Pastor Gary Keogh works for the victory mission which helps people with drug problems. He was in touch with Liveline to talk about the RTE Television drama Love/Hate and how it tends to glamorise drug taking and the drugs business. Gary spoke about his own experience of drugs which was very different to that portrayed on the television programme. Denis suggested the programme would have little influence on the overall problem which has been there for years. Grainne Kenny added that the problem has always been prevention and not enough money has been spent on this. Other callers, including Francis called in to share their experience of children involved with drugs. Mary has a son in addiction and told her story. She recommended a support group which was of great value to her. The group is called the North East Region Family Support Network and can be contacted at 0879046405.
John Galligan spoke to Joe about the latest kite being flown by government, to force employers to pay the first month’s sick leave on behalf of employees. He feels that it is unfair on businesses that already under a lot of pressure. Mary called in to say that she is put under pressure every time she is out sick and feels that most people don’t abuse the system.
Sinead got in touch to highlight her problems with tenants of a property she owns. She wants rent allowance to be paid directly to the landlord instead of to the tenant. She told Joe that this happened to her on two different occasions. Other landlords got in touch to say that the system leads to incidents such as this all the time. Brendan, who is a long time tenant agreed that if he is paid the rent directly, he would be tempted to keep the rent and spend it on other things. If rent allowance is reduced significantly, it will make things very difficult for people on social welfare.