Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

Ciara was joined by Professor Annie Curtis of the Royal College of Surgeons, who discussed the science behind why teens find it hard to get out of bed.

Duration:00:05:31

GNIB reductions: government failures or necessary cuts?"

Ciara spoke with Donnchadh O’Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD and party spokesperson for Social Protection, about the reduction in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau. O’Laoghaire argued that this reduction reinforces the government’s failure to ensure deportation orders are enforced.

Duration:00:06:29

New Traffic Restrictions in Dublin: Impact and Reactions

Shane was joined by Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor with the Irish Times, who outlined the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan set to begin next month despite opposition from some city business interests. Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, also provided her reaction to the plan and its implications for commuters.

Duration:00:09:05

Why Gaelic football reigns supreme

Shane was joined by Eoin Sheehan from Off the Ball to discuss the latest Newstalk/Amárach survey, which found that Gaelic football is Ireland’s favorite sport, followed by hurling, soccer, and rugby. They explored what makes Gaelic football so beloved by the nation.

Duration:00:04:11

Choosing Motherhood: Aoife O’Sullivan’s Solo Journey

Ciara interviewed Aoife O’Sullivan, who shared her journey of becoming a proud “solo mum by choice” after reaching her 40s without meeting the right partner. She discussed her decision to go down the sperm donor route and her experiences as a solo mother.

Duration:00:06:35

What is RSA’s new "Time to Talk" TV ad?

Shane was joined by Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the Road Safety Authority. They discussed the RSA’s new "Time to Talk" TV ad, launched to address the rising number of fatalities on Irish roads.

Duration:00:03:50

Did RTÉ just get a blank cheque? Minister Martin responds

Ciara was joined by Media Minister Catherine Martin, who rejected claims that the Government has handed a "blank cheque" to RTÉ as part of its multi-annual funding plan.

Duration:00:08:52

Ronan Keating on the Marie Keating Golf Classic

Shane was joined by Ronan Keating, Patron of the Marie Keating Foundation, to talk about the 2024 Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic sponsored by Skechers, taking place today at the South Palmer Course at the K-Club.

Duration:00:06:54

Are manicures damaging our health?

Ciara was joined by Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists, to discuss whether getting manicures, from gel to acrylics, poses health risks and damages natural nails.

Duration:00:05:01

Are staycations in Ireland a rip off?

Shane was joined by Megan Virgo, freelance travel writer for the Irish Daily Mail, to discuss whether holidaying in Ireland has become prohibitively expensive and if finding good value accommodation is next to impossible.

Duration:00:05:57

Ireland's Reputational Risk: NCPC's Warning

Ciara was joined by Niall Conroy, Acting Chief Economist at the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, to discuss the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council's warning about the reputational risks for Ireland due to persistent deficits in energy and water.

Duration:00:05:59

Are we disrespecting our National Anthem?

Shane was joined by Alan Milton, Director of Communications with the GAA, to revisit the discussion about whether cheering during the final moments of Amhrán na bhFiann at sports matches is disrespectful.

Duration:00:06:28

Should parents get paid parental leave?

Ciara was joined by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy to discuss his Paid Parental Leave Bill and the upcoming press conference.

Duration:00:06:57

Should vacant offices be converted for housing?

Ciara was joined by Claire McManus, Director of JFOC Architects and Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, to discuss the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council's report proposing the conversion of vacant office spaces into homes amidst a 14.3% national vacancy rate.

Duration:00:05:45

Democrats Good, Republicans Bad? A Deeper Look

Shane was joined by Sunday Independent Columnist David Quinn to discuss his tweet about the instant demonisation of JD Vance and the canonisation of Kamala Harris, highlighting the mentality that Democrats are good and Republicans are bad.

Duration:00:06:02

What you need to know about postponing maternity leave

Ciara was joined by Erica Tierney, Patient Ambassador for the Irish Cancer Society's Leave Our Leave campaign, to discuss new legislation allowing women to defer their maternity leave for up to 52 weeks in cases of serious physical or mental illness.

Duration:00:07:09

Why outdoor play is important for kids

Shane was joined by Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, to discuss the importance of children freely playing outdoors. They talked about how adults can sometimes hamper children's sense of adventure and the benefits of outdoor play for child development.

Duration:00:05:14

What does RTÉ's new funding model mean for you?

Ciara was joined by Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor with The Irish Independent, to discuss the plans for €725 million in public funding for RTE.

Duration:00:06:19

What is Fianna Fáil's plan to tackle antisocial behaviour?

Shane was joined by Fianna Fail Senator Mary Fitzpatrick and Tony Gallagher, Former Inspector and now Risk Security & Event Manager with Ashtree Risk Group, to discuss the recent meeting between Fianna Fail and Assistant Garda Commissioner Angela Willis on antisocial behaviour and crime in Dublin.

Duration:00:08:03

Can congestion charges help us achieve climate goals?