Drivetime

Under the deal, Ukraine would only repay the loan once Russia makes war reparations. It comes as EU countries have formally adopted the 19th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Minister of State for European Affairs & Defence Thomas Byrne, and Chris Weafer, Chief Executive of Macro-Advisory, discuss.

With Halloween just days away, Ireland’s health regulator CORU has issued a stark warning. Those spooky “cat’s eyes” or “vampire lenses” might look good for one night, but they could leave you with lasting eye damage, or even blindness. Declan Hovenden, member of the Optical Registration Board & Head of Optometry at TU Dublin, explains.

Presidential contenders are making their final pitches tonight with polling stations opening at seven o'clock in the morning. Here's the latest from our reporter Barry Lenihan.

A former British paratrooper was found not guilty of two murders and five attempted murders on Bloody Sunday in Derry in January of 1972. To discuss this, we hear from author and journalist Aoife Moore, whose uncle Patrick Doherty was shot dead on Bloody Sunday, and Daniel Holder, Director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice.

Gardai say they believe a further protest is planned for Citywest tonight. For more on second night of disturbances at the Citywest accommodation centre, Detective Garda Niall Hodgins, Vice-President of the Garda Representative Association and Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Liam Herrick.

"Nobody’s Girl", by Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent voices in the Jeffrey Epstein case is now out. In the book - Giuffre, lays bare her story of abuse, trafficking, and power without consequence. Cormac was joined by Mary Fitilchyan, an attorney with The Bloom Firm in Los Angeles, which has represented several Epstein survivors.

An Irish man who was abducted and threatened with death while travelling in Tanzania. Dan MacCarthy was held hostage by five men in Dar es Salaam last Thursday morning after a bogus taxi collected him to bring him to the airport in the early morning. Dan is now home safe and sound in Ireland, he spoke with Cormac.

The protest began after a man had appeared in court, charged with the sexual assault of a girl two days ago. For reaction Independent TD Paul Gogarty, who represents the area and Ciaran O' Connor- Senior Analyst at Institute for Strategic Dialogue.

Children's minister Norma Foley has asked Tusla's national review panel to urgently examine the circumstances around how a 10-year-old girl in the care of Tusla was allegedly sexually assaulted. Cormac spoke to Helen Buckley, National Review Panel Chair.

12 of the bodies were recovered from rubble, and 45 were killed by "direct targeting" by Israel. It comes as the World Food Programme say that not enough aid is getting into Gaza due to the closures of the Rafah crossing. For the latest from Gaza Jacob Granger, Emergency Coordinator with Doctors Without Borders in Al Mawasi in Gaza.

Candidates are preparing for tonight's final televised debate of the Presidential Election - a showpiece which often provides huge moments in Presidential campaigns. For the latest Reporter Barry Lenihan and Gail McElroy, Professor of Political Science at Trinity College Dublin.

Cabinet heard yesterday how several councils made no compulsory purchase orders of homes or sites, in 2023 or 2024. For more on this Minister of State in the Department of Housing, with responsibility for Planning and Local Government and Fine Gael TD for Waterford.

Several Chinese-made fireworks have been described as resembling small missiles, with the potential for serious injury. For more on this Ralph Reigel,Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent and Claire Corridan, vet and animal behaviour and welfare expert, with Veterinary Ireland.

New research into bowel cancer has identified ways to reactivate the immune system, to help tackle the spread of the condition. For more Professor Aideen Ryan is a Professor in Tumour Immunology at University of Galway.

With only four days left until polling day in the Irish presidential election, many voters will be making up their minds this week. But not every Irish citizen is entitled to take part, hundreds of thousands of people in the North may hold Irish passports, but have no say in who the next Irish president will be. Reporter Una Kelly was in Belfast.

The minister for justice will seek Cabinet Approval tomorrow for the establishment of a Domestic Violence Register. Under the proposed 'Jennie's Law' named in honour of Jennifer poole. For more on this Anne Clarke, Chief Executive of the Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service & Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin MEP.

Presidential candidates are undertaking one final push to convince voters ahead of polling day on Friday. Reporter Barry Lenihan updates us on the latest.

Gardaí have been trained to use drones to track scrambler motorcycles since 2023, but have been unable to deploy the tech due to a lack of 'legislative clarity'. Sinn Féin's Paul Connolly TD for Dublin West is on the line to discuss the issue.

The Mater Hospital in Dublin has recorded a 68% increase in knife related injuries in its emergency departments, for more on this Drivetime's Una Kelly has the story

Ukranian President Zelensky is anxious to secure Tomahawk missiles during his meeting with President Trump at the White House today. For more Drivetime speaks to Yuri Sak, former advisor to the Minister of Defence of Ukraine