Good Greg Hughes. Thank you very much indeed, Rory. See you tomorrow morning. It's the 9th Loon show. It's time for a news update, of course, as always, and it's a good morning for the first time in this programme to Catherine Gaffney. Good morning Greg, Gar thee, or this morning continuing their questioning of a suspect in the murder of Ashlyn Murphy. The 23 year old schoolteacher was laid to rest yesterday after being attacked and killed while running along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore last Wednesday. The man aged in his 30s was arrested at a Dublin hospital yesterday and is being held in Tullamore. Reporter with the Irish examiner Liz Dunphy says that allowing for rest breaks, Gar thee have until this evening to question him. It's understood that Gar thee have retrieved significant amounts of forensic and DNA evidence throughout the investigation. So that should prove very useful when it comes to presenting a case to the DPP in order for charges to be brought forward. We'll just have to wait and see. The Sports Minister says he expects full capacity crowds at the GAA National League and Ireland's Six Nations opening fixtures. Jack Chamber says he is optimistic that COVID restrictions will be lifted in time to allow spectators at full capacity for the games in Crow Park in 10 days time and at the Aviva on the 5th of February. Neff of Meet on Thursday against a backdrop of falling COVID case numbers and calls for a fast reopening of society. Minister Chamber says he expects a decision within days. All the epidemiological data certainly points to a much reduced impact on our health system. We have a structure and a process around decision making. It will happen in the next two to three days. Obviously Neff of Meet on Thursday and then government will be able to give a signal about what's possible. But look, I think there is optimism within government. And people in Donegal are being further encouraged to support rural businesses in a special initiative running today. Digi2Market is running a social media campaign throughout the day with people being asked to use the hashtag Rural Business as part of the content that they post. The campaign aims to spread awareness about the people's services and products behind businesses in the county and elsewhere. Gahir Love Donegal County Council, Councillor Jack Murray says now more than ever, businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in Donegal and they need our support. I think it's particularly important here in County Donegal where rural businesses are the lifeblood of our community and they're going through a particularly tough time for the last two years. So I hope that everybody can call into their local shop, their local cafe or any local business that means a lot to them. Take a photo and promote it on Twitter and Instagram and make sure to tag it with the hashtag Rural Business. Whether now today will be bright with sunny spells and some well-scattered showers with temperatures of seven or eight degrees. That's it for now. We're back with more 10. Until then, good afternoon. Good morning. You have one new message. Hi, Claire. Auntie Dee here. I just wanted to say a big thank you for skipping my party. We had a great night and everyone was so happy you didn't come. Now you take care. I hope to see you soon. Bye. No one will thank you for turning up to work or anything else when you're sick. Stay at home and get a test to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 from the HSE for us all. The Night Till Noon Show is brought to you by Letter Kenny Credit Union, offering low-rate car loans with fast approval. Apply online at letterkennycu.ie or in office today. And now it's time for the talk of the Northwest, The Night Till Noon Show with Greg Hughes on Highland Radio. And it's a very good morning to you on this Wednesday, the 19th of January at four minutes past nine. You're very welcome along to The Night Till Noon Show here on Highland Radio. Right, that's coming up as always, but we want you all to use your comments, your suggestions on what to talk about. You're WhatsApp us on 086625000, 086625000. SMS is to that number two. If you're outside the Republic, get involved. We are streaming of course around the world online on your smart speaker, or indeed for those of you watching on our social media, Facebook and YouTube, you can SMS from outside the country,<PHONE_NUMBER>000. Now if you want to give us a call, it's<PHONE_NUMBER>. Caroline has those lines open for you right now. And your comments come into us via comments at highlandradio.com on email. Okay, let's look at the front of these papers today. And the Donegal post tells us that Donegal came to a standstill at 11am yesterday to observe a minute silence for young teacher Ashling Murphy, whose funeral was taking place in Offley on Tuesday morning and vigils across Donegal and Ireland over the weekend. People united in grief that such a young and promising life could be cut short in Balai Shannon, 80 year old Eva Sweeney, who's pictured on the front of the paper, captured what many people felt as she helped her dad, Councillor Barry Sweeney with preparations for a local vigil in making a poster, I suppose you could call it with Ashling's names on it. On the Innish Times today, poignant tributes have been paid to popular Bongkranaman John Kelly. Mr Kelly's body was discovered lying in a laneway behind a row of houses in Nakhala Drive in Bongkranah. Originally from Derry, Mr Kelly had been living in Bongkranah for more than 25 years and had worked as a caretaker years at St Oran's National School in Cockhill. He survived by his wife Anita and their son Sean and daughter Anna and our thoughts very much with them, of course, hundreds of people took part in a vigil for Mr Kelly at St Oran's School on Saturday night. A book of condolence was opened in his memory. Very difficult times isn't it around the contrary. The Irish Times just for a national view on maybe now is not the time to discuss this, but I just wonder if we should move away from cameras being put into people's faces at the most difficult time for them. There's some pictures in some of the papers today of people grieving and grieving, you know, very, you can see they're incredibly emotional. And I just wonder if, you know, lung lenses and tight shots of their faces at this most difficult time for them, if we've not moved past a little bit. And, you know, obviously there's a great interest in this story. And there's a lovely picture on the front of the Irish Time Stay, I think, which captures the incredible sadness and loss, but also people coming out in great numbers to pay their respects. But there are other pictures whereby, you know, it is tight shots on people's faces, as they are clearly very, very upset. And I just think in this day and age, they should be allowed the privacy to grieve in peace without it being displayed for arguably entertainment in newspapers. But anyway, the Irish Times tells us that in the middle of the unimaginable, at a minor intersection in rural Irish village bewildered reality and a crushing sadness merged in memory of a shining spirit cruelly cut short, mourners gathered from early at this little junction where idle corner road runs down to the main street ending at the gates of St. Bridget's Church in Mount Bolas. They waited quietly in the January cold and intermittent morning rain, still coming to terms with the awful circumstances which brought them to this crossroads in County Offaly. And there's more on that story in later papers. The Irish Independent, like all papers, covers the fact that restrictions are set to be eased, perhaps not this weekend, but certainly from the end of next week. Though why not this weekend? But anyway, honestly, a variety of car hopes, all COVID-19 restrictions, including the use of COVID passes, which are incredibly controversial, of course, for pubs and restaurants, they can be lifted at least, sorry, by the end of March. It comes as the prospect has been raised of full capacity crowds at GEA League matches and the upcoming Six Nations. You've just heard from Junior Sports Minister Jack Chambers on that issue. But there is a sense that Nefit will meet tomorrow. The government's meeting today. The cabinet's meeting today. And we want all the boys and girls heading back to the door after their Christmas holidays. We hope they have a good day. But they are meeting today to discuss how the reopening will go. Nefit will confirm tomorrow and either meet on Friday or next Tuesday. I think there's a strong argument to lift restrictions and give businesses a good weekend this weekend, but they'll probably leave it to the end of next week. You're looking at the 8 p.m. curfew going and cinemas and theaters being able to operate close to normal again. And hopefully then by the end of March, they're talking about getting rid of those controversial COVID passes, though they will still be required long beyond the end of March for international travel. In the mail today, a final progress review of the cervical check screening program is about to begin. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed following his heart-hitting report in 2018 into the cervical check scandal, Dr. Gabriel Scali was called on by then Health Minister Simon Harris to report on and review the necessary changes. Minister Donnelly said significant progress has been made in implementing Dr. Scali's recommendations since his last progress report in April 2020. On to the Irish Daily Star now and Andrew, the prince in England, his ex-girlfriend Victoria Harvey said child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell used her as bait for pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's friends. Ms. Harvey, who is the daughter of the 8th Marquis of Bristol, revealed the first met the pair 20 years ago when she was known as London's hottest it girl appearing on last night's Shellshock ITV documentary Ghislaine, Prince Andrew and the pedophile. She described Maxwell and Epstein as a double act like Batman and Robin. She said Jeffrey was really the front man and Ghislaine was the accomplice. It was kind of like a Batman and Robin and they were a double act. I don't think Jeffrey could have done it without Ghislaine. She said I think he, that's Epstein, kind of sat back and waited for her to go fishing and find however many girls were needed, you know, to entertain his friends. I was pretty much used to that. A lot of people saw what was going on and didn't step up listening to some of the testimony of those young girls, how they were treated, what they were subjected to, unbelievable. The Irish Daily Mirror, Gaurty last night interrogated a father of five that was described as a father of three in other newspapers over the murder of Ashley Murphy after his discharge from hospital. The 31-year-old was arrested at St. James in Dublin while the funeral of the 23-year-old teacher was taking place in County Ofleys. She's described as tragic, she's not tragic but what happened to her was, I never get that use of words, she's far from tragic, she's an amazing person but what happened to her was absolutely tragic. Mourners wept as tributes were paid and grief-stricken boyfriend Ryan Casey described Ashley as his soulmate in a heartbreaking graveside tribute. As I say, the close-up images of people in mourning and grieving are featured in that paper and the other tabloids as well this morning. And in the sun today Dublin rocker Bono was revealed listening to his own music makes him scarlet and he hates his band's name. The U2 hitmaker 61 says that he cringes when his hits are played on the radio and he struggles to listen to his own voice. He said, the one I can listen to the most is Miss Sarajevo with Luciano Pavarotti. Genuinely, most of the other ones make me cringe a little bit. Okay so we're in the same boat, me and he. Okay right and finally it's not in the papers but it's featured in the news and it's a controversial one you know because there's proposals in County Kerry to ban dogs and horses from beaches and this is and I'll read a bit to you this is so as to retain their blue flag status and to meet strong bathing standards and what have you but it would mean dogs and horses being gone from Kerry beaches. Is that a fair enough payoff? You know obviously these are I mean what use of beaches especially for the likes of us in Donegal, the more beaches than anywhere, if you can't use them there has to be enough space does not for for dogs and horses, would that be for them not to be able to be used by people? Is that more important than than blue flag status or the other way around you know which is more important than actually being you know our local natural amenities for everyone or them having blue flag status but a proposal to ban dogs and horses from beaches in Kerry to comply with international guidelines on the annual blue flag bathing award is meeting with strong reaction however as with local authorities other ones it's now being asked to implement the blue flag regulations with regard to domestic animals which are backed by the World Health Organization. In 2021 Kerry along with Donegal has 14 blue flag beaches now due new draft bylaws out for public consultation now propose no dogs or horses are allowed between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from the 1st of June to the 15th of September so we have 14 of these it's not yet proposed here I'm not sure if it's likely to be so but what would you think banning dogs and horses from our beaches our blue flag beaches from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from the 1st of June to the 15th of September is that something that you would strongly object to or perhaps maybe it's something that you think could be implemented we might as we'll start the conversation now because it seems almost inevitable that it's going to have to happen at some point the conversation that is trailer loads of logs also briquettes coal kindling and gas with free delivery locally contact Gortley sales and hire in letter Kenny on 9126276 Brian McCormick sports and leisure main street that are Kenny the big winter sale is now on with 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educational have a disability and cannot support themselves other countries such as the uk have moved towards taxation of child benefit payments above certain thresholds and redirecting the tax take into direct support says the ibeck submission to the commission on taxation and social welfare now uh delighted to welcome on to the program senator mary siri kerney who's labor spokesperson on children good morning senator thanks for joining us uh good morning and i'm finna gale spokesperson crucial okay well it is quite a significant difference isn't it what a what a what a start we've had let's okay let's hope things let's hope things improve from here that's i i can't take responsibility for that but i should know in any case senator though back to the the the matters in hand though um do we need to look at i mean would you be against this in the first instance i wonder would you be against the taxation of of child benefit for