Newstalk Breakfast

Could Gen Z be the first generation with lower IQ scores than their parents? Experts are questioning whether increased use of technology in classrooms could be partly to blame.  To discuss with Anton was Neuroscientist, Educator, and Author of The Digital Delusion. Jared Cooney Horvath. 

The Environmental Protection Agency have started investigating complaints made by a data centre in Clondalkin. The concerns were first raised back in July but after getting a number of these complaints on what's described as a persistent humming. Speaking to Anton this morning was Francis Timmons Mayor of South Dublin County Council and Independent Councillor.

Social media is creating unrealistic expectations out there around sexual health, particularly for young people. Today is World Sexual Health Day. We look to debunk some of those myths out there with Dr Ronan Daly, Clinical lecturer and registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital and the RCSI.

“This is a problem that needs more than just a policing response. There must be an equal focus on better education and prevention if we are to end the carnage.” Those are the words of Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North and Party Transport Spokesperson who discussed this further with Anton.

House prices are significantly overvalued when compared to people’s income levels and interest rates.  That is according to new research from the ESRI. Joining Anton to discuss these findings was Dr. Paul Egan, Research Officer, ESRI.

Platforms such as PLY and Agora match people using information such as their interests, lifestyle habits and profession.  To explain how it all works is Elaine Burke the Host of the For Tech Sake Podcast.  

The World Meteorological Organisation says El Niño is strengthening and could bring increased risks of extreme heat, flooding and drought in the months ahead. To explain this further with Anton was Award Winning Climate Scientist at UCC and the founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, Cathal Nolan .  

With fireworks already being wielded “like weapons” in early September. Calls are ramping up for an immediate crackdown on their illegal sale and supply in the lead-up to Halloween.  To discuss along with Anton was Gayle Ralph, Fine Gael Councillor for Cabra-Glasnevin. 

72% Irish adults worry about money to some extent, with 18% saying financial stress is a regular or constant part of their lives. To look into this was Head of Employee Benefits NFP Ireland Sarah McGurinn. 

The jury in the murder trial of US woman Lindsay Clancy is set to resume deliberations for a sixth day after twice failing to reach a verdict.  Beyond the courtroom, people online are building their own cases. To discuss this further was Criminologist Trina O’Connor.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association is warning that weekend rostering of consultants could worsen Ireland’s waiting list crisis.  It says that without adequate staff, diagnostics and beds, moving consultants to weekends will simply take them away from already busy weekdays.  To discuss further with Anton was Gabrielle Colleran, President of the Irish Hospital Consultants Associati...

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, Irish Independent.

Teenager Olivia Fahey has garnered a huge interest in climate change. She has gain nearly 40 thousand followers online after setting up a climate change movement called ‘Youth4Earth’.   Olivia Fahey, climate activist and founder of Youth4Earth explained all about the movement with Anton.

Spanish police are investigating three Irish nationals posing as tourists who are believed to have stolen thousands of euros with a “sob-story” scam.  Anton got the details on this with Guy Hedgecoe, Irish Times contributor based in Madrid. 

The HSE has published Ireland’s first guide for people considering or undergoing an abortion following a diagnosis of a foetal anomaly in an unborn baby.  Joining Anton this morning was Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician and Lead of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at University College Cork. 

Affordable Ireland, a campaign created by a coalition of groups, will be protesting this month ahead of the Budget in October. They’re calling on the Government to address the affordability crisis in the Budget and have a set of demands.  Eddie Conlon the convener of the Affordable Ireland Campaign told Anton their key demands.

Changes in behaviour, unexplained absences, a phone that never leaves their hand and is always face down. These are all the stereotypical signs that someone is having an affair.  But how does one go about investigating whether someone is having an affair? Paul Lewis, Private investigator and founder of UK-based PEL Consultancy Services .  

70% of primary school children (aged 8–12) still have their own accounts on social media apps. That are meant to be 13+, according to figures published today in CyberSafeKids’ tenth annual report. To break these findings down was CyberSafeKids CEO, Alex Cooney .  

New ESRI research finds people with good public transport access tend to learn to drive later. Therefore driving less as they get older.  Senior Research Officer with the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, Dr Shane Timmons discussed the research findings with Anton. 

Just 39% of Irish people believe that everyone enjoys the same basic human rights. This according to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s 2025 poll.  To discuss these findings with Anton was Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

Germany has blamed Russia for the drone attack on Leipzig airport attack last month.  How much of a threat is this to Europe, especially when Ireland currently holds the EU presidency?  To discuss this further with Anton was Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics at DCU .  

Legislation to make hi-vis jackets and helmets mandatory for all e-scooter users will be signed into law today.  With more on this Anton spoke to Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fail TD for Clare and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee .  

Too old to hire, too young to retire? Gen X is facing a growing workplace crisis. But midlife could be the perfect time to rethink your career not start from scratch.  To discuss further with Anton was Author and Former Editor-In-Chief of HELLO! magazine, turned qualified life coach, Rosie Nixon.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Richard Bruton, Former Minister and Chair of Two Voluntary Bodies; A Research Centre on Climate Biodiversity and Water and Social Enterprise. 

France is aiming to crackdown on fast fashion, as its government has started imposing fees on items sold from sites like Shein and Temu.  The levy could reach almost €20 per garment by 2030. Should the Irish government do the same? Anton discusses this further with Sustainability Broadcaster Meghann Scully.