CueFrank™

In my latest Podcast, I explore information received from European Cabin Crew about a political campaign launched by an airline. I examine the way in which the campaign through a petition is constructed and the use of Consumer data. The moral of the story, whether you support such advances from any Commercial enterprise, is to make sure when you tick those Ts&Cs and Privacy Notice, that you only subscribe to receive information of your choosing!

In this latest broadcast, Frank Brehany brings his listeners up-to-date on what is happening about bringing clean air to those who work or travel on aircraft.

It's been a tumultuous few years, with conflict and the pandemic bringing fear and innovation to this great scientific challenge. Frank talks about the background to where we are now and how work, the debate about whether you can hold Corporations to account where death or injury occurs by referencing the work on 'Climate' Corporations, an important scientific development on causation (that is did that product, action or service cause you injury) and a real life case study of a flight fume event and a Passenger's Right to Know.

He finishes this overview by reflecting on the actions within this debate and where the future is heading!

In this latest production, Frank Brehany recalls an encounter some 5 years ago with a nun, which occurred outside of his search for his Grandmother's and Father's lives within the Mother and Baby Home and Magdalen Laundry system in Ireland.

This chance encounter revealed a shocking ignorance of the history of the Church and more importantly, an unwillingness to consider evidence with Church dogma trumping all.

Frank speaks to this encounter and measures it against his own experiences of seeking the truth from the Religious Orders in Ireland. The themes of dogma, spirituality and truth collide, challenging Frank's own spirituality, whilst making sure that he remains a consistent voice for his Dad, Grandmother and at the time of this encounter, his newly found Grandfather!

In my latest travel Podcast, I talk about my recent  experience of security checking at a UK Airport. I travelled during the recent school-half-term period and was witness to a controlled chaos though to some puzzling behaviours from Consumers. Toward the end of the Podcast, I offer my key tips on how to approach the summer of 2023, just to try and make your airport experience a little less stressful

2023 © - All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction in full or in part in whatever medium is not allowed without express written permission. Media enquiries: Please contact Frank Brehany directly 

In my latest Podcast of this series, I am conscious that the Mother and Baby Home Institutions Payment Scheme Bill, 2022, has now begun its journey through Seanad Éireann

I do not hold with a prevailing view that it is a hopeless situation as the Bill passes through the Seanad, but rather it is an opportunity. I have already submitted my own amendment proposals to the Senators in the hope that they will see the value of what I propose, to make it a consensual Bill, a better Bill for all those affected by these awful Institutions

I would hope that the Senators will accept my words and the good faith in which they are presented.

As The Dáil debates the final stages of the Redress Bill for Mother and Baby Homes, I examine the nature of Redress and how Government holds all the cards, both in its construction and narrative. I speak to policy and values and make a direct comparison to the values I have calculated for my Grandmother's work over 42 years. I also examine the nature of the forgotten dead and how this wider policy holds greater political dangers than is perhaps recognised at this time!

In the first Podcast in my Essential Consumer series, I talk about an unusual Consumer problem; the failure to receive your e-receipt. Not so much of a problem if your goods are all in good working order, but what if they're not? I take you through practical and legal steps on how to prove your transaction so that you can then exercise your Consumer Rights if you need to. I set out easy practical steps and guide you gently through the laws on Data and of Consumer Rights. As we now have digital as well as physical lives, it is just as well that we begin to think out our pathways toward solutions. My thanks to the BBC Hereford & Worcester Team for raising this unusual problem; I suspect we shall hear of more Consumers caught in the same conundrum!

(© 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Frank Brehany. All facts within this Podcast were correct at the time of production. Always check your documents and the the information in this Podcast. In the event that you encounter continuing difficulties and are unable to resolve any issue, then you should seek independent legal advices without delay)

In my latest Podcast from 'A Magdalene Rose' series, I come full circle in my discussion about the Irish Republic's Redress scheme for Mother and Baby Homes. I believe that at the heart of this scheme, not only does the scheme fail the living, but also of all those women and children who died before the State Apology at the beginning of 2021. The behaviour of the ruling parties was laid bare for all to see, which was contrasted by the passion and compassion of the opposition parties during the recent debate in the Oireachtas. Recent comments and decisions of the government provided a timely glimpse into the decision-making processes of the government which has greatly affected how this scheme was constructed. I take the listener back to the formation of the State and the inheritors of the actions of their political heroes. One thing is for certain, the government has completely kicked the can down the road in time for the next inheritors of their actions and decisions; and so Ireland's political impotence continues. It is clear that insofar as this Redress scheme for Mother and Baby Home Institutions are concerned, this is not the last word; all I hear are the determined voices of the living and the memories of those who have gone before us, who still cry out for Justice.

