Newstalk Breakfast

The Grinch steals tonight's Late Late Toy Show. Henry McKean went backstage and met Patrick Kielty and he sent us this report.

Duration:00:03:31

National Bravery Awards winner Brendan Grimes

Today, at 12 noon, The Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy will present 22 National Bravery Awards to individuals from across Ireland who risked their own lives to aid others in peril. We spoke to y one of those who will be recognised for their heroic deeds at today’s ceremony. Brendan Grimes from Skerries saved a man from drowning on a cold damp morning in August of 1963, before keeping it quiet for the next 60 years. Brendan told us his story this morning.

Duration:00:04:59

Social media age verification for children on the cards

A plan to follow in the steps of Australia and introduce a ban on social media for children could be in on the cards. Minster for Media Patrick O’Donovan is to brief cabinet on plans to a verify the age of children on social media as part of larger plans to set a digital age of consent. So, should Ireland follow Australia’s lead? We discussed further with Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty.

Duration:00:06:36

Ireland among countries to boycott Eurovision

Ireland, the Netherland and Spain are among the European countries that have pulled out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest after Israel’s participation for next year was confirmed. RTÉ have also confirmed they will not broadcast the competition either. We spoke to Avi Mayer, pron. AH-vee Mayor, Founder of Jerusalem Journal and former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post.

Duration:00:09:04

Does the crib still have a place in society?

Dublin’s Live Animal Crib is once again returning for the Christmas season for its 30th year on Dawson Street. But three decades on, does the crib still have a place in society? Laura Broxson, Spokesperson for Ireland's National Animal Rights Association and also President of the Irish Farmers Association Francie Gorman.

Duration:00:07:04

Influencers risk being named on Revenue’s quarterly tax defaulters list

OnlyFans creators and social media influencers who risk being named on Revenue’s quarterly tax defaulters list say they fear for their personal safety if their home addresses are published. For more on this we heard from Brendan Brady, Chartered Accountant from Brady & Associates.

Duration:00:04:23

Rural depopulation could spell the end for many GAA clubs

The GAA’s National Demographics Committee is warning that Rural depopulation may lead to the death of many GAA clubs around the country if reforms are not introduced and issues addressed. Speaking to Shane on this was Benny Hurl is the chairperson of the GAA National Demographic Committee.

Duration:00:06:09

Ireland will not participate next year's Eurovision

Irelands participation in next year's Eurovision song contest will not take place . RTE has taken the decision to boycott the competition over Israel’s inclusion For more on this Ciara spoke to Dr Paul Jordan, Expert and media commentator on the Eurovision Song Contest.

Duration:00:06:06

Israel’s future in Eurovision is on the line

Today, members of the European Broadcasting Union will debate whether Israel can compete in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Joining us to explain more was Dr Paul Jordan, Expert and Media Commentator on Eurovision.

Duration:00:04:11

One in five teenagers have had explicit images shared without their consent

According to a study by experts from the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, almost 20% of 15–16-year-olds have had an explicit image of them shared without their consent, while the growth of sexting is leading to poorer mental health and increased risk of self-harm. Joining us to discuss this further is Professor Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health at RCSI.

Duration:00:04:40

A new plan to rid Ireland of fossil fuel dependency

Ireland Electrified has launched its first Electrification Action Plan, which seeks to transition Ireland’s energy use from fossil fuels to clean electricity. All to discuss with Helen O’Sullivan, Chair of Ireland Electrified and Co-founder and COO of Flex Power Solutions.

Duration:00:04:42

Review of Kyran Durnin case will remain unpublished

An evaluation by the National Review Panel into the disappearance of Kyran Durnin has ruled that what happened to him "could not have been anticipated from knowledge that was available" to Tusla at the time. The review itself will remain unpublished. For more on this, we were joined by Peadar Tóibín, Aontú Leader and TD for Meath West.

Duration:00:09:44

Has the Liberties is losing its cultural identity?

Amid fears the Liberties is losing its cultural identity, Sinn Féin Councillor for Southwest Inner City, Ciarán Ó Meachair has urged Dublin City Council to seek a “UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage” status for the area. Ciarán spoke to Shane to discuss further.

Duration:00:07:21

Josh Crosbie reporting from Northern Ethiopia with Trócaire

One million people have lost their lives and a further one million people have been displaced in Northern Ethiopia following a civil war. The conflict between Tigray and neighbouring regions started in 2020 and went on for two years, destroying communities and the economy of the Tigray region. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie is there now with Trócaire to see the impact the conflict has had, and how the charity is trying to bring stability back to the region:

Duration:00:04:55

Most of us are using cosmetic products beyond their expiry date!

Most of us are using cosmetic products beyond their expiry date or recommended shelf life, risking adverse skin reactions, according to new research from the Health Products Regulatory Authority. Joining Ciara to discuss further was Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist.

Duration:00:05:11

House Democrats have released new footage of Epstein Island

In the US, House Democrats have released new footage of Epstein Island as Congress seeks an update from the Justice Department on when the full Epstein files will be made public. We get the latest on this with David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief with The Guardian.

Duration:00:04:24

Ireland’s falling fertility rates

Ireland’s falling fertility rates could put the crucial role of grandparenthood at risk. That’s the warning from Independent Economist David W Higgins,who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Duration:00:06:54

Calls to ban the word mansplaining

The word “mansplaining” has lost its usefulness and needs to be decommissioned. That’s the call from Guardian Columnist Zoe Williams who chatted to Ciara this morning.

Duration:00:07:04

More than 60% of young people come across extremist views online

More than 60pc of young people come across extremist views online, according to a new survey by The Ombudsman for Children’s Office. We discuss these findings with Mike Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology at University College Cork.

Duration:00:06:14

Riff: Calls to rename streets with British empire origins