those earning a certain certain amount of money uh to be honest yes bluntly i would absolutely be uh be opposed to any taxation of child benefit uh for a start it is a universal payment paid to all children in the state it's a hundred 140 euros per month as you have said and and you've said it's up to the 16 or 18 if they're in full-time child care uh and how it's spent is that the discretion of parents so for low-income families that that's a contribution to what you wait for it you wait for it to buy your life by food or pay pay heating bills absolutely absolutely but for for middle-income families as well they're they they use it in in a variety of ways including towards their child care costs you know so there is child care costs for people who are in full-time work up to children are 16 you know is it right though then that something like this senator should sort of be on a sliding scale going from an essential payment to a luxury almost you know do we not need to look at that so that if there are those that rely so heavily on it that we look at that and say okay well this is actually probably to support a child whereas for others it could be the third level fund which probably wouldn't be a bad use of it or it could be you know your your monthly meal out I I think that that is a more valid argument and to be fair I absolutely agree with you in that that we look at child benefit from that perspective and how it's spent and put in a lot of research into what it's being spent on and could could it there be this sliding scale of payment that is relative to the parents that's more appropriate what I have come against is Ibex notion that it is it is taxed for for higher or middle higher or I'm not sure where they're going to hit the threshold because double income families mean two people are out at work even if they're working remotely they still need child care they still need supports and so the money from child benefit I don't believe that it is a useful proposition from Ibex to be fair I think it would suit them better to to concentrate their support for child care and the burden and the cost of it by urging their employers to be living wage employers urging their employers to be flexible working remote working and to to encourage ensure that women in the workplace are supported because predominantly child benefit is paid to women and that is the crucial the department has an impetus and an emphasis on ensuring that it is the mother that has paid it and and there are other arguments around that obviously there are same-sex fathers who find it difficult to access child benefit so there are things like that and that we need to also address but it is predominantly paid to mothers and there is a presumption in the Ibex suggestion that and women in the home have an access to all money that there is a background from a domestic violence perspective there's lots of research there that talks about the control of money so this is one payment that's paid specifically to women and and I would be absolutely opposed just because someone is is well healed or has that appearance doesn't mean they have control of the finances in the home and domestic violence goes across all sectors of society this is one thing they get yeah and I suppose too there is a a tipping point in in taxation if that were to happen whereby there is a sway of people who are sort of just outside or just above thresholds that actually can't afford to have this taxed I mean that we see that right across the taxation system yes absolutely you're absolutely right and and in that the also given the the working population in Ireland and the number of people that would receive child benefit well if we start means testing and we start discriminating them on who gets it and who doesn't one would question that the small cohort who whom perhaps don't need it is so small it would be the administrative cost of excluding them in itself would be more costly than the benefit I mean obviously you know you are sent a letter you know relatively frequently saying whether or not you want to receive the child benefit or you still feel that you're entitled to it or you want it it would be interesting to see the figures as those who clearly don't need the money continue to take the time out of their day to fill out that form to make sure that the money keeps coming to them I'm not judging them in doing that but you know not everyone has to take it I wonder how many people don't and there and there is no body of research on that to be honest again that's a really valid point there is no body of research and and I think Ibeck wanted this red circle for childcare you know there are we are on a trajectory of child care supports there is an unprecedented level of money is going into child care this year alone in budget 2022 will be a record level of supports and that is what 78 million this year will be the budget and we'll really see that come to fruition in September of this year including the back to school allowance increase you know things like that to support working families another fundamental flow kind of really to this proposal is certainly with this current government we don't ring taxes do we you know we don't we don't ring fence the sugar tax for example to invest in dealing with the disease of obesity you know I'm not sure any extra tax taken from from minimal minimum unit pricing for alcohol although it's not necessarily tax will be diverted to support say for instance you know addiction services we don't do that well we have we have seen a rise in in the as support for addiction services I'm chair of the drugs task force so I have been lobbying very clearly for that and I think that that is that should be aligned and again that is a really valid point it should be insured and we see in carbon tax there is a ring fencing but I think what we need to see more clearly is that where a taxes taken to target a specific measure like the minimum unit pricing we need to actually perhaps that needs to be advertised this has been purchased this is being supported from and this is the where there is a cost this is the benefit from that and that you have that that that evident to everybody so if we get down to the nitty gritty of it here what you think ibeck is doing here really is effectively saying look over there rather than taking responsibility themselves and encouraging their members to pay proper wages even on-site child care facilities or what have you they're saying right we don't want to burden our members with that we think the government should or the people should pay for it themselves I think it's an it's an ill conceived idea comparing us to other countries where there is a much larger working population and and maybe a much wider scale of incomes is they're looking at that and not actually looking at the reality on the ground in Ireland I think that what ibeck are doing it's it's a low hanging fruit that's easy for them to pick off instead it would be better for employers you know we we in finnegale we went through and I'm part of the policy lab we went through consultation we'd over two and a half thousand people engage with us on what they wanted in child care and there's a move towards this idea of a campus model where you have child care and and facilities on-site and aligned to where work the workplaces where remote working hubs are that we have all of those facilities together so the parents can drop in parents can participate where at the moment they're they're far away from work whereas if employers move to a much more flexible working arrangement and some employers have moved four-day weeks they've moved to other things to to ensure the parents feel that level of engagement in their children's lives and I think that that's where Ibeck could concentrate their supports and leave the supporting of child care to the government who are on and have been for a number of years now on a very clear trajectory very positive trajectory and you are in government and you have you're a member of government sorry and you have highlighted you know problems with the system as it relates to the difficulty in some people drawing down this money amongst them saying sex parents or parents of surrogate children as well I understand you know what are you what are you going to do about that well a memo I believe part of the the memos that's going to cabinet today is the the launch of the as surrogacy joint director's committee and that will deal with issues like this the assisted human reproduction bill is also going to be before cabinet today and to the best of my knowledge and and that is going to include that need to ensure that mothers of surrogate born children get maternity leave because they don't for for instance I am the mother of a surrogate born child I didn't get maternity leave you know so there are things like that that are now but those are glaring holes that that that shouldn't exist aren't they I mean I mean no one should have to campaign or you know lobby to to to sort things like that out I mean that's glaring absolutely well I think that there has been a long road to the acceptance of of surrogacy as a necessity for some you know you have groups like the Irish families through surrogacy who are women in the main who have had cancer treatments you know have had a varying cancer have had numbers and weren't able to carry their own child so I think a move to the acceptance of surrogacy as being a a a choice a medical choice that people go not one that they will go to first time around but a but a medical choice that's there and then to to put in all of the sports it is complex so I would be unfair to say that this is straightforward but ensuring that there is governance over it that there are supports for families that that gay dads get access to child benefit quickly and readily I believe all of that I I'm very optimistic that this is the year that that's all going to be sorted now whatever about I back suggestions or your suggestions or my suggestions the problem remains that you know there are an awful lot of people listening to this program that would love to be at work that want to be back working many of them are the women you were advocating on behalf of earlier but they simply can't because either a there's no child care places available or it's too expensive so the gap between what they'd be paying someone to to mind their child and what they would earn is so small if not the same that there's no justification for it as well of course you'd be well aware you know you have to have a car here for the most part you have to have a car we don't have a very effective public transport system if you live outside of an urban area you know you do need a vehicle so you'd have to lump that cost in on top as well so we do have to get more child care places available and for it to be more affordable but at the same time ensuring that those with their very high education to become child care are rewarded for that as well at the same time absolutely I think that that last point of people having child care as a destination profession a profession that they feel able to stay in is really really important and this year we will have the employment we will have an employment order that will set terms of employment rates of pay that will set all of that for the child care sector and the government are supporting all of that there has been a freeze on child care fees in order to try and settle the market and provide supports to child care providers to ensure that they're attracted into the child care so that we have that everywhere that regardless of where you live and don't go all that you have a place to bring your child to for child care that there should be universal access to child care in every single community so I think we're seeing unprecedented support and finance into the child care sector to ensure that that will happen Okay, I wonder are people feeling that feeding that on the ground and the people I know aren't but okay that's fine Finnegale Senator Mary Siri Kearney thank you very much for joining us I appreciate it greatly all right have a great day take care of yourself okay what do you think 08 660 25,000 08 660 25,000 or call 07 491 25,000 back after these messages The 90 noon show is brought to you by letter Kenny Credit Union download our new app today to apply and draw down your loan wherever you are currently on or have recently completed the go for it program to apply contact your local enterprise office enterprise northwest or Straban enterprise agency this project is funded by the UK government through the UK community renewal scheme if you're aged 16 or over it's time for your COVID-19 vaccine booster without one you're more at risk of serious illness from COVID-19 to get your booster go to a HSC clinic book an appointment online or contact a participating pharmacy some GPs are also giving boosters to their patients for clinics near you or to book an appointment go to hsc.ie from the HSC so good juice is an award-winning naturally homegrown juice shot based in the northwest or 100% organic juice offers a choice of three key ingredients wheat grass helping your immune system turmeric and ginger works effectively as an anti-inflammatory beetroot and ginger improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure and they're all great for boosting energy available in bogs butchers malin joises centricline mani mccolligan's muff and watson's butcher st johnston so good juice start something good today with everything from pedal and electric ride-ons to go karts and scooters there's loads of fun guaranteed all year round at tinnies toys if you have a kids birthday coming up tinnies toys can help make it special or get snow ready with a sleigh visit tinnies toys on lec road letter kenny or shop online for express delivery at tinniestoys.com tinnies toys with so much more than just farm toys okay you're very welcome back to the program some of your comments here coming into us this morning children's allowance must be applied for so anyone who genuinely doesn't need it shouldn't just should just not apply for it which kind of is it would be an interesting study to see how many don't this caller says I saved my children's allowance all my life or sorry all their life and it paid for the college if we hadn't of had this fund there was no way we could have sent them because we fell just outside the bracket of getting the grants yeah indeed and it's then there are people of course who have to use it for everyday living then there are those that can sort of get by without it and can can bank it for this exact reason and then there are those who it really doesn't it probably goes in and they don't realize it goes in or what they spend it on child benefit should be paid to children who turn 18 while they are still in secondary school very unfair if it stopped before they finished school I thought it was but we've been down that road before but I thought you can if they're in full-time education continue to receive that hi Greg to your finna girl guest great at talking when out of government when in government they defend the rich while attacking the poor with water