Newstalk Breakfast Highlights
7,664 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 5 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsNewstalk Breakfast brings you all the news you need to set you up for the day – from politics, business, sport, entertainment and everything in between. Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly have all the stories that matter, every weekday from 7-9AM.
Listen and subscribe to Newstalk Breakfast Highlights on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.
You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Health Minister to seek cabinet approval for RSV vaccine
June 18, 2024 06:30 - 3 minutes - 3.15 MBHealth Minister Stephen Donnelly will today seek Cabinet approval for a vaccination programme for infants this autumn for Respiratory Syncytial Virus or more commonly known as RSV Speaking to Johnathan this morning was Dr. Brendan O’Shea, Kildare GP & Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin.
The harsh realities faced by Ukrainian refugees in State-provided accommodation
June 18, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.94 MBFrom worms and maggots in food to rooms shared with nine other men, the latest report from Doras paints a shocking picture of the harsh realities faced by Ukrainian refugees in State-provided accommodation. Speaking to Ciara was John Lannon, CEO of Doras to discuss the findings.
Could Taylor Swift be making a surprise visit to a beloved Irish pub?
June 17, 2024 08:00 - 4 minutes - 3.71 MBThe visionary behind the reconstructed 'Banshees of Inisherin' pub in Galway, has extended a warm invitation to Taylor Swift ahead of her Dublin concerts. Luke Mee, Co-Owner of Mee’s Bar in Kilkerrin, Co. Galway spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Why Meta has paused its use of users personal data to train its AI models
June 17, 2024 07:45 - 3 minutes - 3.39 MBMeta is to pause its plans to use the personal data of users to train its AI models after some concerns were raised by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly explains all in this week's 'Tech Check'. All with thanks to Bird & Bird.
Netanyahu denounces tactical pauses in Gaza fighting to get in aid
June 17, 2024 07:30 - 6 minutes - 5.57 MBIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised plans announced by the military to hold daily tactical pauses in fighting along one of the main roads into Gaza to facilitate aid delivery into the Palestinian enclave. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was Sean Bell, Former Fighter pilot and now Military Analyst and Bushra Khalid Oxfam Policy Leader Jerusalem Office.
How worried should customers be about the Aer Lingus pay dispute?
June 17, 2024 07:00 - 9 minutes - 8.99 MBAir Lingus pilots have been voting all weekend in polling stations in Dublin and Cork on whether they will take industrial strike action with results due to be announced later today. We got some advice from Clare Dunne, CEO of Irish Travel Agents Association.
Viral video shows skeletal remains being interfered with in Ballyfermot
June 17, 2024 06:45 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MBAdditional security measures have been put in place at a medieval site in Ballyfermot, after footage showing someone interfering with skeletal remains was shared on social media. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Hazel De Nortúin, People Before Profit Councillor for Ballyfermot Drimnagh.
Is it time we forgave some of the men brought down by the Me Too movement?
June 17, 2024 06:45 - 8 minutes - 7.35 MBWhen we ask why we struggle to forgive MeToo’s powerful men, we should ask why for so long we struggled to forgive their victims. That is the question posed by columnist Martha Gill writing in the UK’s Observer and Martha spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Is there inequality between men and women’s sports facilities?
June 17, 2024 06:30 - 6 minutes - 5.54 MBAs part of the planned integration of the GAA, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Camogie association, there have been calls for an integration fund to support inclusivity, as most facilities were designed with only men in mind. To discuss with Ciara was Aoife Lane, Head of Department of Sports and Health Sciences at TUS Athlone.
Three weeks to go until UK general election
June 17, 2024 06:00 - 3 minutes - 3.6 MBWith three weeks to go until UK general election, how are the political parties fairing out? We speak to Philip Webster, Former Political Editor of the Times.
From viral sensation to single release: The Spark
June 14, 2024 07:45 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MBCork kid rappers Kabin Crew, along with their pals from the Lisdoonvarna Crew, are set to release their viral hit “The Spark” as a single. Ciara caught up with Lucy Corcoran and Treasure, who were involved in the song, to discuss its viral success and upcoming release.
