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Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

7,664 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 8 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

Newstalk 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.

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Episodes

Is being a mother of all boys really that bad?

May 29, 2024 07:00 - 5 minutes - 5.48 MB

There’s nothing bad about being a boymum, despite how they’re portrayed on social media, women who have sons should not be treated as second class mothers.  That’s the claim of New York Times writer and Author of Boy Mom, Ruth Whippman who spoke to Shane this morning.

Is Ireland’s defence policy working?

May 29, 2024 06:30 - 6 minutes - 5.54 MB

Is Ireland’s policy for defence working? One opinion is that Ireland is totally defenceless, unable to protect critical infrastructure or even pretend to secure its own borders.   That’s according to Eoin Drea, Senior research officer at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Calls for more sustainable building methods

May 29, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.29 MB

The Climate Change Advisory Council is urging Government to take immediate action to implement sustainable construction methods to reduce emissions in the sector. Speaking to Ciara this morning was it's Chair Marie Donnelly.

Why Ireland's 13-year-olds today have a much better relationships with their parents

May 28, 2024 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MB

Thirteen-year-olds have better relationships with their parents, but fewer friends than they did a decade ago, according to a report released by the ESRI this morning. We get reaction to these findings with Brendan Kelly Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.

How to respect Ireland’s outdoors this summer

May 28, 2024 07:45 - 4 minutes - 3.67 MB

Most of us will be heading to a beauty spot this summer, but are we treating the great outdoors with the respect it deserves?   The 2024 Love this Place campaign has launched today and is asking the public to respect Ireland’s outdoor spaces. We spoke to Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland. 

Ireland is on course to fall short of its carbon emissions targets

May 28, 2024 07:30 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MB

Ireland is on course to fall short of its carbon emissions targets – That's according to The Environmental Protection Agency’s latest findings. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Mary Frances Rochford, spokesperson for the EPA.  

Should restaurants always have a dress code?

May 28, 2024 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.52 MB

Gordon Ramsay's flagship Chelsea restaurant has reminded patrons of the dress code on its website: “Feel free to express your style, but please avoid shorts, tracksuits, and hoodies."  Should restaurants always have a dress code? We asked Noel Cunningham, TV Personality and ambassador to Harvey's Point Hotel Donegal. 

We will see another big give away budget? 

May 28, 2024 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

Finance Minister Michael McGrath hosted the National Economic Dialogue yesterday. Minister McGrath joined Shane this morning on the show and was asked will we see another big giveaway budget?

1,224 vacant or derelict properties have been approved under The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

May 28, 2024 06:45 - 5 minutes - 5.49 MB

1,224 vacant or derelict properties have been approved under The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. That's according to an update that will be brought to cabinet later today.    We speak to Claire McManus, Director of JFOC Architects and Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects.

Should the GAA introduce VAR?

May 28, 2024 06:30 - 5 minutes - 5.11 MB

Is it time for the GAA to introduce VAR the video assistant referee to help settle match disputes? Speaking to Shane this morning was Brian Gavin, former all-Ireland referee, and Liam O’Neill, former GAA President.

Ireland will recognise the State of Palestine from today

May 28, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.92 MB

Ireland will recognise the State of Palestine, effective today. For reaction to this, Clare spoke to Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.

Should water charges be introduced to conserve water?

May 27, 2024 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.57 MB

Lack of action on water charges seven years after special committee is ‘beyond disappointing’. That’s the view of Former Independent Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning

Tech Check with Jess Kelly

May 27, 2024 07:30 - 2 minutes - 2.51 MB

If you’re a Facebook or Instagram user, you may have noticed posts in recent days claiming that the parent company Meta is using your photos to train its AI models. Is this true and should we be concerned? For more on this we heard from Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly. With thanks to Bird & Bird.

An Israeli airstrike on Rafah has reportedly killed 35 people

May 27, 2024 07:30 - 6 minutes - 6.28 MB

An Israeli Airstrike on Rafah has reportedly killed 35 people. This comes as Hamas launched rocket attacks towards Tel Aviv for the first time in months Speaking to Shane this morning on the show was Sean Bell, Retired former fighter Pilot, current Defence Consultant and Co-Host of the Red Matrix podcast and also Bushra Khalid, Oxfam OPT Country Office Lead in Jerusalem. 

