Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

Michael Flatley who modernised Irish dancing at Eurovision 30 years ago with Riverdance, has just launched a new whiskey called Flatley Whiskey 'The Dreamer'. Henry McKean sat down with him at the Mansion House at a special party to honour him.

Duration:00:05:09

Weight loss jabs could transform cardiovascular disease

A trial set to revolutionise medical practice has found that weight loss jabs like Ozempic could cut heart disease deaths by 20%. Joining Ciara this morning on the show was Professor Donal O’Shea, HSE Lead for Obesity.

Duration:00:05:44

Changes to migrants' entitlements

A memo will be brought before cabinet today calling for changes to migrant entitlements. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to provide a clear roadmap for the reduction of Ukrainian refugee payments. Speaking to Shane was Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection.

Duration:00:09:45

Technical changes will be made to the new portal installation

Technical changes will be made to the new portal installation within the next 24 hours due to inappropriate behaviour, according to Dublin City Council. We speak to Janet Horner is a Green Party Councillor for North Inner City Dublin.

Duration:00:06:16

Why are bikes banned on some Irish Rail trains?

In recent weeks cyclists in Cork’s Kent station have been told they can’t bring their bikes onboard trains during peak times. The decision has been met with dismay by cycling advocates. We get reaction to this from Stephan Koch, Spokesperson for Cork Cycling Campaign, Chair of the Transport and Mobility Forum, Cork and UCC Commuter Plan Manager.

Duration:00:04:47

Is the family pub on the way out?

Almost four in ten publicans are considering retirement. That’s according to a new survey from The Vintners Federation of Ireland, whose AGM takes place later this morning. We spoke to their CEO Pat Crotty.

Duration:00:04:09

Trump’s Former Lawyer Michael Cohen began his testimony

Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen has begun his testimony in the high-profile hush-money trial. David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief of The Guardian told us the standout moments.

Duration:00:05:59

The battle against misinformation online continues

The battle against misinformation online continues and social media company TikTok says it will now add labels to content to help inform its users. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly brings us more detail on this. With thanks to Bird & Bird

Duration:00:03:21

Wake up call needed if Government want to reach its 2030 electricity capacity targets

“Urgent action is required from Government if Ireland is to meet its 2030 electricity capacity targets”. That's the call from The Climate Change Advisory Council today and its Chair, Marie Donnell who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Duration:00:04:34

Should payments to refugees be cut?

A memo will be brought to cabinet on Tuesday which could see further cuts to migrant’s payments. In March payments to Ukrainian refugees were cut from €220 per week to €38.80. To discuss further Ciara spoke to Fine Gael TD for Kildare, Bernard Durkan.

Duration:00:09:53

Should all events have a plant- based quota?

Organisers of the upcoming Paris Olympics have announced 60% of the food served to the public will be meat-free in a bid to reduce the event’s carbon footprint. Should we introduce a quota that makes all menus provide a plant-based option to help the environment? We discuss with Ciara Brennan, vegan and owner of the Happy Food at Home and Sean Lavery, Chair of the Limerick branch of the Irish Farmer’s Association.

Duration:00:06:19

Do you experience loneliness as a parent?

Becoming a parent brings enormous responsibility and a new sense of identity, but does it also bring a sense of loneliness? As early year staples like play dates end and your child becomes more independent, what can be done to offset the feeling of no longer being needed? To discuss further we spoke to Leslie Shoemaker is a counselling psychologist and lecturer in TU Dublin.

Duration:00:07:16

A councillor and her Husband beaten whilst hanging election posters

A councillor and her husband are still recovering after being violently attacked last week whilst hanging election posters. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Tania Doyle, Independent candidate running for Ongar on Fingal County council.

Duration:00:10:53

Are Ireland’s housing targets way below what we need?

Ireland could need up to 80,000 new homes a year between now and 2050, according to an unpublished report seen by the Business Post. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Marian Finnegan, Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald.

Duration:00:05:23

Paul Harrington joins us ahead of Saturday’s Eurovision final.

With Bambi Thug through to tomorrow’s Eurovision Final in Malmo, how is Ireland set to fare on Saturday? Paul Harrington of The Lyrics The Thing on The Pat Kenny Show who will announce the Irish jury votes on Saturday night spoke to Ciara this morning.

Duration:00:04:01

Should blanket speed limits of 30 kilometres per hour be introduced?

Speed limits should be cut to 30km/h in towns across the country. That’s the call from the Green Party in its local election manifesto. We spoke to Mairéad Forsythe Spokesperson for Love 30 to discuss further.

Duration:00:04:40

Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien

Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien spoke to us about housing, immigration and the Dublin city taskforce

Duration:00:10:07

Is GAA Go killing the GAA?

GAA President Jarlath Burns has been invited before the Seanad to discuss the on-going row over the streaming service GAAGO. The invite comes as for the second consecutive weekend, no hurling championship games will be broadcast free to air. We speak to Sean Kelly, Former GAA President, Fine Gael MEP and candidate for Ireland South in the upcoming European elections.

Duration:00:06:14

The best tips for barbecuing over the weekend!

Its barbecue weather! Today is expected to be the hottest day of the year with temperatures of up to 22 degrees forecasted So, what are the best recipes to make the most of the sunshine? Louise Lennox, Chef & Children’s Fussy Eating Expert give us some great recipes.

Duration:00:06:20

Are you experiencing higher insurance premium costs?