Sisters climb Kilimanjaro to honour late father
June 14, 2024 07:30 - 4 minutes - 3.8 MBSisters Sarah and Jennifer O’Duffy are climbing Kilimanjaro this Father's Day to honour their father Conor, who passed away from oesophageal cancer 20 years ago. Shane spoke with Jennifer about their journey and the significance of their climb.
How is the decrease in refugee housing impacting tourism?
June 14, 2024 07:15 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MBThe number of registered tourist beds being used to house Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants has decreased by over 15% in the past six months, according to new data from Fáilte Ireland. Shane spoke with Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, Chief Executive at the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, about the implications for the tourism sector.
Is the government’s housing response sufficient?
June 14, 2024 07:10 - 8 minutes - 7.51 MBThe government’s reaction to the Housing Commission report has been criticised for lacking meaningful change. Ciara spoke with Lisa Kearney, President of The Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, who shared her concerns and insights ahead of their annual conference.
Do parents really enjoy watching their kids play sports?
June 14, 2024 06:45 - 6 minutes - 5.53 MBWhile the benefits of competitive sports for children are well-known, many parents secretly dislike watching their kids play. Shane spoke with journalist and columnist Jen Hogan about why some parents feel this way and the challenges of supporting their children's sports activities.
Report: How bad is noise pollution from Dublin Airport?
June 14, 2024 06:30 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MBNoise pollution from Dublin Airport has been a contentious issue, with early morning flights causing disturbances for nearby residents. Ciara revisits a previous conversation with TD Alan Farrell and sends Newstalk's Henry McKean to investigate the noise and Ryanair's claims that their aircraft are now significantly quieter than in the past.
Why is parking in Dublin so expensive?
June 14, 2024 06:15 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBDublin has been identified as one of the most expensive cities in the world for parking, ranking ninth according to a new report by DiscoverCars.com. Ciara spoke with Keith Gavan, Chairman of the Irish Parking Association, to discuss the reasons behind these high parking costs.
Will the Aer Lingus strike disrupt summer travel?
June 14, 2024 06:10 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBTalks between Aer Lingus management and the pilot union ended yesterday without reaching an agreement, and no further discussions are scheduled. Shane spoke with travel journalist Joan Scales to discuss the potential impact this strike could have on summer holiday plans
Celebrating Ireland’s relay win with Joan Healy
June 13, 2024 07:45 - 5 minutes - 4.65 MBIreland’s women’s 4x400m relay team, consisting of Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Sharlene Mawdsley, and Phil Healy, secured a silver medal at the European Championships last night. Shane spoke with Joan Healy, former international sprinter and Phil Healy’s big sister, about the team’s achievement and the journey to their success.
Why were online safeguards for teenagers dropped?
June 13, 2024 07:30 - 4 minutes - 3.75 MBCoimisiún na Meán has dropped two proposals aimed at protecting teenagers online after opposition from Google and a representative group for Big Tech. The proposals included a ban on under-18s live-streaming content or viewing live-streamed content without parental permission. Ciara spoke with Philip Arneill, Head of Education with Cybersafe Kids, about the implications of this decision.
Is data centre growth harming Ireland’s climate objectives?
June 13, 2024 07:10 - 5 minutes - 5.03 MBA new High Court action has challenged the approval of a €1.2 billion data centre campus in Clare, arguing that it is inconsistent with climate action objectives. Ciara spoke with Bríd Smith, People Before Profit TD, about whether Ireland should hold back on data centre construction to meet environmental targets.
Could Aer Lingus pilot strike disrupt your holiday plans?
June 13, 2024 06:55 - 10 minutes - 9.58 MBPilots in Aer Lingus, who are members of the Irish Air Line Pilots Association, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action, seeking a pay increase of more than 23%. Shane spoke with Captain Mark Tighe, President of The Irish Airline Pilots' Association, and Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aer Lingus, to discuss the potential impact on holiday plans.
Are work-from-home husbands doing their share of housework?
June 13, 2024 06:45 - 6 minutes - 5.61 MBWith more husbands working from home, the question arises whether the modern man is now doing their fair share of housework. Ciara was joined by Dr. Tom McLelland, lecturer in philosophy at the University of Cambridge, to discuss the dynamics of housework in the era of remote work.
Should sharing road traffic accident images be banned?