charges reducing pension payments and social welfare and the minimum wage morning I'd like to highlight the dog dirt issue in remelton along the shore road you need to walk on the road because it is disgusting the rest of the town is bad but the shore road is a black spot so is it so bad in this stretch of remelton and this is no way to speak negatively of remelton but if there is an issue that we need to look at you know we can't bury our heads either this corner says that the shore road is so bad that you actually have to walk on the road because there's so much dog poo that's remarkable but they go on to say the rest of the town is bad but the shore road is a black spot no doubt when the evenings get brighter people it won't be as bad what is wrong with people there are no stray dogs so it's dogs on leads that are doing it so they're saying are they the dog owners at least some the minority of course are using the cover of darkness to avoid picking up the dog's poop was disgusted last night at around 10 past 8 to notice a man lift a large green bag out of his car and plant it at a post along the main road in Kreesla he then drove up a quiet country road can you please stop destroying our beautiful county there are clothes banks for heavy bags of clothes also the number of your waste collector was printed clearly on the bag no excuse for this now there is a partial number plate here so if the person who dumped that is listening they should go out and pick it up again because this person can pass this information onto the guard and you could get into trouble for it Hi I'd like to think it's great was it called off couldn't walk sorry this is a person that would think it's great if dogs and horses were banned from our beaches at certain times I think it would be great at called off you couldn't walk on the beach with owners letting their dogs run off their leads that's one in favor of that another in favor of it totally agree with the ban on beaches so many responsible dog owners port rushes one beach with a dog ban and it's a pleasure to be on okay Greg not allowing dogs on beaches is only going to increase dogfiling on streets if this ban is going to happen we need to enforce finding dog finding dog owners who don't pick up after their pets so that seems to be three in favor I thought to be honest with you there would be an absolute outcry at the mere mention of the possibility now this is not proposed for Donnie Gore but it is for Kerry at this time of banning dogs and horses from beaches for a big chunk of the day from for much of the summer Greg I can't wait for the beach law to come in I can't remember the last time I had a walk on the beach because of my fear of dogs okay so far so far unanimous keep them coming to us we want a wide range of views of course I'll wait six sixty twenty five thousand or call oh seven four nine one twenty five thousand right Jim Barr his owner of bar Sharpie joins us hi Jim good morning how are you getting on I'm getting on well thank God that okay good stuff tell us now what happened to you yes well I'll read the letter here it's okay yes go ahead yes the letter was addressed to Jim this is a little note to say thank you I'm sorry for many many years ago I stole ten pound from you and I pretended my ma and dad gave me a twenty pound note when they only give me a ten pound note you knew you told me to go and double the check checked it out when they ma ordered again I pretended I did and so you give me the dollar the extra ten pound I am sure you knew I am I am sure you knew your tell was wrong and round over of a tenner that day you never mentioned that to me on my of my parents very sorry about that there is very there is my debt this is my debt plus interest for the thirty years of scorn by I would like to thank you for for being a pillar of the community and not bringing down or saying anything about me ma and dad God bless you thanks again wow I'm well firstly do you remember this young person almost 30 years ago disputing the ten and twenty pound note with you not at all not at all not at all not at all because you take it there there was just over 200 nearly 250 houses and Kern Hall and the point is is that you know we were only shop I have that shop now nearly 40 years and we were only shop there and everybody was coming on debt and you take back 30 years right every little penny was counted and times is higher coming out of no from the 20s or all three Ireland and all that was a bigger step so they're coming on but many a time you know you always get up to your community right and that's why we got so popular you know what I mean and everybody came back with everything you know whatever they got so it was appreciation to them and for their business at the same time yeah and before we go on to talk more about the letter that I mean obviously we try and keep it going as much as we can but that sort of shop of the community in the community helping the community that lenience and all that type of stuff I just wonder if we're going to lose that Jim if we're moving away from that not a ton not as long as I'm here but I have my family on it now and they're running that the same way good stuff is what I always I correct them of they're going down like the wrong road or but they don't seem to do that you know so that's what I always sit here is that you look after the hand of Fiji won't stop yeah it's a lovely line in it because in some ways this this letter is written beautifully but it almost as if that they're going back to their childhood and writing it thank you for being a pillar of the community and not bringing shame on me ma and da and they talk about how they they appreciate the fact that you never mentioned it to them or their parents even though maybe they feel that at the time you knew it's just very real isn't it and they've genuinely thought about this this is not something that's just from the crack this is obviously something that's been on their mind that's correct there and when I opened up the envelope and I'm saying the envelope was too crispy brand new 20 pound notes and I was shocked whenever I get that do you know because I actually opened the letter just sitting up front of it on an ordinary plain envelope Jim so I thought it was a Christmas no a Christmas character yeah right because it happened in the early hours on the 1st of January you know and they put it down sometime during the night on the letter box right so so I haven't got a clue it's a bigger the 30 a bigger state so it could be anybody could have may mean a baby on the community they could have do you know what they could have they could have moved away came back to visit and just wanted to right that wrong that's correct that's correct yeah so I have no intentions of trying to see who or investigate who but on your on your your program I would like you to mention that the one thing that Jim would like to do is that someday if you come along you know where I am you know how to get me is that just approach me and say jump on the letter man something like that there I would love to meet nobody take you to have a cup of tea a cup of coffee and let's go down memory lane just like that you know and I mean you know like an awful lot says the same the shop and the service and and the the ethos but a very different time back in the early 90s was it Jim that's that's correct it was around and the 90s 80 or 90 99 or 98 or somewhere no and the night I was the 90 I reckon now they would be around about 45 plus you know might be a pint you're taking them for another team maybe Jim listen it's a beautiful story and I think you know it would be lovely if you've got together and had a chat and as you say down memory lane and talk about those time and maybe even you can if their mom and dad's not with them share memories of them that I think it'd be lovely it would be lovely yes I would look forward to that there you know and there's it would be nice to meet but at the same time I would say that that person is thinking about it himself and maybe he may find or she may find a wee bit of environment with a way that is done because at that time you know I would have said them here go up the house now and check if your mom what she give you you know but I reckon that he just walked around the block so walked around the job and go back I'm not my masters here I wasn't going to tell you you know all right this is lovely and you didn't mention it but I will obviously that you are donating this 40 pounds to charity as well which is yeah it's a lovely gesture and it's a lovely story and as I said you'd almost want a video make a program out of used to meeting I think it would be lovely but Jim listen continued success with bar shop for you and for the next generations and we appreciate you speaking to us and sharing that lovely story with us I appreciate especially from Highland to have great neither but Highland because me and my live wife who used to always follow your station come back a long number of years the old thing for for the old golden old days and the saturday night roughly stuff great more lovely memories for you I hope Jim and I'm sure thank you very much indeed Jim thank you very much take care for your program has gone for that lady who you actually pulled me yep okay no problem that's Caroline Jim Bar there owner of bar shop what a gentleman but what a lovely story someone when they were younger chance their arm they were given a tenant to get down to the shop they said it was 20 and they ran back home to check in inverted commas as Jim says they probably went around the block they went back and they said no Mark Mark gave me 20 and he obviously give the change of a 20 then and it's obviously sat in their conscience for a long time 30 odd years isn't it hard to believe the early 90s is 30 years ago but anyway and they paid the 10 back plus 30 interest and Jim wants to meet them for a cup of tea and catch up and talk about old times were you that person do you know them as they say I just think it's with everything that's going on it's a it's a beautiful story and I think a meeting of the two would be absolutely wonderful oh wait six sixty twenty five thousand that's your whatsapp syntax and your calls to 07491 25 thousand if you happen to be living in Darien we still have this Austraman or Turrell more generally or wherever you are we still have this ridiculous thing that between two places right beside each other we have an international dialing code but be that as it may 0035386 60 25 thousand for your whatsapp syntax or call 003537 491 25 thousand the 90 noon show with letter Kenny credit union multiple loan payments causing you stress why not talk to letter Kenny credit union today about a debt consolidation loan did you hear what's going on about charity ah sure the docs and the street know what's going on there yeah but has anyone told the charities regulator if you hear about a suspected breach of charity law you can raise your concern with the charities regulator by filling out a simple form online let's work together to maintain a vibrant trusted charity sector visit www.charitiesregulator.ie for more information a message from the charities regulator years ago I used to dread my motor insurance renewal then a friend told me about O'Malley Scanlan Insurance in Balibu Faye and Dunlowe they do all the hard work they contact all the major insurance underwriters and they get the very best possible quote for me they have saved me a small fortune over the years and they could do the same for you when your insurance comes up for renewal contact O'Malley Scanlan Insurance at their Balibu Faye office on 9131020 or they're done low office on 95treble206 O'Malley Scanlan is regulated by the central bank if the medical experts get it wrong everything changes from misdiagnosis or delay diagnosis to surgical injury or even poor treatment all have physical emotional and financial consequences we're here to help so if your treatment didn't go according to plan speak to our experienced medical negligence team at McElhenney & Associates find us online or call<PHONE_NUMBER> McElhenney & Associates solicitors Stranorla in contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement kickstart your new year with Ladder County Institute of Technology if you're currently unemployed looking to enhance your skills a mature student a leaving certificate student or a parent then Ladder County I.T.'s virtual information evening is for you find out about the CAO Springboard Plus Postgraduate and flexible online programs on offer talk to academic and support staff and explore your options discover all that Ladder County I.T. has to offer for 2022 don't miss it Ladder County I.T.'s virtual information evening Wednesday the 19th of January 5 to 8 p.m. visit lyat.ae for more information now we welcome on to the program Richard Ryder communications manager with the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland and a very good morning to you and thanks for joining us Richard good morning Greg and thanks for having me on no it's our pleasure before we talk about these proposals as it relates to finding these parking spaces do we need to do or have we done an audit of the spaces their availability and how useful they are you know I speak to people say for instance in wheelchairs or what have you and that the spaces are there but they can't use them they're on the wrong side of the road forgetting out of the vehicle in some cases or you know that there's not enough clearance either side for taking out a a wheelchair for example or even trying to get out you know using a walking aid or what have you so before we try and sort of and it's a very important issue to talk about finding these spaces do we need to actually make sure that in our towns and villages that these are actually useful spaces usable spaces sure Greg you make a very good point it's something that a couple of people have contacted me recently saying you know how many spaces are there in the country and I'm not able to answer the question because we don't know just simply don't know the answer and to your second point don't know whether they're fully useful or not and that's why I suppose this this app if it was where to be rolled out would be helpful because it you know it sends back real-time information on the usage of a spot for example and so that you know the local council might be able to look and say well you know that spot there and the diamond is never used or maybe that's a bad example but you know and on and say a side street no one ever uses it so what's the point having it there so the box is ticked and we just don't want a box ticking exercise we need these spaces usable and in the right places and being used free exactly yeah okay correct now exactly so now you make a very good point and it's something that we we should look and maybe look and getting some funding to doing that or see whether there be an organisation that might help us because this has been on out for years and it's not something that's ever been looked at so yeah now you make a very good point and there and say this this will go a long way to maybe if there was a sensor in