This Week

The Ukrainian armed forces have continued persistent drone strikes on oil refineries inside Russia, leading to fuel shortages and queues at forecourts across the country. Russia has been forced to import fuel to try and counter the problem and ease mounting public anger. Paul spoke about the situation with Moscow-based Correspondent Fred Weir.

Survivors of mother-and-baby institutions say they're still finding it extremely difficult to secure full access to documentation about their lives from the State and its agencies. Paul spoke to a survivor of the St Patricks Home on the Navan Road, and to Patricia Carey, Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse.

Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath said the Commission was maintaining close contact with the Irish government in advance of the completion of its report into Aughinish Alumina, the Co Limerick refinery which has been sending alumina to Russia. Irish Times correspondent Conor Gallagher joined Paul for a thorough discussion.

A man in his 40s has died following a shooting incident in Dún Laoghaire in South County Dublin. Paul was joined from the scene by RTÉ reporter Karen Creed.

A row between Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and solicitors over pay in the District Courts is threatening to cause further legal disruption this week. To discuss the impasse, Paul was joined by Michael O'Higgins, Senior Counsel, who practices in the criminal courts.

Peter Power, head of UNICEF in Ireland.

RTÉ Reporter Eithne Dodd.

Senior Journalist with the Irish Examiner Neil Michael.

Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for EuroNews.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan.

Jason Burke, Israel Correspondent for The Guardian.

Sister Helen Prejean, leading US anti-death penalty activist.

Professor Michael Barry, Director of the NCPE.

Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister Helen McEntee.

Lucy Fisher, Financial Times.

Paul was joined by Bel Trew, who is the Chief International Correspondent with the Independent to give more details on the certainty of the deal.

UNICEF is calling for safe and unfettered access to deliver humanitarian operations. It comes as the Israel Defence Forces increase their control of the Strip to beyond 60% of the coastal enclave. Paul was joined by UNICEF's Communication Officer Salim Oweis who has recently returned from Gaza to Jordan.

Our reporter Eithne Dodd went to Belfast to speak to members of the migrant community in the aftermath of riots that took place earlier this week. Paul was joined by Patricia MacBride, who is a former Victims Commissioner in Northern Ireland and is now a colmnist with the Irish News to tell us more.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is fiercely proud of his Irish heritage, is in Mayo today to visit his family home place. He met President Connolly earlier this morning. Our Political Correspondent Micheal Lehane joined us in studio to tell us more. Our reporter Teresa Mannion was in Mayo as locals and relatives came out to greet Carney.

President Donald Trump says the outline of a peace deal, will be signed today. However, Iran declared today that the regime's decision on the framework agreement is still what it termed "under review." Paul was joined by Sebastian Usher, the BBC's Global Affairs Correspondent and Ed Burke who is Assistant Professor in the History of War at UCD.

The World Cup kicks-off on Thursday, with co-host nation Mexico playing South Africa in Mexico City. But the football hasn't been the only thing garnering headlines, with controversy about changes to the game, pricing and security. Paul was joined for a breakdown by Miguel Delaney, author and Chief Football Writer at The Independent.

Health experts are raising concerns about the use of 'snus.' These nicotine-filled products are rising in popularity among young people. Because they are tobacco-free, they can be sold in Ireland without any of the restrictions placed on similar products such as cigarettes and vapes. RTÉ reporter Eithne Dodd has been finding out more.

The Taoiseach was in Montenegro this week, the Adriatic nation of just 630,000 people, which is set to become the EU's 28th Member State. Negotiations on its accession are due to be completed during Ireland's 6-month Presidency of the EU, which begins on July 1st. Paul was joined by journalist, historian and author Misha Glenny.

The US / Israeli war on Iran is entering its 100th day without any clear sign as to how it will be resolved. The Strait of Hormuz is still blocked, and there's been sporadic US bombing runs and Iranian retaliatory drone strikes. To assess the likelihood of any breakthrough, Paul was joined by David Blevins, US Correspondent of Sky News .

A 36-year-old man was jailed for over 30 years by the Belfast Crown Court this week for the murder of his partner, Natalie McNally, in December 2022. Since 2020, 30 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland. Paul was joined by Karen Devlin, Membership Services & Support Officer with Women’s Aid Federation of Northern Ireland.