June 13, 2024 06:30 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MBLabour TD and transport spokesperson Duncan Smith has called for a complete ban on the sharing of images from road traffic accidents. Ciara spoke with Duncan to discuss the rationale behind this proposal and its potential impact on public behavior and privacy.
Is it homophobia or just a slip of the tongue?
June 13, 2024 06:12 - 6 minutes - 5.54 MBWeeks after apologising for using a highly offensive term about gay people, Pope Francis has reportedly used the same term again. Shane spoke with Brian Merriman, Founder of the International Gay Theatre Festival, about the implications of the Pope’s repeated comments and their impact on the Catholic Church's image.
What changes could reduce the impact of drug use?
June 13, 2024 06:10 - 5 minutes - 4.82 MBThe Joint Committee on Drugs Use will hold its first public meeting today to begin examining potential changes to reduce the harmful impacts of drug use on society. Ciara was joined by Marie Sherlock, Labour Party Senator and committee member, to discuss the committee's objectives and possible measures.
Is loneliness increasing among Irish young people?
June 12, 2024 07:45 - 6 minutes - 5.89 MBChild Psychotherapist Colman Noctor wrote in his column about the rising complaints of loneliness among young people in Ireland. Shane was joined by Colman to discuss what prompted him to write this piece and the broader issue of youth loneliness.
How your festival waste can benefit 6 children’s charities
June 12, 2024 07:30 - 3 minutes - 2.81 MBFestival-goers and sports fans attending events this summer are being asked to donate their drinks bottles and cans to charity, benefiting six children’s charities. Ciara was joined by Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn Ireland, to discuss the initiative.
What’s the current state of Ireland’s water quality?
June 12, 2024 07:15 - 3 minutes - 3.03 MBThe latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates no signs of improvement in the water quality of Ireland’s rivers and lakes, urging the government to take more action. Shane was joined by Dr. Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, to discuss the findings.
EU election results discussion with Lynn Boylan & Cynthia Ní Mhurchú
June 12, 2024 07:10 - 8 minutes - 8.23 MBBarry Andrews, Regina Doherty, Lynn Boylan, and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin have been elected as Dublin’s MEPs after a dramatic evening’s counting at the RDS. Ciara spoke with Lynn Boylan, Sinn Fein MEP for Dublin, and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil Candidate for the Ireland South constituency, about the results and what’s next for the other constituencies.
What’s the message behind the King Charles portrait protest?
June 12, 2024 06:30 - 5 minutes - 4.96 MBA new portrait of King Charles has been targeted by animal rights activists who covered his face with a likeness from the cartoon "Wallace and Gromit". Shane was joined by Dan Kidby, spokesperson for Animal Rising, to discuss the protest and its message.
Should we bring back e-voting in Ireland?
June 12, 2024 06:20 - 6 minutes - 6.18 MBWith counting still underway following the European and local elections, the debate about whether to reintroduce e-voting has resurfaced. Ciara was joined by Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor in Political Science at DCU, to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of e-voting.
Time to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport?
June 12, 2024 06:15 - 6 minutes - 5.66 MBRepresentatives from Ryanair will appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport today to discuss the impact of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport on their business operations. Ciara was joined by Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Justice, to debate whether the passenger cap should be scrapped.
What happened in the St Michan’s crypt fire?
June 12, 2024 06:10 - 3 minutes - 3.57 MBAn investigation is underway after a man set fire to the crypt at St Michan's Church of Ireland in Dublin, destroying mummified remains. Shane was joined by Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin for the Church of Ireland, to discuss the incident
Is a flexitarian diet the key to a longer life?
June 11, 2024 07:45 - 3 minutes - 3.66 MBA flexitarian diet, which is plant-heavy and meat-light, has been linked to a significantly lower risk of premature death and benefits the planet. However, this diet's nutrient targets may not meet everyone's needs. Ciara speaks with Sarah Keogh, a dietitian at Eatwell.ie, to discuss the benefits and potential downsides of this dietary approach.
Is the world becoming more dangerous?
June 11, 2024 07:30 - 4 minutes - 3.67 MBA new study from the Peace Research Institute of Oslo reveals that 2023 saw more armed conflicts worldwide than any other year since World War II. Shane is joined by Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University, to explore whether the world has indeed become a more dangerous place.
