i don't pay any attention to the critics but as an and as joe dialling who work with him a lot will say in the documentary he did take it hard it was difficult um and he had to be incredibly resilient to come back from from that criticism okay i look forward to this um i'm definitely looking forward to watching this one and um because you've got great access and great insight and we really appreciate you uh sharing uh talking to us about it it's tonight at 1035 it's uh brian frill shimon shulman it's a documentary uh one hour long on rte one uh and i think uh you're going to have huge viewership for that either live or or delayed uh jane congratulations on your work and thank you very much for joining us today thank you take care of yourself jane mcgowan there who is the director of that piece of work is 2022 the year you need to change your mattress rest expects letter kenny the massive january sale is now on sponsors of today's show thinking of changing your car in 2022 think nissan thinking of upgrading and enjoying new technology think kia looking for value for the very best in after sales think i motors your number one nissan and kia dealer in dunigal via a range of vehicles please visit i motors dot a at darty central movill it's our january better than half price sale center fresh irish pork loin roast now only 535 per kg nestly cereal range and all your back to school lunch needs three for two mix and match fruit and veg four pack of tomato tray parsnip tray carrot bag avocado family apple bag banana pack and broccoli all at darty central movill new this weekend home store and more all fireside accessories are half price but better hurry because when all our half price fireside accessories are gone they're gone also all 100% cotton printed duvet sets and all our duck feather and down duvets are still half price but when all our half price all 100% cotton printed duvet sets and all our half price duck feather and down duvets are gone they're definitely gone drop by your local home store and more home store and more a happy home in harsh winter weather Watson higher have all you need to stay safe and keep warm there's great deals on coal color gas firewood and heating oil with free local delivery also electric fan halogen and oil filled heaters see in store and the fuel store at Watson higher dot ie it offers on winter clothing and boots for any higher items they're still the weekend higher deal three days for the price of one all at Watson higher kill toy letter candy with free parking at the door i'm really excited about going back to school this year i want everyone in my class to stay well if i have any symptoms or if i am advised to strict movements i know i shouldn't come to school because we all play our part in keeping everyone well it's important that everyone follows public health advice to keep everyone well at home and in school remember if your child has any symptoms please keep them home and get a covid-19 test this january this is the only test that matters brought to you by the government of Ireland okay you're welcome back to the program we're joined on it now by independent senator jared crochwell thank you very much senator for joining us good morning to you morning sir and good morning to your listeners i hope the weather is treating you well up there in the northwest and the sun is literally splitting the rocks it's it's beautiful uh i'm going out sunbathing just as soon as i get off this call um now you have been following the procurement process for the next search and rescue uh helicopter contract for the irish coast guard now why have you taken a particular interest in this and in that what has peaked your interest particularly okay the um search and rescue operators who do a marvelous job off the west coast and the deed of the east coast and that service costs the irish taxpayer one million euros per week in fact it has gone above one million per week now and we know a new very little about how it's at the procurement process took place in 2010 but the question of value for money uh comes into the discussion now people will argue that there is no price you can put on the work done by search and rescue and i would agree with that but at the same time what we have spent over the last 10 years is close to a billion euros and when the contract ends we have no tangible asset to show for us now may i ask just in in that regard is it one million flat rate sorry is it one million like a flat rate and then we pay extra on top or is it costing us in and around a million a week in total uh for the for the coverage of our of our coasts it there's a flat rate of one million a week roughly and then there's additional costs that may be built in if the service for example uh carries out additional hours or something like that and and i'm not being argumentative by the way you know when we we see the money that's that's bandied around the place and you know we're very reliant on that service here for search and rescue or for medical evacuations and all that kind of stuff and when you see say for instance how much it costs to move the doll to the conference center a million a week kind of feels like not bad value for money am i being naive there no you're not i mean look at the end of the day you cannot put a price on the value of search and rescue but what you can do is you can say that the procurement process which we're now going through at the moment must be transparent and we must know exactly what we're dealing with we must know uh upfront the business case that has been together to make sure that the taxpayer gets value for money and this doesn't just apply to the search and rescue this applies to everything there is no political oversight of major contracts what we get is we get a business case put forward by a government department and then we're told you can't release the business case because there's commercial sensitivities around it so we never really know before a contract is signed what we're getting into and afterwards we finish up with the national children's hospital disaster the motorway disasters and various other so what is our deal at the moment is it one company that provides the helicopters and the crews and that's who we pay or who owns the they own the helicopters can you explain to me the current deal and how it's sort of set up and who we're dealing with yeah the current deal the operator is a company called CHC DAC at their Canadian helicopter corporation and the deal was signed in 2010 and many aspects of the deal were not fulfilled such as for example the use of night vision the state paid seven million euros to have helicopters upgraded for night vision it has never been used it started to be used in sligo some time ago but it's not used universally around the country the helicopters we were told were new they were not new they were all secondhand apart from one which is recently adds it's the fleet which is new and we paid for the full cost of five brand new helicopters five Sikorsky s92s and we did not get five new helicopters I'm going on statements made by the relevant ministers at the time told us we were getting new helicopters but because we didn't see the actual contract we can only speculate on what's in the public domain at the moment okay so how we can benefit is if there's a competition there you know if there's two or three or four companies that are vying for this contract you know and then if that were the case we could maybe have a conversation about you know that process but our our do we have through the procurement process if that's open at the moment I don't know Jared you can educate me on that like do we have a group of companies that are vying for this where we can sort of try and e-cap better value for money or is it going to be like the rural broadband rollout whereby there's one player in town left and we just really have to pay whatever they decide they want to charge us the search and rescue business is a rather peculiar business it's quite incestuous because you have companies competing with one another and merging with each other and cooperating on contracts so there are about four companies that are capable of tendering for the Irish contract the business case for the next contract was put together by KPMG advised by a company called Fraser Nash Fraser Nash were at the time wholly owned by a company called Babcock and Babcock is one of the companies that I would expect to tender for the next contract Babcock, CHC, Bristo and there's one company from the Netherlands whose name slips me at the moment they're about the only four that would be capable of taking on the Irish contract they've ruled out the use of the Irish Air Corps people in Donegal would be very much aware of the fact that the Irish Air Corps flew out of Finner Camp for about 25 or 30 years and of course for some reason or other the business case has ruled out any impact or any use of the Irish Air Corps either for top cover or for helicopters so really we have to get to the bottom of this before any contract is signed So do you think and I think you've already highlighted the Minister of State, Nocten she's got an awful lot on her plate already are you saying that this should be handed over to a committee or what have you to examine this to tease it all out to get it all out in the open to ensure that look if it costs a billion it costs a billion but let's make sure that's how much it costs and what is promised is delivered key performance indicators all that type of stuff Absolutely 100% I think it is grossly unfair to expect either the line minister Minister Ryan who has significant issues with respect to climate change and transport and communications and then you take Minister Nocten the Minister of State Nocten I mean she has about 10 different responsibilities a key responsibility believe it or not being the air code system and you're expecting her to oversee massive contracts on her own and look we know from the National Children's Hospital example that when something goes wrong the only person that ever suffers is the politician the Minister of the Day is fired or whatever Well not very often No not very often I'd agree but the people who advise are never brought before anybody to explain the advice they gave and I think Well that feeds into the wider problem of a complete lack of