Newstalk Breakfast

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Ralph Riegel the Southern Correspondent at the Irish Independent .  

The political party Aontú are calling for VAT for sunscreen to be removed. Calling it an essential and not a luxury. Jonathan discusses this further with Consultant Dermatologist at Institute of Dermatologists, Clinical Professor at UCD. 

Temperatures could reach up to 30 degrees in parts of Ireland today amidst the current yellow heat warning. Is Ireland is prepared if this heat becomes a more regular event.  Jonathan asked Keith Leonard the Head of National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.

England and Argentina went head to head with Argentina last night. Argentina booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 92nd minute winner. Enda Brady, a UK-based journalist spoke to Jonathan on the reaction to England loss.

Astronomers have discovered a new type of sugar drifting through deep space. A discovery that could reveal new clues about how life began on Earth. To explain the new discovery was Astronomer and Science Writer, Dr David Whitehouse. 

A complaint has been made to the International Olympic Committee. The complaint is accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of breaching political neutrality rules over his dealings with US President Donald Trump. Has the world cup being over politicised? Speaking to Anton was Fianna Fail MEP, Barry Andrews. 

With the heatwave showing no sign of easing, how are farmers coping? Is this the start of a prolonged drought, or simply an unusually sunny spell that's putting pressure on crops and livestock?   Anton discussed all with President of the Irish Farmers Association, Francie Gorman.

Tusla received 106,000 child safety and welfare referrals last year, a ten percent increase compared to 2024 and the first time the Agency has received more than 100,000 referrals in a single year.  That’s according to their Annual Report for 2025 being launched later this morning, and speaking to Anton was the Chief Social Worker for Tusla, Ger Brophy .  

The U.S. has carried out more strikes overnight in Iran with Donald Trump now also threatening an expansion of attacks to bridges and power plants next week. We get the latest on the war in the Middle East with Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University.

Cabinet has approved plans to introduce five days paid leave to anyone who suffers a pregnancy loss before 23 weeks. This will also include women who have a termination in the case of fatal foetal abnormality or those who have an abortion up to 12 weeks.  Speaking to Anton to discuss this and more was Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael TD for Longford-Westmeath Peter Burke .

Today, the Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions will be considering a proposal to make the theft of pets its own individual crime.  For more on this Anton spoke to Lisa O’Connor, founder of Missing and Stolen Animals Ireland and is the author behind the petition .  

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Harry Browne Media Lecturer at TU Dublin and Host of The Ditch Podcast .

Everyone is feeling the pinch with regard to the cost of living and housing crisis. One group of people not often discussed is divorcees. Who are finding themselves borrowing money from their parents to over financial costs.  Joining Anton discuss this further is Michelle Brown, a Legal Mediator and Author.

The aviation regulator has proposed cutting the charges airlines pay to use Dublin Airport by 15 per cent from 2027. Airlines have welcomed the move, while DAA says it needs higher charges to fund expansion.   Travel Journalist Eoghan Corry discussed this further with Anton.

Ireland is experiencing its third round of unusually hot temperatures in just six weeks. Is this summer heat going to become the new normal, and is Ireland prepared for that?  Anton discusses this further with Darren Clarke, Assistant Professor in Climate in DCU.

The Government is considering a generational smoking ban which would eventually lead to the purchase of cigarettes being illegal for young people.   To discuss this further with Anton was Professor Des Cox, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI Crumlin and Representative of RCPI Advisory Group on Tobacco and Vaping.

You might have noticed in recent weeks more bees dead on footpaths and struggling in the summer heat.  To explain all was Eanna Ní Lamhna, Biologist, Environmentalist, Broadcaster and Irish Times contributor. 

New research from the Irish League of Credit Unions shows school costs are weighing heavily on families. With 59% of parents saying covering back to school costs is a financial burden. Anton discusses this further with David Malone, the CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions .  

The US-Iran standoff is intensifying. With the key global shipping route, the strait of Hormuz once again at the centre of the latest developments.  CEO of Henderson Risk Group, Former British Army Officer & Former UK Diplomat, Duncan Bullivant gave us an update on the situation.

In the UK, investigations continue into the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe. Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation after "new information and evidence". To pay tribute to her late friend was Edwina Currie, Former Conservative MP and Minister .  

Uisce Éireann has announced a hosepipe ban for Dublin, South Tipperary and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow. This will will kick in on Thursday and remain in place until August 26.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Eireann. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, Former Minister, and Senior Council.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said there is “merit in considering” a language proficiency requirement for Irish citizenship.   Ireland remains one of the few European countries that does not require a formal language proficiency test for naturalisation  To discuss this issue further with Anton was Independent Ireland TD for Cork North-Central, Ken O Flynn and Immigration lawyer and...

A new survey has found that more than 90 per cent of over-50s would move from larger family homes into a cohousing community if one were available. Cohousing Communities Ireland says a lack of suitable housing is preventing many older people from rightsizing. Cohousing Communities Ireland Chair and Co-founder, Anne Connolly discuss this issue further with Anton.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said that the Government must end “gimmicks and giveaways” and deliver a workers' budget, as part of its pre-Budget submission.  Speaking to Anton to discuss further was Owen Reidy, ICTU General Secretary .