Have we long since passed the point where a decent home is available to all but a select few in this country?

Increases in Ireland’s house prices have vastly outstripped any rise in wages seen over the past 10 years, according to government statistics.

Two new reports by the Parliamentary Budget Office, the Oireachtas’ independent economic analysis arm, show that average house prices doubled from €153,000 to €305,000 between 2013 and 2022.

However, at the same time, the median salary of a single person increased by 26% from €33,000 to €41,800, while the income of couples increased from €66,100 to €83,600.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Diarmuid McMahon, from Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis.

Photo (c) Shisuka via Canva.com

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has announced her intentions to run as a Fianna Fáil candidate for the European Parliament Ireland South Constituency.

To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by the former broadcaster and now barrister, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.

Picture (c) by Leonid Andronov via Canva

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has outlined a number of extra supports that are now being worked on for those who look after family members in the home in the wake of the defeated referendum on care.

Carers could be set to receive a state contributory pension, while there could also be improved tax credits for stay-at-home parents.

To find out more about these supports and if they will benefit carers Sineád O’Brien, a mother living in Bunratty caring for her son Cathal, who has a rare genetic disorder with profound needs, joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

Photo (c) by Syda Productions via Canva

The Government is being urged to pay heed to local knowledge to solve legacy flooding issues at Ballycar. The rail service between Limerick and Ennis has been suspended for the first time in four years due to a drainage problem on the section of the railway track in the Newmarket-on-Fergus townland, with bus transfers now in place instead. Iarnród Éireann has previously estimated that a €16.7m investment is required to put an end to the flooding once and for all. Newmarket-on-Fergus Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat McMahon however thinks the answer to the problem lies with local landowners who have inherited knowledge of flood prevention.

The Chair of Clare Fine Gael insists the party still has a strong foothold in this county, despite a growing number of it's TD's confirming they will not be seeking re-election. Galway East Deputy Ciarán Cannon has become the tenth member to do so, citing an emerging trend of toxicity in politics. The party is yet to announce a candidate to run in place of Ennis Cllr Johnny Flynn in June's local elections or whether Clarecastle Deputy Joe Carey will contest the next general election, having been on sick leave since last March. Former Clare Fine Gael TD and Senator, Kilkee native Madeleine Taylor Quinn-says there's no cause for concern though.

Clare people struggling to get on the housing ladder are being urged to engage with the local authorities support services.

It comes as Clare County Council has already supported 15 households availing of HAP or RAS to retain their tenancies so far under the tenant-in situ scheme.

People earning up to €59,000 who have also received a valid termination notice can be facilitated under the cost-rental version of the scheme, through which the local authority will aim to acquire twenty properties this year.

Senior Executive Officer and Housing Spokesperson, Pádraig McCormac insists help is at hand for those in danger of homelessness.

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Tom Stewart from Keane’s Garden Centre in Kilcolgan.

On this week’s In The Garden, Tom provided listeners with all the tips and tricks for growing tomatoes.

If you have a question for Tom, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or Whatsapp to 086 1800 964.

On this week’s History in Focus Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to chat about the Norman Colonisation of Clare.

If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your townland you can contact him at [email protected] or Clare FM at [email protected].

On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey spoke to William Cahir of Cahir & Co. Solicitors, Ennis, in our weekly legal slot.

This week, William discussed contracts and told us about available legal defences.

If you have a legal question for Cahir & Co. Solicitors, email us at [email protected]

Last December, Alan Morrissey spoke to the Smooth Operators Team from Coláiste Muire about their participation in the F1 in Schools competition.

To update us on the project, sponsors and more, Alan was joined in studio by Amy Ryan, Amalie Carolan, Sofie Keane and Amy Hennessey.