accountability and if there are you know we could talk about the procurement of broadband or whatever it might be that if as soon as there is a smell or a sniff of controversy or perhaps someone being responsible they tend to be moved on 100% correct Minister Dennis Nocten lost his job and communications because of an alleged relationship on the National Broadband issue since he has gone has anything changed in broadband you people in Donegal know more about broadband than most of us No we're still using two cans and a piece of string that's still the preferred means of I mean since that was announced and since perhaps not even one house has been connected to it Elon Musk has launched thousands upon thousands of satellites into lower space and is offering broadband to rural Donegal that's how public versus private operates he launched satellites into space and is providing broadband before any meaningful inroads have been made into rural broadband rollout and this is my whole point when the broadband issue comes up it should have been brought before the transport committee and for example interested parties from extremely rural areas like Donegal like West Connemara like West Kerry and West Cork should have had an opportunity to come before and interrupt this committee and seek undertakings from that committee that their needs and their expectations would have been met but what happens is contracts are signed behind closed doors and when the fallout comes retrospectively the committee sits down I'm a member of the communications committee we retrospectively sit down and we engage in a process of what went wrong and we must learn lessons from this Well it's nice to talk to you but this is just not one of those issues I can see getting traction Yeah well the way I look at it Is that sexy enough? Yeah probably not You can't explain it in three sentences and you know Yeah I think you have a fair point but the thing about it is you're paying 51% of your income on tax and that tax is being flushed down the toilets as a non-merciful race the way we're spending money in this country at the moment leaving aside the COVID situation which will have to be paid for when it all ends I just cannot understand how there is not a greater public outright for greater oversize of what's going on All right keep us updated with any progress making that campaign nice to speak to you thank you Thank you very much indeed Okay take care of yourself that Senator Jared Crochwell Independent Senator he's saying that the procurement process for the next search and rescue helicopter contract for the Irish Coast Guard needs to be you know examined in advance before a Noroctas committee to make sure that you me us the taxpayers are getting value for money and that what is committed to is actually delivered okay right let's see shall we take a piece of music yeah we will let me see what shall we have I don't pick anything out but look this is sitting here we might as well play this that is pink and get this party or get the party started I call it says passengers no longer need a negative test to enter this country this is just madness how is it madness I don't think it's madness at all look 96% of cases here are Omicron we've got the highest infectious rate in infection rate in Europe the question would be why would anyone want to come in here now I don't believe that to be the case but that would be more pertinent to question you know we are the worst at the moment and as I say all the cases bar you know 4% of Omicron anyway so I long before now didn't see the function of requiring travelers into this country to have a negative test once it was 20% of cases that to me seemed so that seemed to me to be pointless I'll wait 60, 60, 25,000 that is the WhatsApp our next guest joins us stay right where you are after these messages the best place to get a new better mattress at a great price is RestExBeds letter Kenny the massive January sale is now on sponsors of today's show at Centra jumpstart your new year in our better than half price sale with great offers like Centra fresh arch pork loin roast better than half price now 535 per kilo innocent kids smoothies four packs better than half price now 198 each and personal bio and non-biocapsules 15 wash better than half price now four euro each Centra live every day forward emphasis international based in Mallonhead are actively recruiting for customer service advisors with both permanent remote working and hybrid opportunities available experience and contact centres or insurance services is desirable but not essential as full training is provided fully funded financial services qualifications delivering attractive career path opportunities are available please visit their website www.forwardemphasis.ie or apply via their 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inside this week's Irish Farmers Journal on sale now now I mentioned during our interview a little earlier on with Jane that that Brian Freel documentaries on RTE this evening at 10.35 it's actually 10.15 so I don't want any of you who might have an interest to miss that so the Brian Freel documentaries on RTE tonight RTE one I believe at 10.15 and not 10.35 as was stated now Dr. Wallace Dinsmore it's clinical lead and medical consultant specialist in sexual health with the genito urinary medicine and he joins us on the program now thank you so much for taking get time out speak to us this morning doctor morning thank you it's great to have you with us right now we're going to be talking about an online sexually transmitted infection testing service which has been extended into the northwest region but do we have an insight as to how you know common or prevalent STIs are and and you know what infections are people most likely to have and do you know do you have them in some cases doctor well STIs are very common all over Ireland they're no more common in what not northwest than anywhere else but they are very common the very common ones are things like Chlamydia gonorrhea and of course the more serious ones like syphilis and HIV syphilis has exploded all over Ireland in the past year or two and the HIV continues to present frequently although it's no longer in the headlines maybe because of COVID but it's there and it's spreading with lockdown there probably was a slight decrease in STDs but people some people are now making up for lost time yeah and what is our greatest I mean other than you know complete abstinence or celibacy which is not realistic as I suppose for most what do we need to be doing that we're not doing enough of to best protect ourselves well use columns is the number one prevention reducing number of partners mainly if you've only got one partner and your partner's only one partner you're highly unlikely to get an infection but the most common cause of infection is casual sexual partners there are lots of reasons why people are casual sexual partners they if people go out for an evening they frequently don't intend to have casual sex but unfortunately there's not enough blood in a man's body to supply his brain and his penis at the same time so things can get out of hand and what seems like a good idea one o'clock in the morning may not seem such a good idea at ten o'clock next morning yeah before we talk about what people might look out for is there enough of a focus though on on education because you know a lot of the conversation is safe for instance about you know free birth control you know in other words what we seem to be talking about I think a lot and I could be wrong when we talk about protection in inverted commas is avoiding the risk of pregnancy how much are we talking about it doesn't seem very much to me protecting yourself from the trans you know transmitting or catching an STI well you're absolutely correct most people have heard of Chimedia but when you mention things like syphilis people usually haven't heard of it at all it is very serious if it's not treated and it can be there without any symptoms for up to eight ten years at which stage very serious symptoms develop and it is very easily treatable if diagnosed early and the other STIs you talked off the likes of Chimedia do which present with symptoms you know in the early stages and which don't so in other words like people could be walking around unknowns to themselves with with many of these quite serious infections yes men usually get symptoms of pain passing you're in with Chimedia and gonorrhea and they may get a discharge a yellow discharge or a clear discharge women frequently have no symptoms tall from either gonorrhea or Chimedia so women are often totally unaware they have an infection until a partner tells them that they've caught an infection from them but the same goes for most other infections syphilis HIV all of these conditions can be there with absolutely no symptoms in either men or women okay so now from now on people living in counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo people with an address they're aged 17 and over can order an STI test through an online platform it's sh24.ie if someone orders a test what comes through the post what do they do then? it's a brilliant service there are two bottles come through the post one for your end which will test for Chimedia and gonorrhea the other is a small bottle which is a blood test for HIV and syphilis and that's it's a very easy test to take the individual has a little prick in their finger the same as diabetics use for testing their blood sugar they put a few drops of blood into a little bottle that's posted off and two to three days later the results come back to the address given by the person that may be their home address maybe their business address or maybe some different address if they don't wish for these samples to arrive like at their own home and that is going to be part of the problem here isn't it you know as much as we'd like to think that people you know are with their long-term partner and never strayed beyond that you know it's likely they might go right I might need one of these tests if they have you know been with other people and they still share that address with their with their with the partner who they might want to keep this information from although that's complicated in itself because it's possible they could have passed something on to them