the ground with all the you know we know how many are there first of all and then we know what kind of usage they were having because I find it quite I kind of fight I don't want to lay with the point either Richard but I find it quite sick to speak to people and they say no I can't go there because I can't use that space or that space is not usable you know and you know I'm looking at it and it's sitting there and it's empty and there's a few of them yeah and you know what that is that's because the person whoever's putting it in I have no idea of what they're you know they just to hope to put a space there and they haven't actually you know asked anybody would have displayed to come and say you know in a disability office for example to come and look and say well you know that wouldn't work because there's a path there or because it's not enough room and if the person opens the the ramp out onto the road they're going to be coming down on their wheelchair on to come and coming traffic you know that's ridiculous I mean Joanna Reardon that you know the Journal of Sports Journal that she made that very point in one of our releases there recently she's scared to live in data it's over a few times you know so yeah it's something that needs to be looked at and those who have found you know repeatedly to park in these spaces if they're able bodied you know maybe part of their maybe part of their punishment should be to try and get in and out of a vehicle themselves not using say for instance their legs or trying to get a wheelchair out and all of that you know maybe then they might have an understanding a lived experience of the reality correct that's exactly it okay I've been on your show before talking about that that's our biggest book bearer of our members and finding a space is probably the second biggest so exactly right okay but anyway those are things that are ongoing and can be looked at but the reason we invited you onto the program is the proposal for county councils to introduce an excuse me an app that will help disabled drivers or drivers with a disability find nearby an available parking spots it shouldn't have to be called for but here we are how would this work as far as you would see Richard sure okay well it's called this cda space finder app and when a company called Park Managing an Irish company approached me a couple of years ago and said you know explain the idea to me and it took two minutes and I said you know what that's a wonderful idea and disabled drivers association would love to back it and love to get involved so look suppose simply the way it works is if the local county council were to get involved what they need to do is they need to put a little sensor in the ground each one takes about five minutes to drill a hole drop a sensor into the ground and that goes live straight away and starts to feed back information to you know the county council or wherever the hope is on usage of the spot so first of all as I say the sensor has to be put into the ground like in Limerick they have forwarded them at the moment running they're working people can open up the app and take for example somebody's heading into town and they want to go to the diamond for example to the bank they say well okay let's have a look and up comes the app shows all the spots that are available the ones that are unoccupied are in green the ones that are occupied are red very simple so we're leaving your house come outside the time you're driving along and say oh the one in the diamond is now full it's somebody it's gone red sugar okay what do I do well look I go to I go to main street the one that is available they are outside the post office or whatever so you go to that and in park so I suppose what happens somebody with a disability has to plan their trip into the town it's not as easy perhaps for yourself and yourself and one of the biggest things they have to think about would be parking because I've heard of members have said to me look gone into town drove around for 20 minutes couldn't find a spot started off home that's a soldier and I've seen it the loop loop loop loop and do you know what it's not worth it no it's not worth it and if you do that twice three times do you bother doing it a third or fourth time so you know I'm gonna I'm gonna head home yeah you just go because number one find somebody's using it to digest me and that's that's fine somebody's got a card but somebody could be using it it's not legitimate that's another day's story so in that in that sorry as part of the app if it is clearly a vehicle that is not that shouldn't be there is there an option in the existing app to hit a flag this button to report it no no no that's something I said to the guys I said look down the road is there a little chip that we could put into the parking card some sort of a code that talks to it that says oh yes this is somebody has a chip or if not it's not it's not I'm sorry the person's parking there doesn't have a parking card or a valid one for example it could be out of date it could be stolen it could be you know somebody could be using a dead relatives card which happens all these things happen so absolutely these things are all open but not at the moment at the moment it just says whether somebody in the space or not doesn't say what you know was the validator who they are but certainly that's something that can be looked at and I mean you know you could see an argument for every parking space having one of these and it being used across the board sure you know I mean it's and I was thinking before we came on I didn't know how this would work it's so simple and so achievable right also just to make a point it's if somebody has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their car it connects up to that so we could you know it's like Google Maps talk to you and say where it is and you know how to get there operating okay if you don't know the term this is this seems to me like a no-brainer this should be something that is done at least piloted in one town to show intent and what it also would say is that to drivers with the disability it says to them that actually you matter right and it matters and we don't argue about whether the sign is high enough or low enough so people can see it or whether the image on the ground has faded or not this is a technological solution that would be quite easily adopted for most okay so you're saying which county councillors adopted it or Limerick Limerick County Council have adopted it and launched it launched it there before Christmas and it kind of has taken off from there and I'm sure you've heard another part of the media that you know every county council is nearly calling for it now there are rumblings that some are nibbling I know from just talking to Park Magic because they're the ones that you need to contact to you know to get this installed not ourselves and you know there are a lot county councils looking at it they've had meetings and yeah and you know how it's come sent at the end of the day money it comes down to funding and you know the county council say yeah not we'd love to do this but you know what we can't afford if there's a if there well that's like it's gobbledygook we know they can find the money if they if they want to do this the money can be found absolutely and so I think that smoke screen is out the window no yes if you're talking about building a seven million euro visitor centre fine yes come come at that with us but something like this something like this pretty much about 60 60 euro per year per per sensor to be monitored that's that's kind of the money you're talking so it's not it's not massive money in terms of local authorities that's money down the back of the couch right Richard listen thanks for making that so clear and understandable for us it's greatly appreciated and hopefully sooner rather than later if it's not already on the table in Donegal we need some councillors you know because they're well I won't we just need to make sure that people are being represented okay listen thank you very much for that I appreciate it right thank you take care of yourself that is there Richard Ryder communications manager with the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland stay right where you are we're going to be back with more on the program after the news and obituary notices the 90 noon show with letter Kenny credit union now offering my cu current account and debit mastercard bringing full banking features delivered with the same local trustworthy service of your credit union thinking of protecting your home or business with a new cctv or access control system be sure to employ a private security authority licensed contractor for quality service and to avoid prosecution it is now against the law to employ an unlicensed contractor to install or maintain a cctv or access control system unlicensed contractors and their customers face prosecution and fines for more information and to find a licensed contractor visit psa-gov.ie is the appearance of your staff important to your business it's the first point of contact for customers when entering your premises at cnn embroidery and letter Kenny they have a huge range of clothing covering all areas of the workplace it's widely known the customers warm to and trust employees that present themselves well have your company name embroidered or printed on all your work uniforms contact cnn embroidery on 07491 28097 and get your staff looking their best from the smallest shrub to the largest tree in an awkward place donnelly tree services provide a complete range of tree surgery services whether you need to remove a dangerous tree or some nuisance branches donnelly tree services have the experience and expertise to carry out tree surgery to the highest of professional standards call 083 005 939 donnelly tree services donnie gall no job is too small no tree is too tall live on air online and on the highland radio app this is highland radio news it's 10 o'clock good morning i'm catherine gaffney the higher education minister says students should get clarity on this year's leaving cert in the coming days sixth years are planning protests across the country today demanding a choice between calculated grades and written exams a meeting of stakeholders will take place tomorrow which will consider if the hybrid model is an option minister simon harris says there's a need for students to get an urgent solution one that reflects the fact that these students haven't had a normal senior cycle experience but also one that reflects the fact that last year many many students chose to do the written leaving cert exam so i think when we listen to students and listen to stakeholders last year we arrived at the right solution and i hope we could provide that clarity in the next few days are they have until this evening to continue questioning a suspect in ashling murphy's murder investigation the man in his 30s was arrested at a dublin hospital and is being held in tolamore 23 year old ashling was laid to rest yesterday after being attacked and killed while running along the grand canal in awfully last wednesday officers must either charge or release the man later today the issue of violence against women is expected to dominate proceedings during the first day of the new doll term tds will debate and hear statements on the subject in the wake of the murder of ashling murphy legislation allowing adopted people access to their birth records will also go before deputies while covert restrictions are also likely to be raised shin fane td louisa riley says there are practical actions the government can take to tackle violence against women one of the steps that we're calling for is to establish a sexual gender-based violence policy and service implementation unit within the department of on tshuk and we also need to have a disaggregated database of gender-based domestic and sexual abuse because we don't know the extent of the issue that we're dealing with because the government simply aren't counting a police operation is ongoing this morning in the gallia park area of dairy it's understood that the operation is centered on a white van parked in the residential area the security alert follows a report of a hijacking in the nearby brakin park area of the gallia estate last night a number of homes were evacuated in the early hours of this morning with residents housed in temple more sports complex the minister of state for sport says he expects full capacity crowds of the g a national league and arland six nations opening fixtures jack chamber says he is optimistic that covert restrictions will be lifted in time to allow spectators at full capacity for the games and crow park in 10 days time and at the aviva on the 5th of february nephat meet on thursday against a backdrop of falling covert case numbers and calls for a fast reopening of society minister chamber says he expects a decision within days all the epidemiological data certainly points to to a much reduced impact on our health system we have a structure and a process around decision making it will happen in the next two to three days obviously nephat will meet on thursday and then government will be able to give a signal about what's possible but look i think there is optimism within government the importance of the planning service to in a show and has been highlighted at a municipal district meeting this week particularly in the context of the mica crisis consular martin farron told the meeting that when the covert crisis is over it's vital that a full-time planner is returned to in a show and he says the centralization of planning to lyford a number of years ago has not worked to in a show and's benefit and given the number of applications being received locally it's clear the change is needed i've always felt that the kandana public service center was put there for a purpose to service the people of any zone to the very best of its ability and i think by by taking the likes of the planning service out of kandana which was which was done at that time to centralize and bring it to lyford i think it was a mistake and i feel now more than ever i feel that the planning should be coming back to kandana again and people in donny gall are being encouraged to support rural businesses in a special initiative running today digi2market is running a social media campaign throughout the day with people being asked to use the hashtag rural business as part of the content that they post the campaign aims to spread awareness about the people services and products behind businesses in the county and elsewhere ghairla of donny gall county council councillor jack murray says now more than ever businesses in donny gall need our support i think it's particularly important here in county donny gall where rural businesses are the lifeblood of our community and they're going through a particularly tough time for the last two years two years so i would hope that everybody can call into their local shop the local cafe or any local business that means a lot to them take a photo and promote it on twitter and instagram and make sure to tag it with the the hashtag rural business