In my latest Podcast, I talk about my experiences of the last year, my writing A Magdalene Rose and what I hope to achieve, the Irish Political scene and how Government appears deaf to the voices of the many Victims and Survivors, past and present. I talk about my rich engagement with Survivors across the island of Ireland and through their words, their documentation and my family's documentation, I reveal the cruel prejudices of their lives. But I also take a critical but respectful look at the state of campaigning and its affect. I conclude by talking about the nature of Church and State and how the Survivor cohort can move forward along with my ultimate desire to see a Truth & Reconciliation Commission being delivered in the name of Transitional Justice because all I hear are determined voices!

In my latest Travel Podcast, I look at the state of New Year Predictions and the upbeat Travel articles, all providing a positive spin on what Consumers should do in the year ahead. I examine the way holidays are sold, along with trying to cut through the hype that followed 'Sunshine Saturday'. No conversation on Travel would be complete without talking about the effects of Brexit & the Pandemic and subsequent crises and what it means for Consumers. It is surely the case that if you have the means to get away, you can, whereas those who can't afford to get away are still subjected to the same exposure to positive travel news

In my last Travel Podcast for 2022, I offer my Travel Predictions for 2023, all in the face of Brexit, War and a Cost of Living Crisis. In this Podcast, I offer my view to Consumers on: Climate Change, Brexit, COVID19, Cost of Holidays, Local-Foreign or No Holidays?, Travel Capacity, Other International Risks and the risks to Consumer Rights. This is not the usual end-of-year gloss you can read about travel, it is however a set of predictions that should be foremost in Consumer minds in the coming year. I conclude by saying to Consumers that they don't have to accept what I say, but perhaps embracing one or some of my predictions might lead to better travel decisions in the year ahead. I conclude by warning that uncertainty is going to be with us for some years to come, but I look forward to the day when I can offer more positive predictions and experiences which will offer something to look forward to. Wishing you my listeners and your families the very happiest of New Year's!

In my latest Magdalene Rose Podcast, I examine the fallout from the recent sermon delivered in County Kerry in Ireland. I explore what was said and follow the breadcrumbs to the Catholic Catechism and make some interesting discoveries. These discoveries not only hold importance for all the Victims & Survivors of the Magdalen Institutions, but to the very communities condemned from the pulpit. I end the Podcast by talking about the important and profound sermon given by an Archbishop Galen on the question of Justice. If anything, the Kerry Sermon has led to the questioning of what Faith actually means, and here, I do not resile from my own position on Faith

In my latest Travel Podcast, I talk about my latest getaway to Egypt. This is an unusual and personally difficult destination for me as you will discover, but, my experience delivers not only many tips, but observations that demonstrate that the real glory of this wondrous country is found in the many people I met along the way. It's a longer Podcast than normal, but I wanted to pack so much into this story, that I hope will make people consider or inspire their choices if they decide to visit this country

In this latest Podcast, I talk about the latest developments this week from the Irish Parliament, the Oireachtas, and how the government proposes to resolve the question of compensating the former inmates of Ireland's Mother and Baby Home Institutions. There are many who are disappointed by the current state of affairs, from the virtually empty chamber through to the many exclusions found in the Redress Bill. Following on from my earlier Podcast on the same subject, I bring to life the deficit found at the heart of this Bill and demonstrate how the lives of those long gone are providing an impact on the living Survivors. In this Podcast I highlight the opportunities and present a challenge for the Minister and the people of Ireland.

