Highlights from Newstalk Breakfast

The Joint Committee on Drugs Use will hold its first public meeting today to begin examining potential changes to reduce the harmful impacts of drug use on society. Ciara was joined by Marie Sherlock, Labour Party Senator and committee member, to discuss the committee's objectives and possible measures.

Child Psychotherapist Colman Noctor wrote in his column about the rising complaints of loneliness among young people in Ireland. Shane was joined by Colman to discuss what prompted him to write this piece and the broader issue of youth loneliness.

Festival-goers and sports fans attending events this summer are being asked to donate their drinks bottles and cans to charity, benefiting six children’s charities. Ciara was joined by Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn Ireland, to discuss the initiative.

The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates no signs of improvement in the water quality of Ireland’s rivers and lakes, urging the government to take more action. Shane was joined by Dr. Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, to discuss the findings.

Barry Andrews, Regina Doherty, Lynn Boylan, and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin have been elected as Dublin’s MEPs after a dramatic evening’s counting at the RDS. Ciara spoke with Lynn Boylan, Sinn Fein MEP for Dublin, and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Fianna Fáil Candidate for the Ireland South constituency, about the results and what’s next for the other constituencies.

A new portrait of King Charles has been targeted by animal rights activists who covered his face with a likeness from the cartoon "Wallace and Gromit".Shane was joined by Dan Kidby, spokesperson for Animal Rising, to discuss the protest and its message.

With counting still underway following the European and local elections, the debate about whether to reintroduce e-voting has resurfaced. Ciara was joined by Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor in Political Science at DCU, to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of e-voting.

Representatives from Ryanair will appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport today to discuss the impact of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport on their business operations. Ciara was joined by Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Justice, to debate whether the passenger cap should be scrapped.

An investigation is underway after a man set fire to the crypt at St Michan's Church of Ireland in Dublin, destroying mummified remains. Shane was joined by Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin for the Church of Ireland, to discuss the incident

A flexitarian diet, which is plant-heavy and meat-light, has been linked to a significantly lower risk of premature death and benefits the planet. However, this diet's nutrient targets may not meet everyone's needs. Ciara speaks with Sarah Keogh, a dietitian at Eatwell.ie , to discuss the benefits and potential downsides of this dietary approach.

A new study from the Peace Research Institute of Oslo reveals that 2023 saw more armed conflicts worldwide than any other year since World War II. Shane is joined by Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University, to explore whether the world has indeed become a more dangerous place.

Recent weeks have seen revenue officers seize nearly €650,000 worth of nitrous oxide canisters from Dublin Port. Known as "laughing gas," this substance has become increasingly popular among young people. Ciara discusses this issue with Dr. Garret McGovern, Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic & GP Addiction Specialist.

Vote counting in all three European Parliament constituencies will resume today. Sean Kelly has already been elected as an MEP for Ireland South after the first count. Shane is joined by Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland Candidate for Midlands North West Constituency, and Paul Hosford, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, to discuss the latest developments in the EU election race.

There are increasing calls to abolish the Leaving Cert and replace it with open access to university. Ciara is joined by Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West, to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this significant educational reform.

Algorithms are increasingly influencing our fashion choices, often categorizing us into overly simplistic boxes or social media tribes. Psychotherapist Mary Lynn argues that we are each a rainbow of personalities, not easily defined by algorithms. Ciara discusses this topic with TV presenter Katja Mia.

Today in Belfast, the UK Government's appeal against a High Court decision regarding a victim-led legal challenge to the Troubles Act will commence. Shane speaks with Amanda Fergusson, a freelance journalist based in Belfast, to delve into the implications of this appeal.

Ireland's first mayoral election is happening in Limerick, with independent candidate John Moran leading the polls to become the city's first directly elected mayor. Ciara was joined by Newstalk Reporter Ellen Butler, who is reporting live from Limerick to provide the latest updates on this historic election.

A busy day’s counting is ahead to determine the outcome of the local and European elections. Political analyst Odran Flynn breaks things down with Shane.

Vodafone customers may notice a shift in the service as the mobile service provider shuts down its 3G network.  Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly joined Ciara with the details.

"Ireland should consider small nuclear reactors to achieve zero-carbon energy by 2050" – that's according to a new report from the Irish Academy of Engineering. Barry McMullin, Professor Emeritus Faculty of engineering and computing in DCU joined Shane to explain.

Counting is set to resume this morning in the local elections, with Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Independent candidates filling the vast majority of council seats declared so far. Meanwhile the first results of the European elections are expected later today.    Ciara was joined by Michael McGrath, Minster for Finance and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central and spokesperson fo...

Have you ever come across someone listening to a voice note on speaker, or listening to music without headphones on public transport? Is it a sign that manners have become outdated?  Shane was joined by Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle editor with the Irish Examiner to reflect on manners today.

Ciara was joined by Keire Murphy from the ESRI to discuss the latest report revealing the housing struggles faced by recognised refugees trying to leave government accommodation

Israel's war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency government.  Alistair Bunkall, Sky Middle East News Correspondent gives Shane the lates.

In an unexpected move, President Emmanual Macron has dissolved French Parliament and called a snap election in the wake of the European election results, where exit polls show Marine Le Pen’s National Rally are set to have a historic win. Elaine Cobb is CBS News Correspondent in Paris speaks to Ciara.