as well it's I just wonder how many are gonna I just fear that those most likely to need these tests are those that are going to sort of bury the head in the sand and let sleeping dogs lie well unfortunately people do bury their heads in the sand but this SA24 test makes it very easy for people to have tests and they become in plain on loops you can have them delivered to a friend's house or some house which is not your home you may not wish your partner to realize that you're having tests taken and frequently tests the majority tests are negative but it's it's good to be tested to make sure that there is nothing there and that's much much better than putting your head in the sand and waiting for complications to develop down the line and I suppose depending on what might come back positive and we hope it doesn't but are you referred to your GP then or are there dedicated clinics or does it depend on what you might be diagnosed with that there are dedicated clinics in Lerner County and Sligo hospitals and if there is infection you would be referred to those clinics where you're treated truly anonymously and outside of the general health service so that you can have treatment for let's say gonorrhea and your GP is unaware that you've had treatment the treatments take given the tests are taken to make sure it's gone and that's the end of it there's no there's no long-term record kept with your GP or with any other mainline service and finally you mentioned the majority come back negative like what kind of percentages are we looking in terms you know because this is sort of a almost I don't know if you can call it blanket sweep but you're catching an awful lot of the population what's the level of positivity coming back the level of positivity is is relatively low that a lot of people there's a term called the worried well who are people who have something in the background which they are worried about some in discretion a month ago eight year ago which they're still worried about and it's easy to lay that to rest by having this simple test okay very informative Dr. Dinsmore thank you very much for joining us today thank you very much okay it's been lovely speaking to you that's Dr. Wallace Dinsmore if you want to order one of those tests and your age 17 are over and you've got an address in either Litrum Sligo or Donegal you can go on to the website sh24.ie seems a relatively simple test I don't think the test would put people off I think it's the you know potentially the findings of that test that might be discouraging some but anyway the option is there for you if you choose to avail of stoves and ranges spare parts for all major stove and range brands plumbing and bathroom wear all at exceptional prices so visit our showrooms where our friendly and experienced team will be ready to help you Charles Bonner and songs Bally with A and thestovestore.ie where you can always do a good deal better and I've been training hard for months 7k most evenings in all weather along familiar tree lined roads only for that wind I'll be close to my fastest time ever just what I need a fallen tree okay climb over keep moving always ask yourself the question are you sure it's safe never approach fallen wires if in doubt call us on 1800 372 999 ESB networks stay safe and stay clear of electricity wires as life starts to get back to a new normal it's time that we look after what is precious to us are you struggling with your hearing your hearing is an essential part of everyday living hearing is our social sense and connects you to friends and family at connect hearing we are here for you with our clinics at courtyards shopping centre letter kenny and joicesturopathy clinic in dunlow our centres are open monday to friday where you can avail of our hearing tests wax removal and repair services connect hearing connecting you to life you're welcome back to the you're very welcome back to the program we're heading towards the news now actually interesting that I thought it was interesting we spoke to a young guy yesterday who developed a book that people can purchase and it talks you through how to use a smartphone you know from the very basics that a lot of people don't know we had a really big reaction to that piece we took at least four dozen calls three or four dozen calls on it from people looking for the number to order that book so he said he had sold in his local area you know 60 or 70 copies I think we are at least going to match that far beyond that based off that interview so a huge demand for that out there so maybe you know and not discouraging anyone from buying his book but maybe it's an idea for us to do a feature on whereby you know we get some experts on to talk about technical stuff but really go at the basics because clearly there was a huge demand for that and if it's useful to you guys out there that's the type of stuff we want to do if you have any ideas like that there a feature on something to learn more something about something you know we say this and it's not a platitude you know this is your program it's based on what you or what we feel or hope and your feedback what you want to listen and talk about right so if there are things that you think you know I would like to learn more about this that or the other even if it's just starting off get in touch with us 08 660 25000 we'd love to work with you on that or call 07 491 25000 but that technical stuff but the very very basic stuff that we presume everybody knows we're definitely going to have to do something on that down the line a caller says we sent our child today not knowing what's right or wrong but it's a real concern children are safer at home until they settle down that would make me real angry of course it's a risk for teachers people's math wouldn't be as big if you had someone close to you in ICU like we have to stop the smart comments about teachers of course it's a risk for them listen you know this whole COVID crackers it's just widen divides strengthen divides and you know there are people with certain views that are going to just dislike teachers and that's just the way it is and I'm not saying which views they are but you know if you have an issue with one thing it's possibly going to have an issue with a few things and that was actually speaking about ICU there was an undertaker in England John McLooney I think his name was and I was told all the time get this undertaker on he'll tell you what the story is it's all a load of nonsense get him on get him on and it turns out he just got out of ICU he had to checked himself out of ICU for good or bad and now admits that COVID is a very serious situation because he got it and ended up in ICU and he was due to attend a freedom rally actually over in Britain last week but couldn't because he was in intensive care being treated for COVID-19 but anyway it is the 9 till noon show here in Highland ready with another busy hour coming up for you on the program stay right away where you are you won't want to miss it but 11 o'clock it's time for news updates and it's good morning to Michaela Clark thanks Greg good morning a major funding boost has been announced for the regeneration of Bancranus shorefront almost 1.17 million euro has been sanctioned by government as part of a 21.5 million euro for 27 landmark regeneration projects nationwide the re-piring Bancranus project will strengthen the shorefront enhance walking and cycling facilities provide quality shorefront amenities and integrate art and biodiversity into the urban landscape 196,000 euro has also been sanctioned for Northwest Bioeconomy Hub in Kil-Alt Public health officials are meeting today to discuss changing close contact rules the National Public Health Emergency Team is holding talks on what advice to give government on dealing with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 a mobile COVID-19 testing centre has opened today in Sturban it follows many calls for a testing centre to be re-established in the town due to the high level of the virus in the community many people from the town have been forced to travel to Derry and a skill in or as far as Andrum to receive a PC or test in recent weeks 39 people are waiting on a bed at Latter-Kennie University Hospital today again the hospital is the second and most overcrowded in the country for the third day in a road this week 10 patients are waiting on trolleys in the hospital's emergency department while a further 29 are in wards a foil MLA is calling for a strengthening of legislation to protect the riverfoil and other waterways Shania McLaughlin was speaking after she was told there have been four prosecutions for pollution on the northern side of the riverfoil over the last five years leading to fines totaling just £3,500 and the European Court of Human Rights has ruled the gay cake case is inadmissible Gareth Lee took his action to Europe after the UK Supreme Court ruled he was not discriminated against when a Belfast bakery refused to make a cake with a gay slogan on it those are the latest headlines we'll be back with an update again at 12 noon okay McKenna thank you very much indeed a very quick break then we'll be right back If your child is aged 5 to 11 you could now register for their free COVID-19 vaccine COVID-19 usually causes mild to moderate illness in this age group but it can cause more severe illness all vaccines used in Ireland are tested before they're approved by the European Medicines Agency to find out more or to register go to hsc.ie or call hsc live on 1800 700 700 from the HSC I want to say happy birthday to Adele Ennis in Ballet Buffet coming in from your mummy, daddy, Carolyn Ender and also for Rasha Cannon who is in Dunlowe happy birthday to you Rasha she's the big six years old today best wishes coming into you from all the lions in Ballet Buffet so reaching across the county from east to west to wish you a happy birthday a quote that says that senator makes a lot of sense whilst another that's senator Jared Crockwell while another stands to me like accountability has long been a problem in the Irish state perhaps learned behavior from the Catholic institutions I don't know I think the lack of accountability is they manage that all on their own but I understand where you're on about and what you're on about okay now Kevin joins us hi Kevin happy new year great now