Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

25% of children in 2023 raked in more than €800 for their Holy Communion. Is it right to give children so much money? We discussed with Rachel O’ Dwyer, writer and a lecturer in Digital Cultures in the National College of Art and Design, Dublin.

Duration:00:06:21

Stormy Daniels testimony in the Donald Trump Hush Money Trial

Adult Film Star Stormy Daniels took to the stand in Donald Trump’s Hush Money Trial. Harriet Alexander, US Based Journalist gave us the details

Duration:00:02:36

Hate crimes and hate related incidents are rising

There has been a 12% increase in the number of hate crimes and hate related incidents reported to An Garda Síochána in 2023 in comparison to 2022 With the most prevalent discriminatory motive being anti-race. We speak to Dr Ebun Joseph, Founder of the Institute of Antiracism and of Black Studies in Dublin.

Duration:00:05:03

The findings of three reports examining governance, human resources and finances at RTÉ

Payments made to former RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy had “no valid basis” to be paid through barter accounts. That’s one of the findings of three reports examining governance, human resources and finances at RTÉ, which have now been published after being considered by the Cabinet. Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent, ran us through the key details. We also got reaction from Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

Duration:00:08:03

10% increase in dissatisfaction with the direction of the European Union

Just 48% of people in Ireland believe the EU is moving in the right direction. That’s according to new research published this morning, which also found an overwhelming majority of people both North and South believe Ireland should remain a member of the European Union. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Ray Bassett, Former Senior Irish Diplomat and Fergus Finlay, Irish Examiner Columnist.

Duration:00:08:41

Henry McKean reports from Malmo as Bambie Thug has brought Ireland to the finals

Henry McKean joins us live from the Eurovision in Malmo where Bambie Thug has brought Ireland to the finals!

Duration:00:06:35

The UN urge Israel to stop escalation as tanks enter Rafah

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to stop escalation of tanks into Rafah saying a full invasion would be a ‘humanitarian nightmare’ Alistair Bunkall, Sky Middle East News Correspondent gave us an update.

Duration:00:05:03

Sinn Fein has a plan to deliver homes at prices under €300,000

Sinn Fein claim they are the only party that has a plan to deliver homes that workers and families can afford. Today they are tabling a motion that plans to deliver homes at prices under €300,000 in their Affordable Housing Schemes. Speaking to Shane this morning was Sinn Fein Housing Spokesperson, Deputy Eoin O’Broin.

Duration:00:06:18

We get the latest from Eurovision in Malmo

Bambie Thug is set to grace the stage of the Eurovision main stage in Malmo this evening. Joining us to get a preview of tonight’s performance is Frank Dermody, President Eurovision Fan Club.

Duration:00:03:57

New taskforce to be established to rejuvenate Dublin City Centre

The Cabinet is expected to approve the establishment of a new taskforce charged with rejuvenating Dublin City centre when it meets at Government Buildings. What changes will this taskforce hope to bring? We speak to Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town.

Duration:00:04:07

More new accommodation for asylum seekers as tents pitched on Dublin’s Grand Canal

More accommodation is expected to become available this week to assist asylum seekers who currently do not have a place to stay. This comes as about 70 tents have been pitched along the Grand Canal bank in Dublin, not far from the International Protection Office. Speaking to Shane this morning was Peadar Toibín, Aontú leader.

Duration:00:05:57

Israeli officials say No ceasefire deal reached in Gaza

An Israeli official has said no ceasefire had been agreed in Gaza after Hamas announced that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar. Newstalk Breakfast spoke to Alistair Bunkall, Sky Middle East News Correspondent and Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.

Duration:00:10:07

Why Irish people are starting to buy into conspiracy theories?

A significant minority of Irish people say they believe in conspiracy theories about a secret world government and scientists deceiving the public. So found new research carried out for the Electoral Commission. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland spoke to Newstalk Breakfast to discuss further.

Duration:00:05:07

Have we forgotten the importance of the ‘Irish Hello’?

‘If we don't want loneliness to grow in society, we all have to take the chance of saying hello and being blanked and perhaps it has to be the older generation who needs to show the way and model behaviour.’ So says Writer, Nuala Woulfe who’s determined to keep the ‘Irish Hello’ and Nuala joined Ciara on the show.

Duration:00:06:54

Could we see a reduction in the licence fee?

Three reports offering recommendations for changes at RTE are set to be published this week and brought before cabinet. One of those recommendations is a “hybrid model” which will see RTE funded by a reduced and reformed licence fee with a top-up from an exchequer-funded media fund. We get reaction from Larry Bass, CEO of ShinAwiL.

Duration:00:04:40

Gardaí conducting a murder investigation into a shooting in Drimnagh

Gardaí conducting a murder investigation into a shooting in Drimnagh have arrested three men and seized a number of vehicles. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Irish Times Crime & Security Editor, Conor Lally.

Duration:00:05:58

Free pints to Leinster fans in one pub with one catch!

A pub in Phibsborough has offered free pints to Leinster fans tomorrow, with one caveat only if they arrive with a Brown Thomas bag. Chris Raymond, Head of Marketing for Body Tonic, which owns The Back Page Pub told us about their offer.

Duration:00:02:45

Many secondary schools were forced to rely on parental contributions

Many secondary schools were forced to rely on parental contributions and charges to avoid running deficits last year that's according to an analysis of schools’ end-of-year accounts. The Joint managerial board has called this reliance degrading” for schools and families. We get reaction from Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies.

Duration:00:05:08

15 homeless asylum seekers pitched tents in park in Dublin 4

Gardaí attended a private park in Dublin 4 on Thursday night as up to 15 homeless asylum seekers pitched tents for the night. Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times has the story and brought us up to speed. Also with more on this we heard from Eugene Quinn, National Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland is on the call, Eugene what needs to be done?

Duration:00:08:23

How bad is Ireland’s litter problem?