In this Podcast, I talk about the experience on one Consumer, who found that his Fixed-Rate Contract being changed unilaterally to a Variable-Rate by his Energy Company. I highlight the actions he took, what helps Consumer Laws could give him and how there appeared to be a breach of contract at play. I helped him to define a strategy, before he begins to think about any route towards an Ombudsman. I also reflect on the general plight for Consumers and the kind of questions they should ask. These are key questions, because if they simply accept what any Energy Company may say to them, it really could be a choice between heating or eating this coming winter

In my latest A Magdalene Rose™ Podcast, I draw attention to one personal journey for Justice. In this episode, I talk about the proposed Redress scheme, offered by the Irish Government and how prejudice and detriment is being offered to the many Victims of the Mother and Baby Home Institutions. In particular, I draw attention to the many people who died before 13 January 2021, the date of the State apology for the wrongs committed within these Institutions, and a date before which, the many who have passed, including my Grandmother and Father, are prevented through their estates from applying for recognition through this scheme. It is but one aspect of the detriment being offered to the Victims & Survivors and I take the listener through not just my thoughts, but through my journey to the heart of the political establishment in Dublin. The question remains, will the dead simply remain unspoken of and not recognised?

In my latest Podcast, I talk about one of my favourite campaigning issues, Cabin Air Quality. Having been involved in this work since 2006, I talk about the latest developments, highlighting what we as campaigners faced in the years that followed my introduction to this International scandal. This work brought us into the arena of International Standards-making, hoping to achieve a Standard that could be applied to reduce and mitigate aircraft fume events and the health deficits suffered by aircrew and passengers. Recent developments has brought a chapter to a close and with it, many more questions about what the future holds. I hope that this Podcast will guide you through the key issues; I hope you enjoy listening to this episode.

In my latest Podcast, I talk about the Summer of 2022, the extreme heat and weather, my experiences and the future for Travel in this period of Climate Change. I highlight the staggering statistic that 57% of UK Holidaymakers are simply not worried about Climate Change, against over 70% in another survey who thought that by 2027, some European destinations will be too hot to visit. In the midst of this, I offer an action plan for Consumers, if they should choose to take their own action on Climate Change and their desire to Travel

In my latest 'A Magdalene Rose' Podcast, I talk about the recent funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and my recent journey to Dublin. I explore a personal grief, brought to life by the simple sound of bagpipes. I also compare and contrast respect given to the dead, against that given to my own Grandmother and many other Magdalen Women. Whilst my book of 'A Magdalene Rose' is finished and awaiting publication, my journey for the truth will clearly continue for many years to come. Justice is slow, but I am patient.

Let's face it, Travel in 2022 is a mess, more so if you live in the UK!

But the storm that surrounds UK Travel has been a long time in the making, made worse by the Pandemic and Brexit and fuelled by legislators who simply don't understand the needs of Travel Consumers.

In this Podcast, I examine the issues that affect Consumers, including the reactions of Consumers themselves. But I also offer clarity and a real 11-point Travel Consumer Charter that sets out strategy and detail on all Travel Consumer rights.

The script to this Podcast can be found here: http://frankbrehany.com/blog/the-road-to-a-real-charter-for-travel-consumer-rights/ 

I hope this is of use to you the holidaymaker!

© 2022 Frank Brehany (Cue Frank™) - Music: © 2022 "Sand Storm" from PremiumBeat.com

In my latest Travel Podcast, I examine the fall-out from the sudden and brutal sacking of P&O Ferry staff.

Whatever the outrage now being expressed in the UK Parliament, there remains an untold story, that of Consumer Rights, when so many ferries were cancelled.

I talk about my conversations on the radio and how, despite the fact that the UK has left the European Union, the Regulations and Protections we all enjoyed, were carried over onto the UK Statute books on Brexit day.

In this Podcast, I lead you along the breadcrumb trail and demonstrate where to find your ferry rights. I also provide my opinion on what I think is now happening to those rights as we advance towards becoming a glorious deregulated Brexit society.

I also have a few words about Consumers as a whole and what actions they need to take to help themselves!

In my latest Podcast, I look at the effect of the Ukrainian Invasion, the rolling nature of COVID, and back to my old friend, Brexit, and what all this means for your Rights in Regulation.

