Newstalk Breakfast

There were over 1.2 billion domestic payments made on Irish cards, valued at almost €50 billion, in the first half of 2026. This is according to the latest research from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland.  To discuss this further with Anton was Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris spoke to Anton this morning from his party’s think-in in Gorey.

New figures released this morning by Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy shows a sharp fall in the number of international applicants as the EU Migration Pact takes effect. Joining Anton to discuss further was Barrister Lorraine Lally.

Members of SIPTU working in 30 hospitals will commence industrial action later this month. This action is a result over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal. Speaking to Anton this morning was Kevin Figgis, Head of the SIPTU Health Division.

Pop star Harry Styles is coming back to Dublin next summer with standing tickets in Croke Park ranging from €142 all the way to €267.  He follows many other concerts in Ireland asking for increasingly higher prices, but what’s behind these costs? Anton asked Michael Murphy, Lecturer at the Institute of Art Design and Technology and music industry expert. 

In England, Mayors are set to be given the power to bring in new fees on visitors for over night stays. They're saying it will mean more money can be invested in the local areas. Here in Ireland should it be up to our local authorities as to whether it should be imposed?   Joining Anton to discuss this was Dublin City Councillor Michael Pidgeon.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent.

The US president will arrive to Dublin via Air Force One early tomorrow morning in a non-state visit. The Phoenix Park closed late last night and will remain closed until Saturday evening when Trump will make his way down to Doonbeg for the Irish Open  We get the details of the US President's itinerary with Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe.

Today marks 25 years since 9/11. The terrorist attacks on locations across America resulted in the deaths of nearly three thousand people. It began when two hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, and that's where a memorial service is being held later today.  Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan is in New York and sent us this report.

Jason Hutch, the son of veteran criminal and failed election candidate Gerry “The Monk” Hutch, has been remanded in custody. This comes after an extradition from Spain to face trial for facilitating organised crime.  Anton gets the latest from Tom Tuite, Court Reporter.

A new phenomenon has emerged in secondary schools. Students in some urban areas are getting fast-food deliveries to their school. This raises safety concerns because it means takeaway couriers are entering school properties To discuss this with Anton was Paul Crone, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals.

We dig a bit deeper into the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association integration debacle and chat to Professor of Economics and member of the Sports Economics Research Centre in UCC.  

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. This decision comes over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.  Speaking to Anton was Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO General Secretary. 

We are coming into cold and flu season where a lot of people will end up feeling under the weather. A lot of the time, the advice from our GP’s is to rest up and drink plenty of fluids, not antibiotics. To explain why antibiotics aren't always the answer is GP Dr Phil Kieran. 

Could getting your hands dirty actually be good for your health? Research suggests that contact with soil and nature may boost our skin microbes and support our immune system  Selene Daly Tarpey, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Tutor explained all to Anton. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Fionnuala Corbett, Presenter on Dave and Fionnuala on Today FM.

Retail Excellence Ireland is calling for the Government to cut employers’ PRSI in the next budget, including no employers’ PRSI for workers under 25.  To discuss further with Anton was Jean McCabe, CEO Retail Excellence. 

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission are calling for human rights, equality, digital and media literacy to be embedded across education. They also say we need a designated lead Department, clear accountability mechanisms, and independent monitoring. For more on this Anton spoke to Dr Niamh Sammon, Assistant lecturer and Programme Chair of the BA in jour...

While the capital costs of retrofitting and renovating your home is well-documented. New research from the ESRI considers the less-discussed “hassle costs”.  Anton discusses this further with Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist ESRI.

Have you ever found yourself laughing at yourself after doing something silly, or for being clumsy or maybe even in a social setting? Well don’t worry because it is actually good for you. Joining Anton this morning was Dr Sonja Heintz a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth who has a research focus on humour.

French police are hunting two thieves who escaped with two Renoir paintings worth nine million euro from a museum on the French Riviera.  This is the latest in an increased string of heists in Europe over the last year. Speaking to Anton this morning was Eamonn McEnaney, Former Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures. 

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke to Anton this morning ahead from the party’s think-in in Malahide.

Dublin Airport passengers are being warned of delays. This comes after a major UK air‑traffic control fault caused widespread disruption at airports including Heathrow, grounding flights and triggering hundreds of cancellations.  We get the latest on the situation in the UK and home with Eoghan Corry, Travel Commentator and Owner of Travel Extra. 

Oasis are back and they’re on the big screen! Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger has premiered in Venice and hits cinemas today, ahead of its Disney+ release later this year.  We get the details from Deputy Editor of Hot Press, Stuart Clark. 

Farmers should be supported with land-specific climate information, technology and practical advice to prepare for a changing climate. That is according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. Alex White, Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council.