Newstalk Breakfast

Why the smooth sounds are such a source of frustration? Adrian Chiles, broadcaster and Guardian columnist tell us why he detests hold music.

Duration:00:03:35

Should homeschooling become more mainstream?

Although still well in the minority, research has shown that the number of children being homeschooled has increased. The number has grown from 1,507 to 2,499 in recent years. Should homeschooling become more mainstream, and does it prove a more viable option for some families? We heard from Monica O’Connor, mother of six.

Duration:00:05:36

Friday Riff: Hotel prices are people been robbed up to their eyeballs?

Cabinet Minister Patrick O’Donovan has accused hoteliers of “robbing people up to their eyeballs”. While warning the Vat reduction promised in the Budget is not guaranteed. Shane and Ciara discussed all this morning.

Duration:00:04:28

Children's Ombudsman criticises State’s response to missing child feared dead

The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon has said he is "extremely concerned" over the State's response to a boy who is missing in north county Dublin and presumed dead. Dr Niall Muldoon spoke to Ciara this morning with more on this.

Duration:00:08:02

Could we see Irish peacekeepers in Ukraine?

The Russian Embassy in Ireland has strongly criticised the possibility of deploying Irish peacekeepers in Ukraine. It comes after yesterday, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said Ireland would be willing to consider sending peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia. All to discuss with Cathal Berry, former TD.

Duration:00:05:42

What the government plans for Budget 2026?

Minister Paschal Donohoe discusses Ireland’s infrastructure crunch, housing delays, and what the government plans for Budget 2026

Duration:00:09:31

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies aged 91

Giorgio Armani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer who built a global empire, has died at the age of 91. Speaking about his legacy was Jo Ellison, Editor of “How to spend it magazine” for the Financial Times.

Duration:00:03:02

Bertie Ahern ends his presidential bid

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has ended his efforts to run in the presidential election, claiming that a new generation has been told lies about his character and political life. Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Sean Defoe brings us all the latest on the race to the Áras.

Duration:00:05:37

Ireland’s infrastructure challenges

Ireland’s infrastructure challenges are now seen as a direct threat to competitiveness. Chambers Ireland warns that delays in planning, housing, energy and transport are driving up costs and holding back growth. We heard from Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot.

Duration:00:04:54

Could incentives stop littering in tourist hotspots?

Could the incentive of free coffee for picking up rubbish be the answer to our litter problems? Litter picking schemes in Copenhagen, the UK, and America amongst others have proven effective in diminishing rubbish, particularly in tourist hotspots. Could this work in Ireland? All to discuss with John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and author of the Lie of the Land.

Duration:00:04:27

Reaction over the arrest of Graham Linehan

The head of the Metropolitan Police has called on the UK government to "change or clarify" the law following the arrest of comedian Graham Linehan over posts he made online. The 57-year-old Father Ted writer was arrested under the Public Order Act on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence in relation to posts about trans people on X. We discuss this further with Dominic Grieve Former UK Attorney General and Conservative MP.

Duration:00:06:36

At least 15 people have died in a tragic crash in Lisbon

At least 15 people have died and 18 were injured after a famed Lisbon funicular derailed and smashed into a building in one of the Portuguese capital's most popular tourist spots. Joining us for more on this was Katie Wright a freelance journalist in Lisbon.

Duration:00:04:19

Objections to relaxing the rules around garden homes

Allowing garden homes without planning permission will have “significant unintended consequences, even if limited to family members only.” So says the Irish Planning Institute in its submission to a recent government consultation. All to discuss further with Gavin Lawlor, President of Irish Planning Institute.

Duration:00:05:27

Many loyal Electric Picnic goers left disappointed for next year!

Many avid Electric Picnic veterans were left disappointed yesterday after a long-running loyalty scheme failed to secure them tickets. Places at next year’s festival sold out within two hours, leaving many hopefuls empty-handed.We asked what happened with Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

Duration:00:05:32

A warning over dangerous fake weight-loss patches

The Health Products Regulatory Authority has seized over 10,000 illegal weight-loss as part of a wider crackdown on falsified medicines. We get the details from Donal O Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist and HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity.

Duration:00:06:37

Several dead and more injured after a funicular crashed in Lisbon

At least 15 people have died and 18 were injured after a famed Lisbon funicular derailed and smashed into a building in one of the Portuguese capital's most popular tourist spots. We get the latest on the tragic accident from Journalist Gonçalo Costa Martins.

Duration:00:04:27

Domnhall Gleeson on this role in the mockumentary 'The Paper'

Fans of the American Office will know that theme music all too well. Yes, the creators who brought you Michael Scott and the hilarious Dunder Mifflin team are back with another mockumentary, The Paper starring Ireland's own Domnhall Gleeson. Our reporter Sarah Madden caught up with Domhnall at the offices of the Toledo Truth Teller ahead of the series' Sky TV debut this Friday.

Duration:00:06:08

Parking permits in Dublin city could increase by 350%!

The annual cost of residential parking permits in Dublin city could increase by 350 per cent, going from 50 euros to 225 euros, following a review by Dublin City Council. For more on this we spoke to Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of the Irish Times.

Duration:00:04:58

Forensic searches continue in Dublin for missing boy

Tusla has confirmed it had dealings 5 years ago with the family of a child now missing presumed dead. A search will continue this morning as part of the investigation in North Dublin. We get the latest with Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan is in Donabate.

Duration:00:03:10

Heather Humphreys on her Presidency election bid