Newstalk Breakfast

Recently,representatives from TikTok, Meta, Google and Coimisiún na Meán appeared at an Oireachtas Media Committee. They were there to answer questions on how and why videos appeared on the platforms showcasing dangerous driving. Has anything changed since? Anton asked Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

An experimental drug developed by a company co-founded by Trinity College scientist Professor Luke O’Neill has shown potential to relieve the symptoms of eczema. Luke joined Anton to discuss the research and findings.

Jeffrey Donaldson is to walk free from prison in just over seven years despite his fifteen-year prison sentence, but how? To explain was  Allison Morris Crime Correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph.

Philip English his wife Kim and two of their children lost  their lives after their home in Waterford was set on fire. Funeral arrangements have been announced. Damien Tiernan Broadcaster at WLR and friend of Philip English joined Anton this morning. 

More than a third of 8–12-year-olds and two-thirds of 12–15-year-olds have no time restrictions on online activity. Today Cyber Safe Kids are urging families to take a 24-hour Cyber Break.  Speaking to Anton was the CEO Cyber Safe Kids, Alex Cooney.

Rising oil and gas prices, driven by conflict in the Middle East, are putting pressure on households and businesses across Europe.  Should the priority be lowering bills or protecting the planet? Anton discusses this further with Oisin Coghlan Policy Advisor to the Irish Environmental Network and Peadar Tóibín Aontu Leader and TD for Meath West.

Ireland may need to plan for a future without traditional free-to-air television, according to communications regulator ComReg. To look into this further with Anton was the Technology Writer with the Irish Times Ciara O'Brien. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Gabija Gataveckaite BBC Dublin Correspondent. 

The trial of Russell Brand, who is charged with rape and other offences continues. We get the latest from what happened in court with Bauer Media London Reporter Claire Boad.  

Donald Trump has cancelled plans to livestream the execution of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, following widespread criticism.  Anton got the details from Washington Bureau Chief, The Guardian David Smith. 

Two people have been arrested over the arson attack in Waterford city that claimed the lives of four members of the English family on Tuesday.  For the latest on this was  Irish Times Crime and Security Editor Conor Lally.

LifeLines, a UK charity that sets death row prisoners up with pen pals, has reported a sharp increase in enquiries after the Christa Pike case.  Their chair, Patrick Ballin spoke to Anton this morning.

New research shows three quarters of us think the cost of living and buying a home are worse than they were 30 years ago. These are the findings from a new report marking 30 years of the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index. To discuss these findings was Economist Austin Hughes.    

Former Leader of the DUP Jeffrey Donaldson will be sentenced today after being convicted of 18 child sex offences.  With more on this Anton spoke to Newstalk's Reporter Emily Keegan.

Gardaí are continuing their investigation into the murder of four members of the same family in Waterford. Philip and Kim English and their two sons, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden, died following an arson attack on their home in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte reports that Gardaí have identified suspects, as the horrific tragedy raises serious quest...

A new bill aimed at strengthening the rights of non-binary and intersex people in Ireland is due to be debated in the Dáil next week.  For more on this Anton spoke to TD Ruth Coppinger.

Three quarters of people believe they are excellent drivers, but only 12 per cent think the same of other motorists.  That’s according to a new survey from the European Motor Show. To chat about these findings with Anton was Shane O’Donoghue Editor of Completecar.ie.

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

West Cork councillors are calling for urgent action on dangerous overhanging trees before winter storms hit. They warn falling branches could block roads, damage vehicles and put council workers at risk during emergency clear ups. To discuss further with Anton was Independent Ireland Cork County Councillor Daniel Sexton .

The trial of Russell Brand enters its second day, with the comedian facing charges of rape and sexual assault involving six women.  We get an update from the trial with Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, BBC Presenter and host of the podcast Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial .  

Gardaí have carried out a series of searches in Waterford as the investigation continues into the firebomb attack that killed four members of the English family.  Speaking to Anton this morning was Reporter Irish Examiner Neil Michael. 

Scientists are exploring how artificial intelligence could help birds recover lost songs and improve their chances of survival. Anton discusses this further with Wildlife Expert Eanna Ni Lamha.   

Katie Zacharia, Donald Trump’s new press secretary made her debut behind the White House lectern on Tuesday. It was a bumpy one.  Anton got reaction to the press briefing with Communications Expert and Sun Independent Columnist Gina London.

300,000 public sector workers have begun a 24-hour strike this morning, with schools, medical appointments, courts and other services affected. We heard from our reports around the country. Also speaking to Anton was Adrian Kane, Siptu Deputy General Secretary for the Public Service.

Garda investigations are continuing into the murder of a mother and father and their two children in Waterford. Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte reports for us from Waterford.