happy new year to you that window is closing I think we're probably some of the last to be able to wish each other a happy new year Kevin but I mean it long the less right tell us why we're talking well Monday or Tuesday after Christmas we went out for a wee spin went to a melt and see the lakes way back lovely lakes and we're melting give it to them hands up but through let a Kenny then we look at the lakes and let the Kenny as well and this was probably half eightish and down through the streets at the lower main street the end of it a group of young ones was these drifters and there were spectators and either side of the road and I could see the build up a traffic and there were drifter carries behind us and the car in front of me was just the same as myself and ordinary care but because he wasn't spinning his wheels and getting all the he got his wing mirrors pushed in on the back of his car and something and I thought oh go on mine it's gonna get it now so was that people was that were they hit by a car or did people push them in people pushed them in wow okay that's going to both sides both sides of the road like you know yeah so either there was an event on or whatever but we got in touch with the garage but garage are looking for dash cam footage and all that so now it's got me to think again we have a very expensive ccd camera system and let her Kenny to my astonishment it does not man 24 hours a day you mean people someone sitting looking and watching it for indiscretion and stuff yes well to be rather proactive rather than reactive what also happened we had a man assaulted on the 4th road on the early morning like at 11, 12, something like that no I was taken up into the station and the way back to the hub for all this monitoring was on apparently I understood it was going to be monitored 24 hours a day but apparently not you were actually in the room were you so describe it to us is it multiple monitors or one big screen with little pictures in multiple monitors multiple monitors what's the picture quality like oh no how long is it open great Jesus I'm not that good I thought this was since this incident yeah what I'm saying is is what I'm sorry Kevin I got my timelines wrong I just think to use your what you're looking for if someone was sitting there they could see what's going on and say right car whatever it is there's someone there seems to be something going on on the port road could you respond to that see what's happening and nip this stuff in the bud before it rather than just viewing the cctv for evidential purposes after the fact yes well you watch it in television you see it too letter kenny's crying out for more cameras letter this is the garage are looking for the counselors to to install more cameras letter kenny's got going to be a city soon you know we have things going on that are how shall we say are being funded that mean absolutely nothing if we had somebody in monitoring that you're you're proactive you're not reactive that incident was me on the street wouldn't have happened because the guards that should there be civilians monitoring them I know the guards are under an awful lot of pressure and this would help them as well you know because you could direct them to the pacific incident that they were going on at the particular time you know and therefore that incident my wing mirror wouldn't have got bashed in on the back of my car wouldn't have got hit either would a few others when you speak to people about this Kevin and I'm sure you have do they presume they are monitored and they're sort of gone what you mean we don't mind they do yeah they do presume like you know because that's the way we were I'll not say we were we were led to believe that it would be right because at the time that the system was up and running we had quite a few student guards in the town and and they were the ones that were doing it up on the station and you kind of think well you're looking at television and you see these programs on where them the guy are directing the police to and this incident happened and they're following the guy the perpetrators when they're getting away they went round here and they no I automatically assumed that all this was happening but I was putting two and two together and incidents that have happened recently the guards and this is no reflection on the guards because there are there are overstretched like I'm not knocking guards I'm not knocking anybody but the they're looking for witnesses dash cam footage all their CCTV footage from shops and what have you and there we have from the pork road the bottom of the town to the bottom of lower main street with a camera system and at the second to no one anywhere else and also too if it was widely thought that these cameras were monitored all the time you'd imagine it would actually work as a deterrent as well it wouldn't be just you know spotting when something's about to flare up or something's about to happen if these people thought that they were being watched all of the time by someone would they be less inclined to attack someone on a street or would they be less inclined to break into a garage or to to set a shop front on fire or smash a window I would say it wouldn't eliminate it but it certainly would discourage perhaps some of this behavior in advance exactly that I was common to that point as well like you know so I mean there's something that I've been thinking about and I've put a lot of thought into it I thought wow I think rather than filtering about and I was looking for extensions of the camera system that we have let's get in place operators to the operator 24 hours a day and let the garrity be proactive and these people can be vetted we vet people for everything so they don't have to be guards they can be civilians there could be already council workers what have you you know there's an opportunity there now to get a system open run and let it be active okay it's a very yeah it's proactive rather than reactive it's a very good point Kevin and it'll be very interesting to see what the rest of our listeners feel I can't imagine many would disagree with you I mean you could make the issue about privacy and constantly being watched but I mean that that bolt has sailed the cameras are there someone could be standing in the room whenever they like you know what I mean I presume so so that argument is is at the window I think this is really about crime prevention crime crime detection pro-activism rather than reactioism it's not a word it sounds good and you're leaving your your your guarantee more efficient right okay rather than chasing your tails they're ahead of the game all right great points well made Kevin thank you thank you take care of yourself thanks for that what do you think 07491 25,000 that is to call us so give us a text on 086625,000 some interesting comments from the pope he says the pope has claimed that having pets and not children robs us of humanity what do you think about this the pope said replacing children with pet dogs or cats is a denial of fatherhood and motherhood he is of course the catholic church leader and he risked the ire of the world's childless dog and cat owners today suggesting people who substitute pets for kids exhibit a certain selfishness speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican Francis lamented that pets sometimes take the place of children in society today he said we see a form of selfishness said the pope we see that some people do not want to have a child sometimes they have one and that's it but they have dogs and cats that take the place of children this may make people laugh but it is a reality the practice said the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics is a denial of fatherhood and motherhood and diminishes us takes away our humanity thus civilization grows old without humanity because we lose the richness of fatherhood and motherhood and it is the country that suffers the pontiff said of at the paul the sixth hall what do you think about that the pope believes that there's a selfishness in owning a dog or a cat and not having children 08 660 25000 WhatsApp or text so give us a call on 07 491 25000 our next guest joining us in just a moment they're not happy with what they had to watch on the television all repeats is 2022 the year you need to change your mattress rest expects letter Kenny the massive January sale is now on sponsors of today's show if I learned one thing in the last year it's that falling into debt can happen to anyone luckily I heard about the ISI the insolvency service of Ireland their professional advisors can help you restructure or even write off your debt the first thing they said to me was every debt problem has a solution I can still feel the relief so if you're worried visit their website back on track.ie or free text get help to 50015 the ISI together will get you back on track this is an initiative of the government of Ireland do you suffer from heartburn or abdominal pain do you experience frequent constipation or diarrhea if you need or are waiting for an endoscopy consultation then why not come see us at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Slego where we provide excellence in private healthcare we are approved by all private health insurers and our specialist consultants are ready to see you avoid long journeys and longer waiting lists visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.ie for more information because life matters the rest expects beds and furniture winter sale is now in full swing at our letter Kenny store supplying only the finest quality luxurious Irish made beds and mattresses with genuine savings throughout our range we look forward to seeing you at the rest expects beds and furniture winter sale new fertilizer loans for farmers as prices bite for more in this week's farmers journal here's Paul Mooney we exclusively reveal how credit unions and merchants are joining forces to offer new loans to farmers our mark bids wheeling price database breaks down full breed weight and price in the last 12 months over 1,000 cattle reported stolen or missing last year where was hardest hit plus construction costs we examine our farm building costs will change in 2022 all inside this week's irish farmers journal on sale now highland radio time checks brought to you by letter Kenny