The Podcast explores the extra pressures now being faced by European (incl UK) Consumers as a result of Russia's actions in Ukraine, and what that might mean for holidaymakers who may have booked a Summer 2022 break. One issue at the top of any holiday this year must now be Surcharges on holidays and how your Consumer Rights help, if at all.

I also look at the COVID measures still in place and how they are affecting the delivery of services; I talk about 2 holidaymakers and their recent return from a 5-Star winter-sun resort and how those services delivered deep disappointment.

Then there is Brexit, you can't say that I didn't warn you, but those Consumer Rights are looking a bit shaky, particularly as the UK government is hell-bent on getting rid of red-tape. I explore what this might mean and ask the question, what will it mean for other aspects of our lives.

It's almost like we are being collectively returned to the 1970's and 1980's - #Slava-Ukraini!

© 2022 - Frank Brehany (Cue Frank™) - Music © 2022 - Sand Storm by PremiumBeat.com

In my latest Magdalene Rose Podcast, I offer Chapter 20, which is a letter I wrote to my Father when I was writing the book. Although he passed away in 2001, the promise I made to him was important, which led to my journey to discover his secret. As I wrote the book, I felt that I needed to talk to him, to share my thoughts about what I had found and what I was thinking. It is both joyful and melancholy, but an expression of love to a Dad long-since gone, in the hope that he will hear my words.

A Magdalene Rose™ & Chapter 20 of the book & this Podcast: All Rights Reserved, no copying duplication in any form or any medium without the express written permission of the Author, Frank Brehany: © 2022

Music: Si Beag Si Mor, by Harpo Marks, via PremiumBeat.com. All Rights reserved to the composer © 2019, used in this Podcast under License.

In my latest Travel Podcast, I talk about the UK's decision to lift the COVID testing regime and what this actually means for Consumers and indeed the UK itself. What does it mean for a Travel Industry already under pressure when measured against the global rhetoric? Are we right to be optimistic about returning to normality or are there a few hurdles we have yet to encounter? This year is going to be very interesting indeed!

In my latest Magdalene Rose Podcast, I talk about may search for my Father's family and my recent experiences of trying to get information from a State Agency in the Republic of Ireland. Following a challenge and direction from that Agency, I decided to examine the new Birth Information & Tracing Bill to establish whether I could use the new Rights currently being debated before the Irish Oireachtas (Parliament). Whilst the new proposed laws are intended to provide rights to those who were illegally adopted, they provide no new rights for me. However, the Irish government has produced a draft law that is proving controversial and provides limitations on accessing origin information. In this Podcast I try to work out what is going on and reveal the failures of understanding consent and the stunning omission of religious order's documentation. But within this new law rests another stunning revelation concerning the capture of religious records. The plight of Adoptee's and their Mothers within this whole Magdalene story is set for more heart-ache!

In my latest Podcast, I examine my previous Travel Predictions for 2022 and provide 5 tips on what to look for, before you make that Travel booking. I provide an example of how COVID research can guide choices, but also inform you about how the Travel Industry might be looking at the landscape! I cover such things as last-minute deals, when Travel is likely to restart and when can we expect a return to a 2019 normality? Travel Insurance and Climate Change actions feature strongly in the podcast as they can or will have a profound impact on the decisions you make against the current crises. Hopefully, this will begin your own journey to a better informed and far more enjoyable experience in 2022!

In this Podcast I reflect on the year before and what lies ahead for holidaymakers. In setting out my predictions for travel, I deal with such issues as Climate Change, COVID19 and how we will travel through this year and beyond. I also talk briefly about the Pandemic Inquiry to-come and ask what will this mean for Aviation & Cruises?

This is the first in a series of Podcasts in which I speak to fellow Campaigners, who are often ordinary people, doing remarkable things for their communities. In this episode, I speak with Adam Glezer, a Consumer Champion, based in Australia. We talk about how he became a Consumer Advocate in the midst of the COVID crisis and how he has helped fellow Australians deal with their holiday complaints. We talk about the differences in Travel Consumer Rights between Australia and the UK and how he is trying to change the law for the benefit of all!