Could budget 2025 make any difference on the cost-of-living crisis?

May 27, 2024 07:00 - 7 minutes - 7.23 MB

Taoiseach Simon Harris will signal today that cost-of-living measures need to be an intrinsic part of Budget 2025. He will make the announcement at the National Economic Dialogue conference this morning, saying he believes Ireland's strong economic performance has yet to translate into tangible benefits for some people.  What meaningful difference could the budget make to the cost-of-living crisis?  Speaking to Jonathan this morning was Cormac Lucey Economist Columnist with Sunday times Ire...

Should all 18-year-olds be given a free interrailing pass?

May 27, 2024 07:00 - 6 minutes - 5.59 MB

Fianna Fáil and the Green Party are seeking to improve the DiscoverEU pass, offering a free interrail ticket for all 18-year-olds on an annual basis. Should all 18-year-olds be given a free interrailing pass? We asked Sinead Kennedy, Author and Travel Writer.

Should postnatal care be extended in Ireland?

May 27, 2024 06:45 - 5 minutes - 4.92 MB

A new scientific review has found that a third of women who give birth in a year struggle with long-term health complications – that’s at least 40 million women globally. Should postnatal care be extended in Ireland? We discuss with Professor Maeve Eogan, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Rotunda Hospital. 

New measures for the delivery of EV charging network

May 27, 2024 06:30 - 4 minutes - 4.12 MB

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan will today launch new measures for the delivery of the electric vehicle charging network across Ireland. We speak to  Brian Caulfield, Associate Professor School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. 

Are we seeing an increase in turbulence on flights?

May 27, 2024 06:00 - 2 minutes - 2.36 MB

Eight passengers were taken to hospital after a flight from Doha to Dublin experienced turbulence. Are we seeing an increase in turbulence on flights?Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Media relations Manager with the DAA Graeme McQueen. 

How much will a United Ireland cost for the State?

May 24, 2024 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.57 MB

A recent report suggesting that a United Ireland would cost 400 billion euro is ‘widely inaccurate’ according to DCU’s Vice President of Research, John Doyle. We discuss with Edgar Morgenroth, Economics Professor at DCU who co-authored the original report.

Are laptop squatters the scourge of Irish cafes?

May 24, 2024 07:45 - 5 minutes - 4.81 MB

Laptop squatters are the scourge of cafe culture -or at least that's what anti-screen policies in Europe would have you believe.  So should Irish cafe's follow suit and ban the use of laptops on their premises, or is working-from-cafe good for workers and businesses too?  Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Eight commuter rail stations for Cork to be announced today

May 24, 2024 07:30 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MB

Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan will today announce A landmark €50m contract for the design of eight Cork commuter rail stations later today. We got the details from Jane Cregan, Deputy Corporate Communications Manager, Irish Rail.

Minister McEntee has commenced the Criminal Justice Act 2024

May 24, 2024 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

Minister Helen McEntee has this morning commenced the Criminal Justice Act 2024, which makes it an offence for an adult to either force or encourage children to engage in any criminal activity.  Minister McEntee joined Shane this morning on the show.   

Should employees have the right to disconnect?

May 24, 2024 07:00 - 6 minutes - 5.62 MB

The Association of Higher and Civil Public Servants is calling for stronger policy around the Right to Disconnect, as 83% of members who responded to their survey reported to receive emails and text messages outside of working hours.    Speaking to Ciara this morning was Ciaran Rohan is General Secretary of the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants.  

Sleeping in separate beds key to a happy relationship?

May 24, 2024 06:45 - 5 minutes - 4.82 MB

Whether it’s to avoid partners who steal the covers and toss and turn all night, or those who snoring, new research reveals more than one-third of people say they occasionally or consistently sleep in another room than their partner.   Can this make or break your relationship? We discussed this with Dr. Neil Stanley, Coauthor of A Sleep Divorce: How to Sleep Apart, Not Fall Apart. 