whether or not today will be bright with sunny spells and some well scattered showers with temperatures of seven or eight degrees we're back with the headlines at 11 o'clock until then good morning the obituary notices for wednesday morning the 19th of january the death has taken place of jim deaney pier house rath mullin his remains are opposing at his home the house is private requiem mass tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock in st joseph's church rath mullin burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery the funeral mass can be viewed on the rath mullin parish webcam family flowers only donations if desired to donnie gall hospice care of any family member the death has occurred of patsy devlin glenfin road bali buffet reposing at his home funeral leaving his late residents tomorrow morning at half past 10 for requiem mass in the church of mary immaculate strunorler at 11 o'clock in term of afterwards in drumbo cemetery the requiem mass will be streamed live via the parish webcam the house and funeral will be strictly private to family only please the death has taken place of hubert daugherty balibrak green castle hubert's remains are opposing at his home family and friends welcome funeral from there tomorrow morning at half past 10 for 11 o'clock requiem mass in st mary's church balibrak followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard family flowers only donations if desired to the donnie gall hospice care of any family member the death has taken place of teresa o'hagan late of 81 main street sion mills removal from quigley's funeral home stirban this afternoon at half past 1 for requiem mass in sentry's church sion mills at 2 o'clock in term of afterwards in the adjoining cemetery the requiem mass can be streamed live via the parish webcam the death has occurred of mary may dobson knee McGee west hill letter canny and formerly of st johnston county donnie gall funeral service today in conwall parish church letter canny at 12 noon followed by burial in gortley's cemetery family flowers only please donations if desired to the irish cancer society on the death has occurred of john kelly 15 knock a la drive bon crana and formerly dairy his remains are opposing at his late residence removal tomorrow morning at quarter past 9 going to st mary's oratory bon crana for requiem mass at 10 o'clock and term it immediately afterwards in st mary's cemetery cock hill the house is strictly private to family only on the morning of the funeral john's requiem mass can be viewed on church services dot tv family time please from 10 p.m. to 11 a.m. family flowers only please for more details including any family health guidelines for wigs and funerals please go to highlandradio.com there's not a minute to lose when you want your home to be as safe as houses so get safe and safe too with a big 40 euro reward and great value home insurance cover all it takes is one big click or call just visit supervalue.ie slash insurance or call 0818 010101 and our super value team will save the day now let's get moving terms and conditions apply 40 euro in rewards includes two 10 euro off 40 euro vouchers plus 2000 real rewards points equivalent to 20 euro offer excludes contents only policies and is valid until 28th February 2022 this home insurance is underwritten by axa insurance stack super value financial services stack trading super value insurance is regulated by the central bank of ireland okay you're very welcome back to the 90 noon show on this wednesday the 19th of january right okay just let you know the radio bingo the national council for the blind of ireland the ncbi bingo jackpot tomorrow is 8000 euro for those of you who play and support the ncbi and you do a brilliant job in doing so as well and having a bit of fun at the same time but there is rewards there let's go through a wee list of recent daily prize winners and where those books were bought we'll start with the apple green crease last 600 euro one there collins cock hill book bought out of there 800 euro in someone's bank account the same amount 800 euro one at clinton's in tamney sweeney's in term and someone bought a book and won a thousand pounds there these are daily prizes by the way cernan's in drum keen a thousand euro one from a book bought there warsky's in remelton 1400 euro someone won having bought their book there another listener won 1200 euro having bought their book in central inclin mani and a very lucky person in the lyford area or at least they bought their book in lyford daily's excel or daily's excel in lyford they won 1800 euro so your daily prizes not to mention of course the 8000 euro prize and just to let you know by the way your books for next week and anyone can play this at any time and is for fun and to support a charity okay so play well within your means and for fun but you're doing so in support in the national council for the blind of island the bingo books for next week are in sale today five euro each so it's a euro to play and as you've heard just there there's some great money in there as i say primarily as well you're having a bit of fun but supporting the ncbi so let's see if someone's gonna win the big daily cash prize today it's time for ncbi bingo on highland radio it's wednesday the 19th of january you're playing on the blue sheet the reference number is s13 it's game number three the numbers are 23 25 48 70 66 45 33 9 6 and finally 18 phone your claim to 9104833 before it tonight leaving your name contact number and the name of the shop where you purchased your book and we'll call you back the next working day get all your ncbi bingo information at highlandradio.com the night till noon show is brought to you by letterkenny credit union offering low-rate car loans with fast approval apply online at letterkennycu.ie or in office today for great fuel deals contact gortley sales and hire large sacks and trailer loads of logs also briquettes coal kindling and gas with free delivery locally contact gortley sales and hire in letterkenny on 91 262 76 at Lidl this week twin packs of peppers are only 49 cent if you're trying to eat healthier this year they're the perfect way to add flavour and texture to a salad if you couldn't care less about that they're a fabulous way to add crunch to a big juicy burger whatever you're into you can't argue with Lidl prices Lidl, more for you Smithsdale's side offer a range of course unpaltered feed including premium monchi ranges for lambs designed to entice the lamb senses increasing intakes and maximising performance Karl Smithsdale's side on<PHONE_NUMBER> Ireland's best-selling car of 2021 is the Hyundai Tucson and now the all-electric Ioniq 5 has proven itself with a host of awards Ioniq 5 was named German car of the year auto express car of the year and European car of the year finalist your local dealer is Divers Hyundai Canal Road Letterkenny call 9122600 Backstage Bar and Grill is open for breakfast lunch and dinner seven days a week if you are looking for a healthy option this January we have a great selection of delicious salads sandwiches and more we also have a tasty vegan menu call Century Complex on<PHONE_NUMBER> to book your table Highland Radio Time Checks brought to you by Letterkenny Shopping Centre the centre of shopping in Donegal free parking and shopping all under one roof Letterkenny Shopping Centre bringing you the time at exactly 10.15 you're welcome back right now uh my load joins us on the program good morning to you hi hi it's good to speak to you right well you're having the conversation a little earlier on about whether or not we need to look at the payment of child benefit should it be taxed should it be uh rated to your income or your need what's your view mentioned um well can i ask before you go on to the next point what why would that be a red line um as it relates to taxing uh child benefit for you Milo well we work for a Canadian company and uh we are very very very lucky to actually be working from home at all times no officers included and we are already paying uh huge amount of tax and a part of that we are also renting right so i mean the red line is like where do we draw the line okay so it's in other words it would just be another layer of taxation on already heavily uh tax people with big outgoings i get that right so further to your point then um do you think it needs to be looked at in some way or other in other words those that simply you know it's pocket change to them do not receive it or would you have issues with that as well um well i mean definitely like every single child should should receive uh same amount which is 140 euros a month per child now you know how kids are these days they they they hear everything from their own parents right now if one child is both parents talking among themselves like oh like you know we're going to get tax for a child benefit rifle or daughter for our son then my my child is going to hear that at home she's going to relate it to for example to to to their friends in school then you have that you know Pandora box you know in like you know creating inequality in schools among kids and then i mean i don't know it just doesn't make any sense whatsoever yeah and you have a far greater insight into the the taxation system than i have but if you were to actually tax the uh you make an interesting point if you were to tax the child benefit payment um it would be unfair and there are other ways if we had to raise revenue to make child care more available talk to me about that yeah so uh as i said like i back say the money generator should be used to pay for child care services as the high cost of early years child care as it would encourage you know more people getting into workforce now those are completely what i said two separate issues if you are getting tax on child benefit that increase our family costs for child care and then some parents and households could struggle with those costs as we all know child care costs in Ireland are extremely high then those bills can can rack up to 1200 euros a month right now if state if republic of Ireland is actually missing workforce then states should look into encouraging people getting employed and not being on social benefits for you know for an eternity for i don't know just unemployment you know reasons and as i said it's a it there's a i mean that this can cause a whole domino effect uh such as let's say one parent loses their job right then you know that as i said like that there's a whole what if question yeah yeah yeah it all but it creates ends up making more problems than it certainly would solve by the sounds of things exactly and i and like like you mentioned what if someone you know is earning let's say half a million per year right child benefits you know it's it's literally like a pocket change board but those kind of people are already paying huge amount of tax if that makes sense you know yeah and did you say both you and your partner work from home exactly what's that like is is is is that preferable or would he's like to be out at the office you know i don't think i'm praying Milo it's just a general chit chat but both people working from home i would think you know there is a line like are you living at work or working from home or is it easier to structure uh i would say it's definitely easier to structure it kind of cut down the cost on commuting you know car servicing that kind of stuff uh but to be honest with you i would actually never change it i used to work in an office but now working from home i literally you know it's the best thing ever happened to us and your salary you you're the you have more of the salary you're earned because as you say a lot of the out goings uh that you can you can avoid a lot of those out goings but maintain the productivity yeah exactly like the productivity has actually uh increased uh a lot because you are much more relaxed um and even now with the COVID right there is no risk of you know spreading the disease or getting infected but working from home definitely has its own pros and cons but i would definitely say it has more pros pros and cons annie do you find you're more inclined to push yourself to sort of get out of the house to sort of change the scenery a little bit for your own uh well-being are you happy enough you've got a designated workspace a designated living space and you can sort of cross between those similar as the rest might go from just a workplace office to home uh definitely uh for example one of the benefits of my work is that the company actually does not care i mean i don't i do not have a strict start time and strict end time right they only care that we do eight hours eight hours shift within within the 24 hour working day right right brilliant yeah uh so i can we can take breaks whenever we want we can take lunch whenever we want if i you know just like need to vent my head you know clear my head i can just you know take a dog and go out for a walk for 15 20 minutes good stuff all right okay and it works well for you too listen thanks very much for that and thanks for your insight i really appreciate it love to speak to you likewise take it okay take care of yourself that's uh my low there that is uh his input what do you think i'll wait six sixty twenty five thousand i'll wait six sixty twenty five thousand right uh good morning please thank jamie from liver to stop to help change a wheel yesterday evening a young gentleman thank you jamie well done to you uh you made a big impact on someone there happy birthday to emma gallant the beach is by the buffet from mom and dad and Megan and killy gordon more than happy to pass that on uh and we'll play a piece of music for these people a little later mom uh donna gamble is in lisky ballon drake and is 50 today uh happy birthday to you for amary and dahi and from lucia clint amy osheen and farrell okay those are the requests about to leave them a little bit but they slipped in and all well and good to get them out there more than happy to do so uh child benefit is only paid between 16 and 18 if still in full-time education stops at 18 all together indeed that was my understanding but the listener earlier said that it should be continued to be paid if they're still in education so maybe if you're that listener um you could apply for that and i think you possibly save if you weren't getting it for a few months you probably could get it back dated could you uh we was back talking about um dogs on uh the beach as well um i would love to walk on koldaf beach but i cannot with owners letting dogs off leads it's very scary when you're afraid of dogs everyone has a right to uh walk and enjoy the beach really surprised well i'm not surprised because i didn't know i don't own a dog and i'm not particularly afraid of dogs okay so it's it's i didn't know what way this would go but the majority of people calling uh us contacting us would be in favor of dogs and horses particularly dogs it seems being banned from donogall beaches the blue flag beaches uh for designated times during the summer it's being discussed in kerry i'm not sure if the conversation has started here or if it will but a lot of people seem to be in