shopping centre the centre of shopping in dunny all free parking and shopping all under one roof letter Kenny shopping centre bringing you the time at the time is 11 15 so what did you think a lot of us get to watch more tv at christmas time because we are often we also always seem to talk about the old classics but i mean there's an expectation too for new and exciting programming isn't there anna did you are you impressed with the television offering over the christmas period not in the slightest greg i thought i was absolutely disgusted with all of the rubbish that was on and for me now well i wouldn't say on for fortunately i'm not in the age bracket for paying a license but if i was i would be more annoyed for people who are paying a license to have to watch such a lot of rubbish i've never seen anything like it and particularly over the new year and the christmas time in new year when people have been confined to their homes and looking for some sort of entertainment to have to watch all the rubbish that was on over i'm sure other people have noticed it as well so what's rubbish to you when you say oh no not this rubbish again what kind of what kind of stuff are you talking about well i could name one particular program which i wouldn't be a fan of what i would have to name names and i couldn't do that well to me that would be rubbish okay well you can tell us why don't you tell us what show was rubbish well can i can i name them yeah of course yeah well i don't i don't like first of all i don't like mrs browns boys no i i would be with you on that one it's not my thing no it's not my thing either and i can't understand why such rubbish wording of some of the material is tolerated because i don't i don't think that would be allowed and it kind of is the jewel in the crown it's the one that normally pulls in the big viewership figures for rt and bbc and so lots of people seem to like it ana i know a lot of people like it but you're fair play to them that's the type of stuff they like that's okay so if if you were sort of saying right we need more of this type of program the original program what kind of stuff would you like to have seen well for me i would like some sort of nice uh classical music program something like that some of them take off in the past that's probably the name of those directors uh something like that something nice it's hard to just when you're putting a spot to just say and that's fine and i don't want to put you on the spot i understand where you're coming from just general light entertainment programming yes featuring kind of stuff something that's new and fresh and and of the time maybe a bit of culture in there could i suggest that annie would you like to see something a bit more yes of course but a culture would be lovely and i mean my mind goes back to quite a number of years ago of course a lot of younger people wouldn't remember and the scottish station you know on what was known in scotland as the hug may night jimmy steward and all those kind of things that that type of entertainment was absolutely fabulous perhaps in today's sort of entertainment that wouldn't wash but to me that that's the type of thing that that i liked and would love to see i just think program makers have got a little bit lazy because it's quiz shows you know it's various different versions of tipping point or the chase or whatever it might be or it's reality shows you know specials about this that and the other i i think they get an audience for that and it's cheap to make and that's what they pump out i think maybe program makers are getting a bit lazy i don't know if you watch tg car but i i see i didn't get to watch much myself but apparently it was fantastic all over christmas you know some really quality films and and programming and people were saying you know i don't mind paying the license fee if it all went to tg car but not so happy if it's only going to rte yes yes well i mean the chips and all those i do like those yeah i do i mean and the cube and those type of things but all not maybe the chase but the cube i've seen that time and time again the same people you know over and over and over and over again but it's the same today if you run down through safe for instance rte this is not rte bashing but a lot of us and i think anna you've said you're dependent on your tv for entertainment to many of us are if you run through the daytime programming a lot of it is dr phil judge judy imported shows that you can watch on other stations very little original or imaginative programming yes and you see for my age group i'm not into that other things of netflix and all these kind of other things my the tv is my entertainment the tv and the radio and of course highland radio and had to have for that one as well so let's just look at what's on what's on rte today right rte one now these people are paying their license fee for this we'll start off at your service that's an old show then there's the ellen the generous show which you can watch an itv2 anyway it's an american-based chat show i don't understand its attraction here dr phil is on there which i mentioned he's on prime time in the morning dr phil's on at the moment now actually then shortland street it's a new zealand drama then doctors comes on it's another drama from outside the country uh home in a way is on then neighbors is on and after that it's fair city a rerun of keys to my life that's where brendan courtney meets your vision legend johnny logan might not be too bad upstairs downstairs is on in mid-afternoon and this is what people are this is what people are paying their money for that's on the that's right that's on my mind i like the the wildlife programs and i love david adenborough you know things like that i just love to watch but anna would you not consider getting yourself set up for netflix because something like that their way you pick the programs you can decide what you want there's loads of loads of different nature programs there's loads of older programs there's music concerts on there as well i mean maybe you know you should take control of the situation and get your netflix in and and uh i know it's it's it's you know seven or eight quid a month but go on i'm not a teenager you know i know you're not a teenager you're still alive and kicking for crying out loud and i need to offer and enjoy anna you know i mean well i you know yeah i do try to keep up with the times and uh that as well like you know but yeah i might consider that you know just have a trial of it if you can't set up yourself get someone in your your house too it's it's very easy i haven't got anybody well i'll call random do it for anna if it means that you can watch and enjoy tv we'll get you sorted but i mean it's something to consider because as you say it's your main source of entertainment outside of us and other radio stations and you know you should be able to be happy and uh to enjoy it i've enjoyed talking to you by the way unless there's anything else you want to say and like i do have a computer and anna do spend some time on that i'm sure you have it then so i'll certainly have that if you can do that i have that but there would be a lot of people who would not have that correct so i'm i'm speaking for those who who haven't an opportunity to have gone on the radio on top and to yourself and to carlain about these problems a hundred percent and we are more than happy to be to be speaking to you and greg before i leave i would just like to say a very happy new year to yourself and all the team and to thank you for all of the entertainment that you people give us throughout the year you are absolutely marvelous and i don't know how you do all of you do all that you do do and congratulations to you all well i used to i used to work on building sites in the middle of winter i was up and down ladders i left school when i was 14 i did that for about five years this is a pleasure to do to get up at half five in the morning and driving from lahy to boncran to stand on the ladder for five or six hours i'm very happy where i am but i will say anna happy new year to you because if you listen for people like you listening to us there is none there is none of awesome none of our jobs so just before you go greg could i say this you mentioned a bit driving from lahy and i know where lahy is because it goes from time to time very often in the morning when i'm snuggled in my bed i say to myself greg hughes is on his way up uh band more gap now at the moment and i'm tucked up in bed and you're driving into letter kenny so once again thanks very much just think i'll be thinking about you in the morning greg well tell you it's given me a wee it's given me the shivers that thinking that you tucked up in the bed thinking on me anna that's lovely thank you yes indeed what are these days if it's okay with you i might up in this idea just a snow globe just a snow just a fully clothed obviously nothing inappropriate anna i'd be waiting patiently anna thank you very much it's been lovely speaking to you take care of yourself thank you very much indeed count the bells on new year's eve was the worst thing i've ever seen i didn't watch it you know the last thing i want to do on new year's eve cringe and i have a sense that might be what that is just listen to this lady but you know what she's 100% right don't watch tv anymore netflix amazon but we decided to put it on for the bells but every station was rubbish absolutely rubbish i listened to highland radio over the holidays and it was nice to hear great music most of the morning right who are you talking about who was on in the mornings was it you kevin kevin is looking at me are you listening you were on most mornings he did all right he did all right but uh netflix and amazon's fine but netflix amazon 799 amazon's 1299 i think from ana's own testimony there that she's uh she's retired lady now so that'd be 20 quid a month you know and she's already getting an exemption from not paying the tv license so you kind of do have to factor in as well that there's a cost element a cost factor in there happy good morning greg happy new year and same to you relation to tv and rte i think ireland's fittest family is one of the better shows that rte is put on it's ordinary families not slaves from any sector and brilliant entertainment just