Plans to expand Dublin Airport have been met with resistance by climate groups

May 24, 2024 06:30 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MB

Plans to expand Dublin Airport have been met with resistance by climate groups.  It’s reported that if the expansion went ahead, it would increase emissions by 750 thousand Tonnes.   Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Louise O’ Leary, Spokesperson, One Future Dublin Bay South who is protesting this issue tomorrow. 

Almost 240 people have died on trollies University Hospital Limerick in the last five years

May 24, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 5.2 MB

More and more stories continue to come out about University Hospital Limerick as the HSE is set to review the care of a man who died from sepsis late last year. This comes as figures released yesterday show that Almost 240 people have died on trollies there the last five years   So, what needs to be done? We spoke to Sinn Féin Senator and MEP Candidate for Ireland South Paul Gavan.

Why dancing is a highly effective treatment for depression

May 23, 2024 07:45 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MB

A recent study has found that dance is an extremely effective treatment for depression. With Ireland in the midst of a mental health crisis, could dancing could be the solution. Dr. Peter Lovatt, AKA. Dr. Dance, Director of Dance Psychology at Movement in Practice explained why to Ciara.

Calls for legislation on protests outside private residences!

May 23, 2024 07:45 - 3 minutes - 3.63 MB

Fianna Fail Senator, Malcolm Byrne has reiterated calls for Justice Minister Helen McEntee to proceed with the Bill to Prevent Protests Outside Private Residences. We speak to Malcolm to discuss further. 

Rishi Sunak announces 4 July general election

May 23, 2024 07:30 - 5 minutes - 5.27 MB

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has stunned Westminster by calling a snap election for July 4th, four months earlier than had been predicted.   We get reaction from Dominic Grieve, Former UK Attorney General and Conservative MP. 

President Joe Biden has opposed 'unilateral recognition' of Palestine 

May 23, 2024 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.57 MB

Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestine as independent state – what does this mean for diplomatic relations? As President Joe Biden has opposed 'unilateral recognition' of Palestine. Ciara was joined on the show this morning by Gershon Baskin, Middle East director of the International Communities Organisation. 

The battle on banning smartphone for kids rumbles

May 23, 2024 07:00 - 9 minutes - 9.04 MB

Ciara was joined this morning on the show by Education Minister Norma Foley as the battle on banning smartphone for kids rumbles on.

Is Ireland a trusting society?

May 23, 2024 06:45 - 3 minutes - 3.63 MB

Denmark is considered the “good faith capital of the world,” with political scientist Gert Tingaard Svendsen claiming trust is the key to why Denmark is so wealthy and successful as a society. How does Ireland compare- are we a trusting society?    Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was freelance journalist Niamh O’Reilly.

Single use plastics are banned, so why are we continuing to use them?

May 23, 2024 06:03 - 4 minutes - 4.36 MB

Single use plastics have been banned in the EU since 2021, but three years since the introduction of the law, 45% of businesses report they are still offering at least one of the banned items for sale or use.    Joining Ciara this morning was Will Mitchell, spokesperson for MyWaste.ie.

Could Ireland’s relationship with America be tarnished for recognising Palestine?

May 23, 2024 06:00 - 6 minutes - 5.71 MB

Mick Mulvaney, former Chief of Staff for Donald Trump and Chair of Actum Global Consultants, shared his reaction on Ireland's recognition of Palestine during an interview with Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder yesterday.  We ask this morning Could Ireland’s relationship with America be tarnished for recognising Palestine? Joining Ciara to discuss was Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University. 

So how can we give up drink but still maintain our social life?  

May 22, 2024 08:00 - 2 minutes - 2.56 MB

Alcohol and socialising seem to be intrinsically linked in this country.  So how can we give up drink but still maintain our social life?  We ask writer and broadcaster Keith Walsh.

Ireland will join Norway and Spain in formally recognising the state of Palestine

May 22, 2024 07:48 - 6 minutes - 5.6 MB

Ireland will join Norway and Spain in formally recognising the state of Palestine. Eamon Ryan, Green Party leader and Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, joined us to explain why the government has taken this decision.