favor of it uh designated dog beaches or dog friendly hours supervised by a dog warden that keeps everyone happy says a caller uh good morning greg two things firstly i agree 100 with banning horses and dogs from beaches as lots of children and adults are afraid of both horses and dogs and secondly chat about taxing children allowance is a disgrace at this time when prices are going through the roof a liter of milk went up 20 cent last week and a gluten-free loaf went up 30 cent and that loaf was only 12 slices and indeed all necessary groceries went up the last few weeks so no talk about more taxes please okay um the story earlier on about the uh 10 euro being turned into 40 euro 30 years interest that's a lovely story and what a great man 10 euro or 10 pounds sterling would be a lot in the early 90s it certainly would uh greg while i don't agree with accessing children allowance because all children are equal sorry taxing children's allowance because all children are equal the poor middle class and they're very well off i do agree with the banning of dogs on the beach running free and i don't mind if they're on a leash okay a couple of people having a say on both no problem just love this story uh and donate into charity well done now jim that's jim bar that was on with us early a lovely heartlifting story brings tears to my eyes bless everyone this yeah there's just something very poignant to me i got that too i'm not saying i was feeling teary but just the linking the 2022 which is what it is and and linking it back to the early 90s when life for all of us was so much different there was there was more to that story uh than would initially meet the ii agree there anyway hi great there's a lot of talk of opening up of all society soon will there be antigen testing in workplaces showing a vaccine pass proof of being vaccinated is a little of little use as most people who caught covid in the last month have covered passes and were fully vaccinated if people hadn't used their own antigen tests at home numbers would be even higher as those who tested positive restricted their movements there were a few uh if any PCR tests available so people were on their own but mostly done the right thing well the the PCR testing was at capacity for a period of time antigen testing if there's not much covid around is uh doesn't do much really it might make you feel better but if it's not going to detect covid that's not there and it's more likely uh to deliver a false positive right okay that's statistically there are an element of false positives and if it's if you're trying to sample a disease that's not widely spreading it amplifies the false positives if you get where i'm coming from so i don't believe antigen testing will be widely used perhaps it will um but the cases are falling off a cliff edge at the moment too the vaccine pass is hugely controversial i'm not sure anyone wants them i think people can argue in their favor um or against them but i don't think anyone wants them they will be around at least at least until the end of march and even if i think what do you think people out there even if there are new strains of this virus which seems inevitable but hopefully they're they're they're lesser damaging than um omicron we are not going to be able to open up and lock down and open up and lock down again are we or keep doing that we are going to have to find some sort of an alternative aren't we is that what we agree and i don't know what do you think oh wait six sixty twenty five thousand but we can't keep doing this uh opening closing if this is going to be around for a long term we have to find another way don't we okay uh let us take a break and then we might come back with a piece of music and we've more calls and comments and guests for you to meet so stay right where you are please the night till noon show with letter kenny credit union multiple loan payments causing you stress why not talk to letter kenny credit union today about a debt consolidation loan clear mobile has 99 4g population coverage so where are people going out west with four bars and all doubling outside of doubling longford waterford all the fords there you go this january choose great coverage with unlimited calls text and data from 1299 a month new year you clear clear mobile dot ie 30 day contract activation fee and fair use applies max data speed five megabits per second 1299 subject eligibility offer ends 31st january 2022 see clear mobile dot ie for terms the award winning genesis aesthetics and skin care clinic adore offers the most advanced skincare treatments for men and women treating conditions such as acne skin tags rosacea and 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virtual information evening is for you find out about the ceo springboard plus postgraduate and flexible online programs on offer talk to academic and support staff and explore your options discover all that letter canny at has to offer for 2022 don't miss it letter canny at's virtual information evening Wednesday the 19th of january 5 to 8 p.m visit laat.ae for more information okay you're welcome back to the 9th of noon show here on highland radio coming up after our piece of music we're going to be talking about a meeting in lyford this morning discussing elements of the mica scandal okay so you'll want to stay tuned for that so we are going to take a break for music we're going to go to our draw for the music today and if you're watching us on social media bear with us there'll be a bit of silence for a couple of minutes for copyright reasons but we'll be right back all right and that's the title of the song that's our draws michael maloney there right we are joined on the program now by uh cancer martin mcdermot good morning to you martin thanks for joining us good to see you good morning Greg right uh what's being seen as an important meeting takes place tomorrow morning uh who's attending the meeting and what is on the agenda yeah well we've been trying now since prior to christmas to get a meeting with the department um to finalize as you know there's been major issues and some of the application process and the council has stalled on a number of those applications uh looking for uh details and better details from the department of how they can proceed they've been waiting quite some time in that we were pushing for a meeting prior to christmas that didn't happen uh then there was to be a meeting on the 13th and then that was changed now until tomorrow morning so the department officials are coming to refer to to meet us tomorrow morning at that meeting will be um patsy larry john galahar and patricia mackenthire and i'll be attending on behalf of the micro redress committee and also will be attending will be council albert doherty as vice chair of the micro redress body meeting so i think it's an important meeting because the first chance that we've got um you know from a council perspective and from the micro redress perspective to subdone with these department officials that are putting the scheme together but in terms of the the new scheme you know that's that's there at the moment uh and that's going to be discussed and agreed in the doll the the main points of that and obviously uh darrow brine's made a statement as it relates to the sliding scale just before christmas i believe that's there that that is that going to be reopened again or is it other elements of of this process that's going to prioritize the conversation i think the first thing that would the the first thing that we have to prioritize we have a few things that we need to prioritize tomorrow one is the status of the current scheme um you know when we are the new scheme or the current scheme no the current scheme right that is of the current scheme at the moment where we are with the applications that are in with the council the 245 applications that are setting that needs to be dealt with how they can be dealt with how the applications that are coming in for change of option can be be dealt with and how the applications that have other materials, other delirious materials and in relation to IS465. Before we move on, talk to me about IS465. The problem I suppose that the engineers and the councils have at the moment is that we have a protocol that was rolled back in 2017 IS465 and that gives very clear guidance as to how application process is dealt with, how they can deliver it on an application. At the very start of this, I suppose when all the extra data that has come in over the last year and a half has shown that there's other materials that done those blocks other than Pyrite. There's other delirious materials. So we're clear. We want to make sure then that if there's boring done at a property and that, even though there could be cracking and deterioration, if that sample does not detect Pyrite or mica, then they could be outside the scheme. But we need IS465 looked at to take into account other delirious materials that could be causing the same visual and structural problems as micro and Pyrite. So this needs to be extended beyond those two. Is that it for Osleigh people? Absolutely. And another aspect could be that you have people at the moment that might not have the amounts of mica or Pyrite in their block that would determine a demolish. So they might be for an outside block, for instance, and the engineer, the cause of these other materials would say that that house, in my opinion, needs to be demolished. But as the IS465 sits at the minute, as the protocol sits at the minute, the engineer that's dealing with this and the council can't deliberate on that because it doesn't allow them. So this is we need IS465 updated to take into consideration. Is this a technical issue, but it's beyond a technical issue, of course, that needs to be agreed and everyone go right. Of course. Well, listen, we obviously have to we have to look at this protocol or is there some pushback at this point coming from those that might want to limit the scope of the scheme? Yeah. Well, again, that will be determined tomorrow, Greg. You know, that is something I think that IS465 has to be updated. And I think that to be fair to the minister in the department and engagements that the Mike Action Group has had with them, I think they know that themselves. And just a question on that, Mark. And I'm sorry, because you are right across this. OK, so I want to make sure all of us understand if this is if this protocol is amended, OK, and it's expanded to increase other deletorious materials other than micro and pyrite. Are we just catching the houses we knew already were falling down? Or is there a possibility that this makes the scheme much bigger than it were previously? No, I think we're still catching the houses that are there, Greg. I don't think it makes it a while bigger than what it is. It's still, you know, pyrite and Micah, not particularly pyrite. Micah here and Donegal are still going to be the predominant figure that we're dealing with. But I suppose that the engineers that's dealing with the scheme would have concerns in relation to other materials as well. And that is the problem of them. Those are not being taken into consideration and they have to be taken into consideration. But basically, they are the same defective blocks. It's just different defects. So there's no real argument beyond this. Against this, you would seem. As it relates to the people already on the current scheme, which is the old scheme just so for clarity, you know, a lot of those people are already had a lot of money that they wouldn't be out hopefully on the new scheme. And I don't think an awful lot of people can have six or seven or eight or nine or whatever amount of grandeur is sort of sitting out there on the table. Firstly, you would be very doubtful. You will ever get it back, whether that's for right or wrong, but that would be your overpowering emotion. You don't want to lose that money out. Is there something there that needs to be discussed and clarified? Absolutely. That's one of the main points as well of tomorrow. People that are waiting on their money. There is absolutely no reason that people can't get their money back, even though they are waiting to get an answer on their application process. They should now be entitled to get their money back. And that's one of the things that we have to get very, very clear tomorrow from the department that the people that sit in this people sit in grade now at the minute, 16, 18 months out, seven, eight grand. And those people must get their money back. And we will be pushing that that should happen before the end of this month, before the end of January, that the people that are on the scheme at the minute get their reimbursement or money. And I think that's something that can happen pretty quickly through the department by a small change of legislation that can happen very, very quickly. And that's something, as I say, that we will hopefully try and get a sit forward answer on. I feel they will try and push that back, though, to the whole thing goes through the doll, but listen, the representations have to be made. If it were me, I wouldn't be holding out hope. I would be confident I will get it, but I think I might have to wait in towards the end of the first quarter, maybe into the second. But anyway, I'm not predetermining anything. I just I just don't want to not that you are but suggest this false hope there. Is there an explanation as to why we have a scheme? OK, and we are going to have a new scheme, hopefully. Why nothing is happening? What what who made a decision to sort of stop things, stop the wheels turning? From a council perspective, yeah, yeah. Well, I think that, you know, the senior team that's working with us and the senior engineers, I think have made the right call here. I think they've made the call a call that favours the homeowner more so than the department. And it's a big call for the council to make to to stop processing these applications. And they have, to be fair, been trying to get answers from the department for quite some time. And I think it's only when they they put their foot down and says, look, we can't deliberate on these anymore that the department have finally stood up and listened to what they've said and have come on board and are now meeting to try to sort out the issues that that they've been putting on their table for quite some time now. And I think that, you know, if we can get the IS465 updated and we can get answers from the department it certainly will be in the benefit of the homeowner. Yeah. And of course, that the Dall House, it's work to do. And the EROC members in this county have a job to do in that. We can't stall this any longer. People already know that even when a scheme is announced and if it's agreed, it's a long haul for a lot of people, an awful long stressful journey.  