In this Podcast I comment on the UK government's decision to leave the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and its affect upon manufacturers, airlines and on safety. Whilst the brexiteers are running rampant in excitement, their actions could deliver unintended consequences upon an industry and ultimately airline passengers; is the UK due to become an Aviation Flag of Convenience - are we racing to the bottom of the pile?

As the UK drifts into its new and uncertain future, the threat of wide deregulation, is bringing a fear that matters of Public Interest will simply not see the light of day. With this in mind, this Podcast introduces my guidance on Whistleblowing law in the UK (relevant to my fellow Campaigners), and what you must do to satisfy requirements and avoid actions that could be taken against any potential Whistleblowers!

For many global listeners, they will be puzzled by the expression 'booze cruise'! This was a practice many years ago when Britons would flock down to Dover and spend a day in France, collecting crates of booze before they returned to the UK on their ferry. But, Consumer habits have changed and the liberal freedom of movement along with our online shopping habits changed all of that. Brexit should to bring us back to the 'old days' and the booze cruise. In this episode I talk about the reality in the early part of 2020 and how our interdependence in laws would not change anything until 2021. As for the booze cruise......

In this Podcast you will hear my Open Letter to neighbours, friends, colleagues, family and all my fellow European Citizens.

In this Podcast I explore the aftermath of the December 2019 General Election. In the midst of the victorious cries from our antiquated first past the post system, I examined how when there was so much optimism, it all fell apart. The answer lays with how the 'Remain' Campaign was organised and its 'disengagement' with the people on the ground and with Campaigners, just like me!

In this Podcast I talk about how UK Holiday Consumers have had their access to holiday rights trimmed. Why did the government take this action? Well, it was because over several years, a narrative within UK newspapers and amongst some politicians, argued against the so-called 'Compensation Culture' and presented wild claims of wholesale fraud being committed by Consumers. I examine the rationale behind those claims and reveal that laws have been changed, because less than 1% of all claims were apparently claimed to be fraudulent. It is a masterclass in how media manipulation and political agenda can deliver real Consumer detriment!

This episode is highly relevant for all UK Consumers, particularly in the Brexit-world we all now live in. Here I speak to the Consumer Rights Act and its possibilities. I highlight a case-study of one Consumer and the problems they had with a new car, and how they resolved those problems using their Rights in Law. Absolutely relevant today in a world where online shopping has become the norm because this Law can help with those problems too!

As the British people approached the looming General Election of 2019, whatever the desires of politicians, the election turned into Referendum 2.0! In this episode I talked about the choices that faced UK Consumers, how their rights would change and its affect on accessing rights or on safety would be delivered. It was a seminal moment in UK life.

I decided to explore the state of Campaigning to remain in the European Union against the decisive rhetoric of the Referendum. Apart from my own campaigning activity for Consumer Rights, I give examples of what it was like on the ground for those who wanted to stay in the EU against the backdrop of a democratic exercise and the rise of absolutism!

This was my first pre-COVID Podcast where I inserted interview commentary, recorded in the midst of the Extinction Rebellion protests in London in late 2019. For a number of years I have been conscious of the affect of Climate Change and Travel and have woven this debate into some of my media commentary where that has been possible to do so. I felt it was time to extend that commentary. In this Podcast, I explored the whole issue of the travel choices that we make, hearing from a spokesperson from Extinction Rebellion, the problems of climate and travel, and how we as Consumers can make better choices to benefit the world around us.

In this episode, I reflected on the continuing fall-out from the Brexit Referendum and what it meant for debate, campaigning and whether we were entering a dark period in British life?

In this introductory episode I talk about a subject-matter which has been central to my own campaigning work; Cabin Air Quality. Do you understand how the air you breathe on your flight is delivered; do you know if it clean; are there any risks? In this Podcast I give you an introduction to this growing International problem and highlight some of the issues and problems on the road ahead!

Several days after my first Podcast on the potential collapse of Thomas Cook, the news that everyone hoped could be avoided sadly revealed that the company could be saved. In this episode I gave Consumers guidance on what they could do next to try and secure their refunds!

This was my first Podcast where I was providing comment and guidance into the potential collapse of a major Travel Company and the implications for Consumers. Sadly, the Company did indeed fall into Administration; a great name had disappeared from the High Street; a favourite of many British Holidaymakers!