my opinion i agree with you i don't i don't watch the game myself because i don't get a chance to with an awful lot of things going on but i'm not more busy than other people i just do different things by the way just in case anyone thinks that i'm making out i'm really busy but anyone i talk to love it it's appointment tv like i know people they've been around at the house to go i have to leave because ireland's fittest family is coming on there's very very few programs that do that but that one does a fair play and you know we can't really if the truth be told we can't really have celebrity based programs in ireland because if let's now take daniel o'donnell out of it brendan o carol maybe a couple in his family that we don't have any celebrities in in this country they're all if they're a celebrity they're working on say for instance rte the programs and rte so really they just go from the canteen into the recording studio to make another show like we don't really bono okay so you know he's not gonna take part we don't have celebrities in ireland do we i don't think so right okay um another issue coming up for you another topic coming up for you by the way keep the comments coming in if you agree by the way which i'm sure most people would with ana as it relates to the uh content of tv at christmas we're going to take a quick break uh break and then chat to conny the best place to get a new better mattress at a great price is rustic's bed's letter kenny the massive january sale is now on sponsors of today's show do you currently have vacancies that need urgently filled have you tried various ways to find new staff but didn't succeed let highland radio help you source and fill your current vacancies in the most cost effective way simply sign up to our new job spot and we will tell our listeners about your vacancies both on air and online every monday wednesday and friday during our prime time shows we will broadcast the latest job opportunities across the north west and into county's dairy and tarot all job listings will be available online at highlandradio.com for more information contact the advertising team on 07491 25322 or email advertising at highlandradio.com highland radio we're here for you right now there's a child who desperately needs a foster family it's the right of every child to grow up in a supportive and loving home could you open your heart to a child origins foster care need foster cares now together making children's lives better call 01907 9196 or follow us on facebook Brian McCormick sports and leisure mean street utterkemi the big winter sale is now on with great reductions throughout the store selected kids clothing reduced to clear also added us track suits for all ages on bmcsports.ie men's and women's sports clothing with discounts of up to 40% off check out the Brian McCormick's winter sale in store or click on bmcsports.ie hello grace where are you heading down to mid to measure fireplaces in kreisla made to measure fireplaces didn't you just buy a fireplace there yeah but i'm going now to pick my kitchen work top create the kitchen and living room of your dreams at mid to measure fireplaces and granite work tops they've been in business for over 40 years so for help choosing granite or quartz for your work top fireplaces stove visit the mid to measure showroom at casual kreisla or see mtmfireplaces.com or on facebook okay it's great to have you still with us here on the nine till noon show it's just approaching half past 11 on this thursday the 6th of january i hope you all are as well you all are well new year's eve was a disgrace in rt considering most people were housebound we have a wealth of talent in ireland and they didn't have any musical singing at midnight what are we paying our license for and and you know there really is a wealth of talent and that is genuine be it musical child talent presenting talent you know acting talent all around this island and if they just looked outside the pale it's all there for them it's all there all the talent all the skill is there that people that could come up with different types of programming and it doesn't the thing to when you know the likes of rte or maybe it's the same with the bbc in other countries or wherever it might be they think that if they have to do something different it has to be really quirky or controversial or challenging or you know you have to talk about social media or it's not you know all modern and fresh nonsense that's absolute bs that they just need to give other people an opportunity to have make good programming or to play good music you know it's all there it's all there all they have to do is tap into it and maybe cut back on some of the cash and then yet some of these people are in half a million six hundred grand a year and then they're asking us to spend the last few pennies we have done it into charity which we already do but anyway that's a different story all together i am rambling i want to speak to connie hi a connie hello how are you great i'm fantastic right now uh are you a student or speaking on behalf of students connie yes i am currently a leading third student this year so yeah okay did you get back into school today i'm not in school today all right okay well i wasn't being personal it was just more obviously everyone's talking about that at the moment right connie it's not long now till you'll be expected to sit your leaving search as of january the 6th do you know what you'll be how your exams will be conducted i don't know the so far great our goal in the traditional leaving start which is ridiculous as we did miss a lot of time last year in school and now we're going through a substitution crisis this year and it is down right on there in the student's order and i think between the jigs and the reels connie between maybe students being absent for at least a week or so or their teacher being absent for a week or so probably not at the same time i don't think we're going to see any further lockdowns but we are looking at a continued disruptive learning process for the next month or so anyway i think yes definitely great definitely and so far it has just been disruption like we walk into a class even just before the co-broke for the christmas break we're walking into maybe math classes with subs tell them to go back and revise for an exam but we're not going forward on our course so then when the teacher does come back in the school we're pushing the course forward as fast as we can and we're not there in an efficient way so i think it's just ridiculous like it's so unfair all right well tease out more about how it could be run but also i just wonder are you concerned um you've been working towards this your entire life so far you know school dominates any young person's life for the last couple of years there's been very high points inflated points because of predictive grades and all that kind of stuff are you concerned that especially with people that deferred looking to go back to college or go into college at the end of this year that you might struggle even if you do fantastic with a traditional exam that you might struggle to get a place for the course that you want because you're competing with other people whose grades were inflated oh to be honest craig i wouldn't be concerned in that avenue now um i just wouldn't be concerned more about sitting the leave insert as a first step but i wouldn't be concerned as yet of getting a place in college okay so what way do you think um that it should be run the same as last year or something new i think it should be an open an open gift for all the students interview or i think it should be a hybrid system that's only fair and now is the conversation because you're worried about this now let's not leave it to the last minute like we did the information we sent out to schools at four o'clock last night for today you want this conversation to be happening now yes it needs to be happening now craig all the students in Ireland are under severe stress under severe stress we have mocked in three weeks time there is no conversation about us getting hybrid grades it is just very stressful on the students at this current time i mean also i'd want to know because let's say hypothetically they could use the mocks if they decide to go down a predictive route they could use the mocks in some way to to grade students would students not really need to know definitively whether or not that might actually happen three weeks out from the mocks yes no it is a good point they're great well we have been doing classroom tests like maybe every week in the school which could be all added up for or leaving cert for the hybrid system they wouldn't even need the mocks for going forward in the way of that system like they do we do have tests on every week in school so they do have no information for each student they can assess you as you go along yeah indeed okay but as it stands they're saying they're pushing through with sitting the traditional leaving search and that's what's causing the stress sorry are they saying at the moment that the exam will be held traditionally you know is that that's what we know at the moment or is a final decision not been made Connie that's just that's all information we know a student so far we know nothing else how tough has the last few years been and i'm not mean i don't want to ask you a personal question and put you in a position i mean generally Connie you know just you and your friends how tough has the last couple of years been generally for years it has been very tough like i'm turning 18 now soon yeah very hard to go out with your friends because you're afraid of your family remember getting COVID you're just afraid of anybody maybe they will get it bad they will get it yeah see it to be very careful so it is hard looks like all right well listen i know you've gonna have sort of missed out on a lot of the good stuff from 16 17 and 18 but it'll be behind us soon and you'll be able to make up hopefully uh make up anything you've lost Connie great points well made we're not going to just leave this sitting here by the way we're going to follow this through too because if it's causing anxieties and stress to you is to to the rest of the school population and use uh need and deserve a voice as well and we're going to try and progress that and