OK, but none of that can really be worried about until there's a scheme that people have applied for, been accepted on and been approved for. And we can't allow this to run late into 2022, not even late into February. So what is the situation there? Are we do we know that this is going to be moved on towards the end of this month? Or are we hoping and appealing that it is moved on? Absolutely. And I think the department have given commitment that they will do this in February. And I know the Mike Action Group and Michael Doherty and the team have been working all over Christmas and up until last night having meetings to push the department and through their engagements with with John O'Connor and the department officials. And I think they'd be very hopeful that something will happen and that needs to happen in February. And the minister and Michael had conversations with the minister and he did give indications as well that that's what happened in February time. But as you know, Greg, and I know when we all know that sometimes these things take longer than sometimes they are out there in the media to happen. But I think that this one can't run on because there's too much. There's too many people sitting, you know, spent Christmas in homes that are falling down and it's getting worse by the day. And, you know, it's just unfair at this stage that this has run on so long. And something that we will certainly be putting very heavily to the department tomorrow and not just again for private homeowners but people that are in social houses as well. That process needs to be watched on as well. And the council have an application out of the department for funding to do that. So there's a lot of people, a lot of homes of the month that needs clarification, very, very quickly and very, very urgent. I take it, given that the parties involved at this meeting tomorrow is it's not publicly accessible. It's because of because, you know, whatever about the council we're talking about officials coming from Dan from Dublin to attend. OK, well, that's important. And of course, we'll cover this extensively. It's tomorrow morning. It's in Lifford. I think there's a few very, very important issues on the agenda there. In terms of the conversation that we're having about accommodation, you know, I know there's some talk of a private developer being interested in in providing some accommodation. And there's other calls for something to be done in letter Kenny.  I don't know if you are that we've had motions passed for the council to examine the possibility of providing, you know, prefabricated houses, cabins, whatever you want to call them. That motion passed a couple of months ago. No enquiries made to that regard. You know, is this going to be the next log jam coming down the river? Who needs to take the bull by the horns on this and start talking more seriously at decision making level about what we're going to do in terms of housing people. Yeah, well, there's no doubt that we're in a housing crisis in Donegal. They there was a they might actually done a check last week on houses and thinking they might have had a conversation about this, that there was only one house that was advertised available in the show. So, you know, there are no houses out there. This is something that has been discussed as council level. I had a motion myself great back a number of months ago about doing exactly what you said. And it's both yourself and Councillor Macmonagall. Michael McBride, that's independent. Fina Faul, she in fact, not that this is political, but it shows that there's a there's a cross party support. And you guys are elected, right? You're selected by the people. And I think if you get motions passed on such a serious issue, the least you can expect is that something is done to see if it's plausible, is it possible logistically? That hasn't happened. So I'm sorry to admit you on that one, because I know you did raise it yourself. Right. And Councillor Macmonagall, just a few weeks ago, had a motion of council and spoke about it as well. The officials in the council have, at our last SPC, have told us that they have made representations to the department for funding for temporary accommodation in towns and villages to facilitate people both in social houses and in private houses. We've also had conversations and some developers are interested in doing temporary accommodation in towns and villages as well. And yesterday, we discussed this at a long level at the initial meeting with the planners. And I've had a number of conversations with the senior planners about this so that they are in a position that the work is done for people that come to do this temporary houses, because this is something that needs to happen within the next, at the very longest time, six months, we need to have been a position that we have temporary houses. And there has to be adequate power. There has to be water. There has to be sewage. There has this groundwork that has to be done. This is not plank plunking things in the main fields. There's a lot of sites in Lederkinny and Boncran, in Cairndona, all around the county that have that accessibility there. They have the sewers. They have the power. They have everything there. And it's a matter of making sure that there's no stumbling blocks when it comes to the council to deliver on these types of accommodation. Because this is something that has to happen, because if we don't, we are going to be in a very serious position come middle of 2022, when the scheme is announced and people start moving out of their houses. Also, there needs to be the availability under the planning legislation that people can put temporary accommodation at their own houses beside their own houses. And also, if people want to do up their shed, that that can be an exempt development for the period of time. And the reason something like that might be complicated is, let's just say the solution for some might be a mobile home. There's 15,000 euro available for rent. Can that be used against a mobile home if you pay 20,000? But then you only need the mobile home for eight months. But the 15 grand is to cover 15 months. You know, like, but that can't be beyond us. Councillor Frank McBrady was on to say that IS 645 needs to be scrapped. There should be no moving forward until that happens. The group has dug itself into a no escape situation, he believes. And he thinks that the only way to actually, presumably, resolve the whole micro crisis is through the high courts. Right. Well, the second part, we can argue that back and forwards. But anyway, IS 645, can it be amended or does it need to be to be scrapped? If you have to have a protocol in there, I presume. I'm not speaking on behalf of Councillor McBrady, but there has to be a protocol there, presumably. Or else, you know, what would what legitimately would a scheme sit upon? No, there has to be a protocol. And Councillor McBrady has brought that up a number of times and has put very valid points across on a number of occasions as well. Absolutely. I think that the protocol has to be there. I think that, you know, the IS 465 that's there at the moment is built in it and it's working. It needs to be updated. There's no doubt about that. There's a lot of issues with it that needs to be resolved. But I think we need to have them. There must be a protocol there that we work to. And I don't want and certainly I don't think there's any any homeowner and Donegal today that wants to go back to start the whole process over again for two or three years to do another protocol. I don't think that can happen. And you're convinced that that would be required that we would to to replace or scrap I645 IS 645 though, something might have to replace it. You believe that this will bring us back to the beginning of the process? Yeah, absolutely. It would certainly bring us back to the beginning of the process. So I think that, you know, we have to be very careful how we manage that. But I think that, you know, the tools are there to deliver on this scheme. And I think the tools that are there needs to be updated. And I think that that can happen. I think we can certainly deliver. Before I let you go, because I do find it as well. Hard to keep track of, you know, demolish, rebuild, outer leaf and what have you as part of the new scheme. People will be, I would say, encouraged to do outer leaf only even if they have to come back to the scheme at a later date. Now, to me, that doesn't make much sense financially. That effectively that to to to replace a house in two stages out of then inner that that doesn't seem financially doesn't make much sense to me. But that's what the state seems to want to do. But it still will be a case that there will be varying options dependent on how bad the micro problem is in your property that maintains. Yes, yes, that maintains as well as what's happening as the first element of the scheme is moving to the housing department where you will get an assessment done of your house by an engineer. Then that assessment will be sent to the department. The department housing department will work along alongside the engineer that you have chosen as your engineer, and they will come up with a media option for your house, according to the tests and the test we did and test we'd be resolved to come back. And that will determine. Do you think engineers will be inclined to sign off on that? I mean, obviously, there's an indemnity, isn't there, from government, if it's outer leaf only, for what that's worth. But I mean, I'm just wondering if I were an engineer and I know if the outside blocks are gone, the inside blocks, you know, they're susceptible. However, water might get in there or whatever it might be.  I could be as far out as the proverbial lighthouse. But are engineers likely to be signing off on recommending outer leaf only, or do we yet know? No, well, again, that's down to the professional funding of the engineer. And as you see at the minute, the engineers would have serious concerns of leaving materials behind and parts of the house that could defect at a later stage. That's the story. What's the story with foundations? Because on this programme, Minister Charlie McConaughey says foundations would be included in this scheme. Is that the case? I think that at the minute, the foundations are not included. I wonder why Minister McConaughey said they were. I don't know. I'm sure it is something that we've been pushing for to get over the line. And I would be confident to say that it probably will. But again, I'm going back to the point on the protocol on the S465. That, again, would have to change if foundations were going to be included and going to be tested. But I think that it's a no brainer grade that you are going to go to a point and demolish your house to rebuild your house that your foundations must be tested and has to be tested to make sure that there's no material on that foundation. It would make absolutely no sense to build a new house on top of the foundation. Well, it would also then make no sense to build an outer leaf on top of the same defective foundations with a defective inner wall. That would make no sense. So I mean, if we're if you're saying that you have to test the foundations, well, then we can scrap outer leafs as well then, surely. Well, I think as I go back to the point in the engineers, I think that this is something that engineers are done through the engineers that engineers are going to be having long discussions with the department on. And hopefully that has happened. Hopefully those discussions have been had. And again, this is something that we will be certainly bringing up tomorrow with the officials that are leading with us to make sure that all these issues are ironed out and dealt with by February that people can finally. I mean, we've been saying this so many times, finally get this scheme up and running, a working scheme that people can move on with their lives. All right, listen, thanks for your time this morning. I appreciate it. All right, take care of yourself. Bye bye bye bye. Councillor Martin McDermott there ahead of that meeting tomorrow morning. I hope I for those who maybe don't always access, there's a great Facebook support group, of course, for people affected by Micah or those with an interest in it. Not everyone is on social media or not everyone gets the info. I hope I covered on as much of the technical side of stuff in ways that I can understand, certainly. And maybe that's helpful to some people out there. The one thing that you do realise is that just, you know, regular folk affected by this, the depth of knowledge they have on the technicalities of this is absolutely amazing. So I'll always be playing catch up in that regard. All right, time for a quick break. 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I'll have to quick squeeze a quick break in before that. Coming up after 11, lots coming up in the programme, including we're going to be discussing a campaign which has been launched to help fund vital treatment for a Boncraner teenager, that's Rocco McGinley. And we'll be talking about that. And as I say, we'll have more on the programme after 11. But we'll catch up on this quick break. Stay where you are. The nightly noon show with Letter Kenny Credit Union. Multiple loan payments causing you stress. Why not talk to Letter Kenny Credit Union today about a debt consolidation loan?  Softwood Lugs, three bags for 10 euro. 1 kg Fire Lugs, four for five euro. Shop in store or online at homeland.ie. It's that time of year again. Long evenings, low temperatures and slippery roads. So for your free tire check, call Donegal Tires. They have all you need in stock, winter or all season tires, or especially for wet hours conditions, the latest generation uniroil, the rain tire. 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So for help choosing granite or quartz for your worktop fireplace or stove, visit the Made to Measure showroom at cashelcrysler.com or see mtmfireplaces.com or on Facebook. Looking for an easier way to get your prescriptions filled? Look no further. With our new Brennan's Pharmacy app, you have a simpler, faster way to manage your prescription orders. Just download the free Brennan's Pharmacy app from Google Play or App Store. Fill in a few simple details about yourself and your medicines and you're all set. From prescription ordering, daily medicine reminders, to messaging our pharmacy team directly, it's all at your fingertips with our new Brennan's app. Like to know more? Why not call your local Brennan's Pharmacy today for more information? We're here for you. Okay, you're tuned to your number one local radio station. This is the 9 till noon show here on Highland Radio. It is 11 o'clock. Time for a news update now. We say good morning to Catherine Gaffney. Good morning, Greg. The higher education minister says students should get clarity on this year's leaving cert in the coming days. Six years are planning protests across the country today demanding a choice between calculated grades and written exams. Gar thee have until this evening to question a suspect in Ashlyn Murphy's murder investigation. The man in his 30s was arrested at a Dublin hospital and is being held in Tullamore. A police operation is ongoing this morning in the Gallup Park area of Derry. It's understood that the operation is centered on a white van parked in the residential area. A number of homes were evacuated in the early hours of this morning with residents being housed in Templemore Sports Complex. A man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into organized crime in Sligo. The man who's in his mid 20s was arrested in Galway yesterday. He's the second man to be questioned over the inquiry and is being detained at Sligo Garda Station. The Minister of State for Sport says he expects full capacity crowds at the GAA National League and Ireland's Six Nations opening fixtures. Jack Chamber says he is optimistic that COVID restrictions will be lifted in time to allow spectators at full capacity for the games in Crow Park in 10 days time and at the Aviva on the 5th of February. The number of patients with COVID-19 at Letter Kenne University Hospital has dropped to 45. There are two patients with the virus in ICU. Nationally, the number of COVID patients in hospital has dropped by 14% over the past nine days. This morning's total is also the lowest in over a fortnight. There were 34 people awaiting admission to Letter Kenne University Hospital this morning. Five people were on trolleys in its emergency department while a further 29 were waiting on wards. And speculation over the future of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues with reports more letters of no confidence have been submitted. 