The studio-based discussion series returned to Irish screens on Monday on BBC Two Northern Ireland and will continue in the same slot for the next three weeks.
The new four-part series is produced for BBC Gaeilge by Below The Radar TV with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund.
Over the four weeks, An Focal Scoir will discuss and analyse topics and events that matter to communities at a local and global level during these unprecedented times.
Máire Bhreathnach is joined each week by a panel of journalists and social commentators including Ciarán Dunbar, Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, Eimear McGovern, Dónall Mac Ruairí, Gormfhlaith Ní Thuairisg, Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, Póilín Ní Chiaráin, and Gearóid Ó Muilleoir.
In the first episode the panel discussion addressed the legacy of maltreatment inflicted on young mothers within mother and baby homes in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The conversation teased out the societal failure that permeated throughout life for decades on the island of Ireland. Location reports included an interview with survivor Marie Arbuckle whose baby was taken from her without consent from one of these institutions.
“We are delighted to have been able to make this high- quality studio-based series about current issues of critical importance to us all,” said Series Producer, Antaine Ó Donnaile. “It is a compelling series with the highest production values that will engage people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Other topics to be discussed during the series include the impact of Transfer Tests, how influential social media Influencers are, and the topic referred to as either “revenge porn” or “image-based sexual abuse”. This unlawful deed targets millions of people around the world and causes immeasurable harm. During the series An Focal Scoir will discuss the devastating and long-term impact that image sharing can have on victims and their families.
The next episode of An Focal Scoir will air at 10pm on BBC Northern Ireland next Monday.
