Tuesday 20th July 2010

DAMIEN O'REILLY PRESENTS...

The new Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Bill 2010 allows "justifiable force" to be used by a home owner against an intruder in their home. Con owns and runs Dennehy's Pub in Cork. He lives above his pub. Under the law his entire building is deemed to be a "licensed premises". So his bedroom, his bathroom are all "licensed premises". Con wants to know if the new Bill covers him if an intruder breaks into his home? Other home owners and business owners discuss the new Bill with Damien.

Yesterday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen urged the country to stay positive. Maureen is trying hard to stay positive. She was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She is waiting on a bone marrow transplant. She has been promised a bed since the end of June, but she's been let down. She's now waiting by the telephone to hear if there is a bed available on Wednesday. Her life is on hold. Her family's life is on hold. She is trying to stay positive. Other Liveline listeners talk to Damien about their struggle to stay positive in the face of overwhelming odds.

Yesterday, Sinead was travelling from Dublin to Tipperary. She lost her wallet and had no money, no credit cards and no id. Her mother bought her a student ticket online. When she got to the gate the security guard refused to let her board because she had no id. She was devastated. She was left on the platform in tears. Other Liveline listeners tell Damien of their experience of Irish Rail's zero tolerance policy.

There are only 3 public beds available in the country to treat patients with eating disorders. Other beds are only available on a private basis. Alison has battled anoerexia and bulimia for the last 15 years. She would be dead if she hadn't been taken into the programme she is currently on. She has to pay cash because VHI won't cover it. Other sufferers talk to Damien about their struggle to get help.