Morley's Mouthfuls: This week on Galway Talks

As the flu season kicks into full swing, there has been an upsurge in cases which are leading to hospitalisations. It is predicted that the peak of the flu season and hospitalisations will be around Christmas week or even into early January. Could we have done more to prevent this in the form of enhanced vaccines? Well, the HSE didn't deem enhanced vaccines cost-effective this year, but there has been political pushback, particularly from backbench government TDs. We discussed the pros and cons of the standard flu vaccine with local TD and GP Martin Daly. The problem of aggressive seagulls in Galway city centre has been highlighted on a number of occasions on our programme over the past number of years. In severe cases, people have been attacked by the birds, and some have required medical attention. They have also been associated problems like taking food off people, and defecating on locals. We discussed the ongoing problem of bullish seagulls in Galway City with Fine Gael Councillor Frank Fahy. He wants bylaws enacted to fine businesses who are not disposing of their litter correctly, as some businesses leave their rubbish out in bags which can be pecked and opened up by the birds. We also discussed the potential of a 'puppy patrol' or falconry to deter these birds from terrorising the city centre. Australia has announced a social media ban on certain platforms for teenagers under the age of 16. It came into effect in the middle of the week. We discussed whether this should be introduced here in Ireland and the European Union with a number of contributors. We heard first from a 17-year-old schoolgirl from Gort who admits that more needs to be done to safeguards teens on social media, but doesn't believe an outright ban is the way to go. We also heard from Alex Cooney, the CEO of Cybersafe Kids, who gave her thoughts on the issue, and we got the political opinion of Independent Ireland Councillor Noel Thomas. All agree that things need to change when it comes to social media, but they have varying views on whether or not there should be an outright ban for under 16s. It's that time of year again! Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is! Renmore Pantomime Society are celebrating 45 years in existence. They're putting on a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, the iconic panto. We were at their launch night in the Connacht Hotel and we spoke to the director, the choreographer, playwright, and Jack himself. They are due to open their show in the Town Hall Theatre at the end of the month. Find tickets and all the details on tht.ie