The rise of laughing gas: a new drug of choice?
June 11, 2024 07:10 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MBRecent weeks have seen revenue officers seize nearly €650,000 worth of nitrous oxide canisters from Dublin Port. Known as "laughing gas," this substance has become increasingly popular among young people. Ciara discusses this issue with Dr. Garret McGovern, Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic & GP Addiction Specialist.
What's next in the EU election race?
June 11, 2024 07:00 - 9 minutes - 8.92 MBVote counting in all three European Parliament constituencies will resume today. Sean Kelly has already been elected as an MEP for Ireland South after the first count. Shane is joined by Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland Candidate for Midlands North West Constituency, and Paul Hosford, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, to discuss the latest developments in the EU election race.
Is it time to abolish the Leaving Cert?
June 11, 2024 06:30 - 7 minutes - 6.99 MBThere are increasing calls to abolish the Leaving Cert and replace it with open access to university. Ciara is joined by Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West, to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this significant educational reform.
Are fashion algorithms killing creativity?
June 11, 2024 06:15 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBAlgorithms are increasingly influencing our fashion choices, often categorizing us into overly simplistic boxes or social media tribes. Psychotherapist Mary Lynn argues that we are each a rainbow of personalities, not easily defined by algorithms. Ciara discusses this topic with TV presenter Katja Mia.
How will the Troubles Act appeal impact victims?
June 11, 2024 06:10 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBToday in Belfast, the UK Government's appeal against a High Court decision regarding a victim-led legal challenge to the Troubles Act will commence. Shane speaks with Amanda Fergusson, a freelance journalist based in Belfast, to delve into the implications of this appeal.
Who will be Limerick's first elected mayor?
June 11, 2024 06:00 - 4 minutes - 3.87 MBIreland's first mayoral election is happening in Limerick, with independent candidate John Moran leading the polls to become the city's first directly elected mayor. Ciara was joined by Newstalk Reporter Ellen Butler, who is reporting live from Limerick to provide the latest updates on this historic election.
Elections analysis with Odran Flynn
June 10, 2024 07:50 - 7 minutes - 6.43 MBA busy day’s counting is ahead to determine the outcome of the local and European elections. Political analyst Odran Flynn breaks things down with Shane.
Tech with Jess: Vodafone shuts down 3G
June 10, 2024 07:45 - 2 minutes - 2.5 MBVodafone customers may notice a shift in the service as the mobile service provider shuts down its 3G network. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly joined Ciara with the details.
Should Ireland consider the use of small nuclear reactors?
June 10, 2024 07:16 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MB"Ireland should consider small nuclear reactors to achieve zero-carbon energy by 2050" – that's according to a new report from the Irish Academy of Engineering. Barry McMullin, Professor Emeritus Faculty of engineering and computing in DCU joined Shane to explain.
Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil react to local and European election results
June 10, 2024 07:10 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBCounting is set to resume this morning in the local elections, with Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independent candidates filling the vast majority of council seats declared so far. Meanwhile the first results of the European elections are expected later today. Ciara was joined by Michael McGrath, Minster for Finance and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central and spokesperson for Social Protection.
Have manners become outdate?
June 10, 2024 06:45 - 6 minutes - 5.57 MBHave you ever come across someone listening to a voice note on speaker, or listening to music without headphones on public transport? Is it a sign that manners have become outdated? Shane was joined by Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle editor with the Irish Examiner to reflect on manners today.
Have manners become outdated?
June 10, 2024 06:45 - 6 minutes - 5.57 MBHave you ever come across someone listening to a voice note on speaker, or listening to music without headphones on public transport? Is it a sign that manners have become outdated? Shane was joined by Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle editor with the Irish Examiner to reflect on manners today.
Not enough housing for refugees - ESRI Report
June 10, 2024 06:30 - 3 minutes - 3.6 MBCiara was joined by Keire Murphy from the ESRI to discuss the latest report revealing the housing struggles faced by recognised refugees trying to leave government accommodation
Israel's war cabinet minister resigns from government
June 10, 2024 06:15 - 4 minutes - 4.56 MBIsrael's war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency government. Alistair Bunkall, Sky Middle East News Correspondent gives Shane the lates.