54 of his own Conservative party MPs need to do that in order to force a vote on his future. That's it for now. We're back with a further update for you at 12 noon. All right, Catherine, thanks very much for that. Well, Davie, brilliant that you weren't in work today. We had some crack. It was Petters last shift, so we all went out for lunch. Thanks for staying away. The lads are delighted. Chat to you soon. Mind yourself. No one will thank you for turning up to work or anything else when you're sick. Stay at home and get a test to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 from the HSE, for us all. OK, you're very welcome back to the last hour of today's 9 till noon show. And we welcome into studio now Jonathan Sweeney.  Thanks so much for calling down to us. Good morning, Greg. Thanks for having us here today. Right, and we're here to talk about a very important issue and an initiative and a fundraiser. And it is to raise money for the treatment of Rocco McKinley. Before we get into that, tell us about Rocco. Yeah, Rocco's just a happy, charismatic, loving, playful, typical 14-year-old boy. He's part of a large family there, his mommy Vaughn, dad Wade. He's three older brothers, Dean, Jordan the Morn, and he's four younger siblings as well, Cooper, Winter, Arya, and Bodie. So he goes to Skelwere there in Bunkrana, and he's a tight group of friends, just into your normal teenage stuff. He sent his box and his football and playing his PlayStation, and he likes his music. Now, I'm not sure his playlist would be something that you would listen to post Malone would like. What about yourself? Talk about yourself here. I'm quite youthfully my music listing, but no, I have a similar age to young people myself. I know exactly what you're saying here. But yeah, so he's just a normal teenager, but obviously that kind of changed towards the end of last summer. Can you talk to us about that? Because everything starts with the trickle, so to speak, and tell us how it became clear that something was wrong. That's exactly how it happened. Last summer, Rocco started his experience in really bad headaches. So his mom and dad took him to the GP. They couldn't really figure out what was going on. He then developed blurred vision. So as you would as a parent, you're trying to troubleshoot. What's obvious and what's in front of you, he was taken for an eye test. The thought of that stage, maybe it might be something to do with his vision, but unfortunately it progressed then that he lost the power on his limbs one day and lost his balance. At which point the alarm bells rang and the knew something serious was up. He was quickly taken for an MRI then, and that's had the results the next day. That was the start of October, and that's really when the nightmare for the whole family started. Rocco was diagnosed with a large tumor on his brain. So the devastating news for the family, like a couple of weeks beforehand, they thought he might need glasses to get that news. He was then rushed to Temple Street Children's Hospital, where he received great care now. It'd be just an example of the way Rocco is like, and I suppose how hard it is to take for a 14-year-old all this information. He felt guilty about being there or taking up a bed. He didn't feel as sick. It was the first time in his life he was met with proper sick children, and he felt that. What am I doing here? Yeah, and just wanted to go home. Yeah. And often in these situations, the person affected and particularly young people are the bravest, and it's us around them that it just hits like, it's just absolutely devastating news for the immediate family, but the extended family as well and friends. Now, in terms of treatment, in terms of the capabilities in this country, everything's been exhausted, I understand. Is that correct? So we're looking further afield for treatment? Is that right, Jonathan? Yeah, just to rewind it back. Okay, sorry. Greg just hated biopsy then in Temple Street. Mm-hmm. And bad news went from bad to worse in that it was, he was diagnosed as having a malignant tumor, a very rare one that can't be operated on. So he was taken over to St. Luke's where he underwent radiation therapy. Again, another story about Rocco and the big heart that he has, he's over there and he's, you know, he's gone through all that and he spent most of his time as an elderly lady there and she had to go through the radiation therapy too and he spent a lot of his time just easing her worries and making sure that she wasn't... But he wasn't thinking on himself. He was seeing what can we do to make this exact person's experience more manageable. Yeah, so yeah, that's kind of where it's at. He had radiation therapy completed at the end of October, which in fairness, subdued the symptoms a good bit, but unfortunately, because the tumor's so rare, when an illness, as you know, is rare, there's very little research done on it. So his parents had to widen the field in relation to finding treatment and found a facility in Houston, Texas that can offer Rocco the treatment he needs. With that, obviously, it's expensive and money was needed to be raised to get him over there. And you know, it's connected and unconnected. It's got nothing to do with Rocco, but there was... We were watching a film the other night, John Q. He said, it's not much of a film, but it's quite good. But it was about just the way things in America is that the difference between making treatment for a child and not was money. But that's the reality we're living, unfortunately, that it comes down to families and the communities to fundraise for treatment, important treatment. So it's considerable because, as you say, it's rare. That means there's not an awful lot of research. That means they're the start of the process. There's a lot of research, but it's not as far as advances is with other conditions. So that means it's gonna cost more money. Correct, yeah. Just on that, maybe if John Q was from Donegal, he might not have had to hijack or what to do. The house but we're on exactly that's it. And that's what it came down to. The reason it was an interesting program is because it made us and particularly parents, that moral, what do you do? What would you do? Exactly. And that's where we've gone and where we're at. You mean having a nurse is the bottom line? Absolutely. Outside of Hollywood, that's exactly what you're doing. That's what they're trying to do. On that, just not being from Donegal on myself originally, up our 13 years, I would have to make a comment that I always felt there was a great sense of community in Donegal and whether it's good times or bad times really support their own. And this is definitely the case here. Like family are blown away with the support received so far, whether it's big gestures, small donations like the impact of anyone reaching out is felt a hundredfold by the family. So just on behalf of them, Greg, I just would like to thank each and every person so far that has reached out and either donated or decided to do a bit of fundraising themselves. And it's been a great start. And I suppose I'm on here today. To kick it on. To kick it on a bit and maybe encourage your audience if they haven't been involved. Even if you're a stranger to the family, you can check out the fundraising pages on Instagram and Facebook, Rockles Road to Recovery. There's also a GoFundMe page, Rockles Road to Recovery as well. And we encourage anybody out there to give us more support. And we'll talk about the targets and where you need to get to, but just talking about that community support again. When you're dealing with something like this, it's very lonely because there's not an awful lot of people know precisely what you're going through and it feels like a battle at certainly at the beginning. I would imagine as well as the financial support just to know so many people are supporting Rocco and the family. It has to have made a very, very difficult situation just more manageable to sense, right? You know what? Everyone's behind us here. That's exactly it. The primary goal is to get the money for Rocco's treatment. That's the A-plan, but the residual benefit of all this is that goodwill that feeds back to having a way to Rocco, the whole family, that strength that's inspired by the community's goodwill. Rocco himself, he's a tight-knit group of friends as well that give him plenty of support and that's important to him.  And just to put it into context here, the target's 280,000 euro. If everyone in Donegal gave a euro, you wouldn't be far off that target with what's already been made or even maybe certainly passed it. So this is not beyond us. And you know, people, as Jonathan's been saying, have been greatly generous. But if this story's moved you, if you wanna help Rocco and his family go and get this treatment in America, you can do that. You can be part of something really, really important, whether it's a fiver or a tenor or if your pockets are a little bit deeper more. But today, we can come together, right? And we're not gonna do it all now, obviously, but people can say, right, if I were in that situation, what would I want?  This is the power that we have today. I mean, that's remarkable. It's almost a gift in and of itself that we can do something that would mean so much to this young man and to his family. That's right, Greg, I couldn't upset it better. That's exactly it. So the Facebook page, people, if you want to, if you can, everything's as tight. I know that for some, but for others, there's a bit to spare, right? Rocko's Road to Recovery. It's R-O-C-C-O, Rocko's Road to Recovery on Facebook. And you'll see images of Rocko there. It's like every other 14-year-old. He just wants the best chance like we all would want. Or if you wanna go on to the GoFundMe page, you can search Rocko's Road to Recovery. There's no point in me reading out the URL because it's just too confusing. But if you search Rocko's Road to Recovery, you can do it. If you do it, share it on your Facebook page too. Don't be shy. I think some people donate and they don't wanna sort of make out that they're telling their friends they've donated. But the sharing of your donation on your page, be it on Instagram or Facebook, that encourages other people to do and it raise awareness. So don't be shy about having donated and not wanting to look like you're looking for attention. Sharing, it's the really important part of it. And if we want, if we can, if we get that to enough people, this target can be cracked really quite soon, Jonathan. That's the plan, Greg. Rocko's due to start his treatment at the end of this month. So anyone out there, your listeners, if you've a spare, as you say, a spare couple of euro, it means as much as someone who has a large amount of money to donate. Or again, if there's any ideas on how to fundraise, whether you're close to the family or you're a stranger, any help is appreciated. And again, just to thank everybody in Donegal so far, it means so much to the family, the support given. Okay, and we can all, as I say, give a little bit. I don't want to labor it, but it's so important and it's so within our power. If all of us give one euro, they wouldn't really be very, very far off in this county alone, not to mention those that are listening out further afield. I do know people are working on coming up with ideas on what have you, but what you can do today if you want to genuinely make a difference and be part of this for Rocco and his family, the Facebook page is Rocco's Road to Recovery or on GoFundMe, Rocco's Road to Recovery there. And as I say, don't be afraid to share it out. Don't be shy about that if you donate because that's what gets the word spread. And as I say, there's momentum there, but this really can be done really, really quickly with no one being out an awful lot of money. Right, Jonathan. You'll pass on our good wishes to Rocco and the family and they all know we're 100% behind them, I hope. They know that you've talked about that, but we are. And unless there's anything else that you want to add, Jonathan. Just to thank you, Greg, and your listeners out there in advance for any support given. And that's on behalf of you've gone and weighed and Rocco and all the family. All right. Okay, good stuff. Listen, thank you very much for that. We'll be back with more on the program after this break. The Nine Till Noon Show is brought to you by Letter Kenny Credit Union. Download our new app today to apply and draw down your loan wherever you are. It's the right price tiles on wood flooring, half price sale. Get up to 50% of everything in store. All kitchen and bathroom tiles, all wood flooring, all bathware, all cladding, everything's reduced. It's our biggest ever sale. The right price tiles on wood flooring, half price January sale. Stores nationwide. Sale now on. A public interest message from Donegal County Council. A recent EPA report estimated that around 1300 people in Ireland die prematurely each year because of poor air quality, which in rural counties like Donegal is mainly caused by the burning of solid fuels for home heating, particularly over the winter months. To improve air quality and protect our health, you can make a difference by using low smoke fuels in all areas of Donegal. In the low smoke zone of Letterkenny, the burning of smoky coal is not permitted. Only low smoke coal whose bags carry the wording approved fuel or the Swift 7 logo should be used. To access information on the air quality in Letterkenny, visit EPA.ie Donegal County Council, protecting the environment. Time to drive out the old and drive in the new. At B&S Credit Union Ballet Buffet, our special car loan rate is now available with an easy application process. This flexible, affordable car loan is for you. Visit B&S.ie or free phone 1-800-293-90. Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. 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