we might be back in touch with you Connie okay that's perfect thank you very much thank you very much fair play to you that's uh Connie there and i get it i understand it it's relative to her and her school friends and it's important uh greg the old classic films are okay at christmas but the new years eve program and rt was absolute rubbish i switched over to jules holland on bbc2 jules holland's show was good so we weird that whole i watched a bit of it myself a wee bit weird that whole what's his name ed sheeran thing you know i don't know it was fine it's good jules holland's show was good yeah it's good it's if you like music yeah and i love that show because the music's fantastic uh so i did watch a bit of that but i don't have access to rte all the time right okay more comments here theaters in arland have air filters that filter the air every seven seven seconds to prevent infection during operations could they not be put could they not put these filters into school instead of the windows open with the children freezing well these hepper filters are generally accepted to do a very good job in that regard it's getting access to them it's getting them bought and getting them installed in every classroom there is solutions there are solutions sorry but it's just a case of them acting on them uh dj on facebook says greg the nature programs on tg car are great they're subtitles as well thanks dj uh teachers are being advised open classroom windows as a safety precaution against covid if this is a solution why can't we open the windows in pubs just saying yeah but you know what would happen because they you know what happens in bosses people close the windows because they want to have a pint or whatever they have a cup of tea and uh they don't want to be freezing uh sub pubs in our area must have got an exemption from the eight o'clock closing time okay thanks for that tell the council to put the money into the micro project instead of the shorefront for now getting people's houses fixed is more necessary first things first well look the money's there at least some money for the micro scheme um and it is going to progress hopefully we're going to know in the next few weeks um the the stumbling blocks if they can be overcome that money is there i think you know we can do multiple things at the same time i don't think upgrading the shorefront and development of boncran would be done at the detriment to those suffering from mica the separate money uh the lines of money coming down possibly a separate workforce but i take your wider point and it's good to to get a mention of mica in there as well we've decided to keep our two secondary school children off until monday as i say a lot of people i'm getting messages actually um via facebook uh in this regard let me see if i can yeah um one listener uh their child's at secondary school and six free classes teachers are off six free classes are you hearing anything back from your students what's happening in school let us know 08 660 25 000 not to not for contra controversial reasons but just so we all know what's going on um greg was looking at the tv schedules last night and for anyone living on serve you land or in it it really is very poor these days i don't want much tv during the week but if i did i wouldn't be watching much of what's on offer and that includes operation transformation do you remember they were going to call it operation covid nation do you remember that that's the brains the brains behind programs like uh that were offered operation covid nation they were going to call it uh tone deaf or what thankfully i've access to plenty of stuff via streaming hopefully all legal otherwise it'd be pretty blah has terrestrial tv ever been worse no of course it's never been worse i i i don't think um right let's go straight to rachel who's joining us on the show on no sorry caroline uh if i was on fastest finger at first i would have lost out there didn't push the button in time um i checked my vaccination card they never marked in my second vax what do i do call hsc live i can't remember the number off the top of my head but they should be able to solve that for you what do you think of the ad about racism where the girl thinks when people look at her she wonders if she's going to be abused it's left me afraid to look at people of color in case that's what they are thinking uh that i think the ad is awful i haven't seen that ad but i i i'm presuming by the way you've described it what they're trying to say is that is what it's like to be a person of color uh that you just don't know if you are going to be attacked it doesn't mean you walk around suspicious of every single person you know i think we have to sort of put our uh put our shoes not walk in other people's or imagine the walk in other people's shoes whatever it is it's about how a person feels you know but you're talking about how it makes you feel right but you're not the victim or won't be the victim likely of a racist attack okay this is about people who feel they could be but you're talking about how that makes you feel right so do you know okay rachel good morning hello how are you greg i'm all right i hear you love your property shows and your cookery programs great you're in luck no i i just find doesn't i watch so little television because there's so little on it but i i'm interested in like i like cooking i enjoy cooking it's a hobby of mine i do it at home i'm quite capable of finding recipes and that but i want to do myself um property shows a lot of the time they about houses that are out of the reach of most people yeah and probably just cause an awful lot of resentment um more than anything else and the um and the reality shows on television that are far from reality you know they kind of models and actresses and people like that that we're watching other people do stuff we probably can't do or live lives that we will never lead even if we don't want to it's about us sitting watching other people and and the funny thing about that the pathway to it if you become famous on a reality show like love island or something next thing you're a guest on on i'm a celebrity get me out of here or you'll end up being a a celebrity contestant on the chase you know that's uh they're all pulling from the one part but we say we see very little programs about real issues and real challenges that we and the next generation are facing um like all we hear about the future is gloom and doom everywhere and um you know it must be so disheartening for young people to hear this constantly but a lot of that much of it is driven by the media it's it's it's sort of in a cycle right because you know and we get a fair idea of of of you know what people like to click on on the internet and whatnot you know um and it's it's not positive stories people will click on now we never focus on we don't pick stuff because it's negative and it's clickbait we don't do that and i'm the head of news now can tell you fact we do not do that no consideration is given to that but the bad news on the front page of a paper it drives sales it drives clicks you know so what the media is providing it the public's consuming it but someone needs to break out of that and say right let's try something more positive let's talk maybe in a positive light about how climate change could be good for us let's make programs about that is that kind of what you're saying well being done about climate change like if you are interested in research and from my own looking as an ordinary citizen with no science background you know i'm trying to find more about it myself but there's nothing being said about what innovations what companies are developing to give hope to the present and the future generation you know in the in the terms of solar energy or this this heat pumps that are now being developed this will be warmer than the heat pumps that is currently coming on the market you know but it's not just in climate change technology but in the research that's going on in all universities like what are the researching and what will this mean for the future like there is no science on rte um see i think it's seen as niche programming you know and maybe that's what the problem is that that if you talk about like one of my favorite interviews this week other than this one of course rachel was chatting to a guy from glentes yesterday who was involved with a company that made cameras for the recent launch into space of a telescope and it was amazing that someone from here is down in doblin working for a startup 10 person company they're providing making cameras sticking them on satellites and rockets and blasting them into space and now they're going to try and use that technology to see if they can find faults on maybe trains or aeroplanes in a very disaster i mean that's fascinating stuff exactly like like what one science breakthrough has has a domino effect that it changes you know what other people are doing and it's it's it's very exciting something like that i mean even from the computing things like the boys that did stripe the irish boys like why isn't the documentary done on them and they're you know what they did like i would like to hear more real stories i'd like to know what uh i'd like to know what a data center is and what it looks like and what they do yes we can talk about the the massive drawn electricity but i'd be really interested in that i'd like to know what goes on in google and facebook down in doblin or twitter or what's going on in intel now i'm not mean being nosy but you know programming that sort of explains and the people that work there a lot of them are irish people are living here on new irish you know what jobs do they do what's it like working in these places you know that kind of stuff would interest me as well but i mean you hear all these hopefuls going on this talent show and all the things they dreamed of being a star all their life now come on that's not going to happen to very many people what people want now there's there's moms and dads and caregivers listening to us and they know they're young ones they want to be either youtubers or tiktok famous you know because it's it's more i suppose maybe it's just more interesting but but but beneath if there was more science programs on it would inspire more young people to follow that