The impact of human caused climate change on storm rainfall!

May 22, 2024 07:30 - 3 minutes - 3.13 MB

Storm rainfall in Ireland and UK has been made 20% more intense by human-caused climate change – that’s according to a new study from the World Weather Attribution.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was John Sweeney, Climatologist and Professor Emeritus at Maynooth University. 

Should there be price caps on essential groceries?

May 22, 2024 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.57 MB

People before Profit are calling for price caps on essential food such as milk and bread.  Could this be the solution to tackling the cost-of-living crisis for households struggling to make ends meet?     Shane was joined on the show this morning by Dublin South-Central People Before Profit TD and Dublin MEP candidate Bríd Smith and Cormac Lucey, Economics Columnist with Sunday times and independent local election candidate for Dun Laoghaire Council. 

Would recognising the State of Palestine condone terrorism?

May 22, 2024 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

The Israeli foreign ministry posted a video that warned if the Irish government recognise the State of Palestine, it will be encourage terrorism and become “a pawn in the hands of Hamas”     Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast with reaction was Oliver Sears, Founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland and Cathal Berry Independent TD.

Can you cut wedding guest numbers without cutting yourself off socially?

May 22, 2024 06:45 - 6 minutes - 5.72 MB

Weddings are back to pre-pandemic numbers and beyond, but with cost risings and guests expecting ever more .Can you cut numbers without cutting yourself off socially? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Social media influence a force for good or bad?

May 22, 2024 06:30 - 5 minutes - 5.13 MB

One-in-five voters have changed their ballot choices based on social media posts. That’s according to a new survey from Pure Telecom. Speaking to Jonathan this morning with more on this was Stephen O'Leary, Founder of Olytico. 

Should your pet go vegan to reduce its carbon footprint 

May 21, 2024 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.54 MB

Should your pet go vegan to reduce its carbon footprint? Sadbh O'Neill, climate researcher and lecturer wrote about this very topic in the Irish Times this morning.

Why the Irish have such a love affair with tea?

May 21, 2024 07:45 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MB

Today is international tea day. Why is the drink is so deeply ingrained in our national identity? To tell us why Jonathan spoke to Dr Sharon Hall, Chief Executive from the UK Tea and Infusions association.

Is the government overlooking the challenges facing the squeezed middle?

May 21, 2024 07:30 - 4 minutes - 3.91 MB

Workers that earn between 30,000 to 40,000 euro per Annum experience little of the budget gains each year and this is widening an income division in Ireland. That's according to Social Justice Ireland, and we spoke to research and policy analyst Michelle Murphy. 

Is class the biggest divide in Irish society?

May 21, 2024 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MB

“I’m sick of hearing the phrase ‘known to gardaí’ used as a dog-whistle".]So wrote Estelle Birdy, Author and journalist who joined Jonathan this morning on the show.

The ICC’s chief prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for senior Hamas and Israeli officials

May 21, 2024 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

The chief prosecutor of the international criminal court has said he is seeking arrest warrants for senior Hamas and Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Shane was joined on the show to discuss further by Alan Shatter, Former Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence and also Sinn Fein’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Matt Carthy.  

Calls for a tax break for gym membership

May 21, 2024 06:45 - 4 minutes - 4.1 MB

A New “Fit 4 Life” pressure group has been formed to lobby Government for tax breaks for gym membership.    We discuss this with Irish Physical Activity Alliance Chairperson,  Darina Dunne. 

Are children’s issues falling behind on the government’s priority list?

May 21, 2024 06:30 - 4 minutes - 4.3 MB

There exists a climate of uncertainty and instability for many children in Ireland.  That’s according to 2023’s annual report from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.   We speak to Dr Niall Muldoon is Ombudsman for Children.

ICC bid to arrest Israeli leaders 'outrageous', says Biden

May 21, 2024 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.61 MB

US President Joe Biden has denounced an "outrageous" application by the International Criminal Court's prosecutor for an arrest warrant for Israel's prime minister and defense minister.    We discuss with Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. 

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