Newstalk Breakfast

Drink spiking has become an increasing concern in recent years, and many incidents may go unreported. The government wants to introduce stronger laws to tackle the spiking of drinks and related offences.  To discuss the measures the government can implement was Séamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central. 

Riad Bouchaker has been found guilty by unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court of the attempted murder of three young children at Dublin’s Parnell Square in November 2023.  Joining Jonathan for a recap on the trial was Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan .   

Over one million Irish households will see their energy bills increase today. As price hikes from Electric Ireland, the country’s biggest electricity supplier, and Yuno Energy come into effect.    We get recaction from Daragh Cassidy, Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie.

Nearly seven thousand units of teeth-whitening products were detained by Irelands health product regulator last year. This was because of the illegal and unsafe levels of hydrogen peroxide found in them. Dr Caroline Robbins, owner of Kiwi Dental explained why people have to be careful of the products they use.

ESB have admitted that not all of their EV chargers can be used at the same time because of technical limitations in its network. But why is this the case?    We asked Motoring Editor at the Sunday Independent, Ger Herbert .

As we enter the EU Presidency, the Irish Government will be hosting some of Europe’s top diplomats and politicians for the next 6 months. So how will it all work?  We heard from Newstalk's Political Correspondent live from Dublin Castle and also in studio with Anton was Minster for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Helen McEntee.

Reintroducing rent caps for new builds and new tenancies, scrapping the M50 toll. Alos ending increases in the carbon and fuel tax are among the proposals Aontu have on the table today.   Joining Anton to explain the proposals was Paul Lawless, Aontu TD.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist. 

Parenting may permanently improve brain health for mums and dads.  That’s according to a series of new studies published recently.  Joining Anton to discuss further was Dr Sabina Brennan Health Psychologist & author of "Still Me" A Neuroscientist’s guide to caring for someone with dementia .  

The US Supreme Court has ruled that babies born in the US have a constitutional right to citizenship. This rejects Donald Trump's bid to end the 150-year-old policy. Anton discusses this further with Professor & Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin Scott Lucas.

The number of boil water notices and water restriction notices both increased during 2025, impacting almost 200,000 people. That’s according to the new drinking water report from the Environmental Protection Agency.   Anton looks into the report findings with Noel Byrne is Programme Manager of the EPA’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Enforcement Programme.  

Officials from the HSE, Department of Health and the Rotunda Hospital are to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee later this morning. The the issue of the public only consultant Contract is up for discussion. Speaking to Anton ahead of the meeting was the Committee Chair and Social Democrats TD for Cork South Central Pádraig Rice.

Today marks the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. What will that mean in practice and what should the Government expect in the role? Anton askes Irish Times reporter Jack Power.

Flight passengers are being warned not to pack power banks or vapes in their hold luggage ahead of the busy summer holiday travel period beginning for parts of the UK.  The fire risk posed by lithium batteries is now the number one safety risk to aircraft, according to the aviation regulator, as the number of devices found in hold bags has nearly doubled in a year.  Pete Hutchison also k...

Fianna Fáil Councillor Daryl Barron has been elected the 359th Lord Mayor of Dublin, launching his "Our Dublin" agenda focused on restoring civic trust through practical local action.   Daryl joined Anton this morning to discuss his new position.

Changes in the rules around importing products from non-EU countries are set to kick in tomorrow, and could lead to a €3 tax on each item worth less than €150.   In 2025 alone, almost 5.9 billion of such low-value items were directly shipped from third countries to consumers in the EU, without paying customs duties.  Joining Anton to discuss how these rules will impact you was John O’Lou...

The Coalition leaders have decided to extend the current excise reductions on petrol and diesel until 1 September 2026.  After this date the previous rates will be gradually restored over the following four months.   The Cabinet will today consider the measures which will cost €270 million.  Anton was joined by Fionnán Sheehan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent, Kevin McPart...

In the upcoming budget, there are discussions circulating around the reform of inheritance tax which some wealth managers say is leading to inequitable and avoidable outcomes.   Joining Anton this morning to discuss if tax thresholds kept with the times was Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Mark Hennessy Ireland and Britain Editor with the Irish Times.

The CAO change of mind closes at 5pm on the 1st of July, meaning students must decide on their final preferences.   Guidance counsellor and columnist with the Irish Times Brian Mooney joined Anton to give last minute advice.

Luigi Mangione's federal trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson will now begin in January instead of autumn.  U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett said she was postponing the federal trial so Mangione's lawyers can focus on his state murder trial, which is scheduled to begin on the 8th of September.  Harriet Alexander New York Based Reporter joined Anton fo...

Some competent learner drivers should be allowed to drive unaccompanied.   That’s the call in a petition set to be considered in the Oireachtas today.  Anton was joined by, Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator and Independent Motoring Expert for Carzone  to see if this is a workable solution.

The prosecution has said Riad Bouchaker's defence that he did not mean to kill anyone during an attack with a knife at Parnell Square in Dublin, lasting just 15 seconds, was "absurd" and a "lame excuse" and he should be judged by his actions not his words.  Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan joined Anton this morning to discuss.  

The number of people killed in the two earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 1,719, the president of its National Assembly has said.   Giving an address on state television, Jorge (HOR-HAY) Rodriguez said a further 5,034 people had been wounded in the disaster, which occurred shortly after 6pm local time last Wednesday.    Earlier, a United Nations official said the o...

A major new study suggests that some 85% of under 16s are still using social media in Australia. This is despite the country being the first in the world to introduce a ban back in December.  The government says it will double the maximum penalty for platforms that breach it, but is this a further confirmation that outright bans simply don't work?   Anton discusses this further with...