path which is very badly needed in this country you know that um it's not it's not promoted by the media at all no i understand and i just though i wonder you see this is where brave decisions have to be made in the first instance would people tune in because you know even the likes of netflix they know exactly who's streaming what and they dump it straight away you know but they've made so then in the uk when they had tomorrow's world for instance that was a hugely popular seven o'clock because it was you know when i would use that as an example of what i would like on rt i get you yeah that's that's yeah but it but as well as like more interviewing of people's real lives ordinary people's real lives like if someone is a doctor or nurse you know what are the good points and the bad points they see about their profession what they would like to see change um unfortunately and i'm not picking holes in your examples because they're very good unfortunately nurses aren't allowed to speak i know i know that's the body problem you know but teachers then go i don't upset the union you know it's like if you try we try this stuff um we try this stuff rachel i'm not being defensive by the way i hope you know we're just chatting we try this stuff but you kind of you you get so far down a path and the path is blocked and then you know what you're saying yeah i know well that was just my thought no and i thought i put it in there did you didn't happen to watch the uh don't look up film did you know on that no no i didn't yeah but i i i fully kind of um agree with the sentiments like i heard about it it's really really interesting in that uh it's kind of a metaphor for the for the climate change conversation and it really is interesting because it points a finger at the media and this is this is why i think it's been criticized by some because it's landing too close to home you don't want to talk about it you know people don't want to talk about it because it's too scary and it's too big um and like we'll talk about it probably tomorrow on our entertainment stuff with michael and fenula but i'd be really interesting what people think of that film it really is uh it's very very interesting rachel the conversation has been interesting thank you thank you for your time oh no it's no problem it's uh great stuff thank you very much indeed back after these is 2022 the year you need to change your mattress rest expires letter kenny the massive january sale is now on sponsors of today's show it's final clearance time at macklehoney's biggest ever winter sale grab your bargain of the year with up to 70 off in our women's men's kids jewelry home and footwear departments loss enjoy great sterling exchange for one pound by your one euro 20 so go get what's yours at macklehoney's ballet buffet or macklehoney's dot com with fast delivery and click and collect homeland fuel offers keeping you warm for less 20 kg super therm by five bags get one bag of hardwood logs free 10 kg wood pellets by 10 get one free boarding them on a briquettes by three for 16 euro shop in store or online at homeland dot i if your child is aged 5 to 11 you could now register for their free covet 19 vaccine covet 19 usually causes mild to moderate illness in this age group but it can cause more 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says gregg just let you know don stores have removed the genru antigen test kits and they are giving full refunds okay that's good dear thanks for that um there are others out there that supplied them on mass and maybe not so uh i presume they'll follow the same they'll follow the same lead um right we just spoke to rachel so i'll put that to one side hi gregg as the extra bank holiday for 2022 been finalized yet i think the original date i heard was monday the 31st of january no i thought uh let me check into that for you i think they're talking about a double now around st patrick's day and then the following year uh switching it to st bridgett's day isn't that what they're uh finalizing it's certainly not in january i have my understanding as is as i sit here now it's a double around st patrick's day and then uh st bridgett's day from 2023 onwards but i'm open to correction uh the big increase in the price of alcohol in arland will be very beneficial for these gangsters who sell cheap drugs to young people and of course another cheap option for young and old is cheap illegal poaching uh why would it be okay to boo someone for making an informed decision about their health what's happened to humanity um well cut out everything because i i think you would agree probably with why they're booing if i understand maybe where you're coming from the people of australia let's just say whether they're pro vaccine or not right they have been living in in some parts and most parts very very restricted lives they were going for the zero covid policy remember uh mass shutdowns at a whim at a notice whilst politicians and very rich people be the elite sports people or not were treated different differently now i think you probably think well that's not fair is it that's why i think he would be booed i don't think he would be booed because he's made his own personal decision not to take a vaccine i think he would be booed because it would be another example of us down on the low levels being treated like uh dirtson being told what to do whilst the big wigs who make the decisions or who are expense or who are rich or who have influence being treated differently uh and i think that's why he might have been booed i don't think it would be because he made a decision about his health i could be wrong but that's my reading of it uh 08 660 25 000 if you agree or disagree so what i'm saying if i believe if i'm reading your message correctly i think you know you don't probably wouldn't like elite people being treated different the elite hi greg uh what about the government making wreck and they're crying out about having to pay a couple of billion for mica well they can cry no more because they're gonna have to put their hands in the pockets for that it's just a case of whether or not it's extended out uh and if they get shot of that sliding scheme i sent a friend to a small shop in letter kenny over christmas she came back with three euros sixty of the wrong stuff i went back minutes later and the owner refused to refund i can't believe that they have the right to refuse a refund well you don't have any title to a refund by the way you know that's a bit of a misinformation out there they could have offered you a credit note or an exchange uh but you're not entitled to a refund that could be good business for them to do so but that's my understanding but anyway they do say they would have settled for store credit which they weren't offered never mind the law i won't be going back there again and businesses take note that's what people do and that listener not only is telling us but they're going to tell people around them their brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles and they'll go i'm not going there either you know for the sake of 360 offer a credit note you're not out the money and uh you know it's good business but that business could also be under extreme pressure who's to say four years since swan park was destroyed and the council still haven't finished it please could they get a contractor when they get the money to do up the shorefront in bon crana question for jack and rena has the plan any proposal to include the old swimming leisure center the old fruit of the lumen is there any strategy to boost the businesses on the main street okay thank you very much for that what brand of home test has been withdrawn miss the name due to a noisy spoiled dog okay genua isn't it i heard a woman talk about a plastic woman's condom that a woman can use i'd be against that they say i think a lot of people would be as well i don't know how that would fully work but anyway why do people uh why does island have europe's highest covet infection rate what are we doing wrong and what are other countries doing right listen whilst we have the highest covet rate we actually have the lowest case fatality rate so it depends on what metric you want to employ if you're worried about cases that we 24 5 6 000 cases announced later another 25 thousand six thousand cases yesterday tomorrow probably you know a hospitalization is creeping up but our icu is stable uh and i'm not trying to twist the the statistics into a positive light that's the way it is at the moment they were well over a hundred they've been in the low 90s high 80s now for a number of weeks uh hopefully the eight or nine hundred that are in hospital they aren't very sick they'll be discharged soon yes we've an awful lot of COVID around but we have the lowest case fatality rate less than it's less than one percent in donningall by the way and that's based off positive pcr test results as well so you can look at it one way you can say right okay why do we have the highest uh case rate what are we doing wrong or you could say you know what actually what are we doing right because we've got the lowest case fatality rate and that's what matters isn't it the amount of people that we lose because of this awful thing so it's whichever way you wish to look at it our granny is 87 done lots of courses in the community centers around town she's on facebook twitter can take photos on her phone and digital camera and shares them on her email she just keeps it keeps on it and is last winter internet goes down fantastic amazing stuff any other stories like that to spread a bit of positivity uh if you've any old used christmas or birthday cards well i use the same christmas cards every year i just asked them back in january and give them again in december uh no i don't actually i'm only joking this is quite serious because it's not quite serious but you can help a charity but also get rid of this stuff uh if you've any old christmas cards or birthday cards we are collecting them for charity you can call 085 160 5562 to arrange the donation so i think we've all gone up and did that to the shelf and what are we going to do with those cards you can help a charity there listen thank you for all of you who watch the show who listen to the show who text the show who called the show uh it's really really appreciated that's