Newstalk Breakfast

A Victorian cottage recently collapsing in Dublin city centre after falling into disrepair despite being owned by the Construction Industry Federation is a sign that the Government must increase the derelict site levy.   That’s according to Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillor and Former Lord Mayor who spoke to Ciara this morning on the show.

Last night was the first Semi Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. Just 10 songs made it through. Henry McKean bumped into this celebrity chef at Eurovision.

Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being “scared” to meet him for peace talks in Turkey, as the Kremlin has yet to confirm Putin’s attendance.    We get the latest on this with Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute of Human Sciences in Vienna and a former BBC Central Europe Correspondent .  

Families are now receiving letters about hip operations their children had 15 years ago, raising serious concerns that the scandal over unnecessary surgeries is set to deepen. Reporting on this in The Independent today is Senan Molony,

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer published the UK’s proposals to change its legal immigration system. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Adam Boulton, Political Commentator and Former Sky News Political Editor . 

The Vintners Federation of Ireland is urging the government to introduce a 40% excise rebate on draught products sold in pubs in the upcoming Budget. It is a critical measure to preserve Ireland’s pub culture and sustain rural communities.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was The Vintners Federation of Ireland CEO, Pat Crotty .

Raising a child in Ireland now costs €169,000. That’s according to research out today from Laya Life. We discuss these findings with Kel Galavan Money Coach, Author, and Qualified Financial Advisor.

Kim Kardashian is set to take the stand in person today to testify at the trial of the men accused of robbing her at gunpoint and stealing millions of dollars worth of jewellery.  We get the latest on this with Harriet Alexander, US-based journalist.

Today the Government to hear about leaving cert reform. We bring you up to date with what's on the cabinet agenda with Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent.

Hamas yesterday released Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier who holds American citizenship, as part of ongoing efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire with Israel.    It comes as President Trump is set to land in Saudi Arabia today, followed by visits to Qatar and then the United Arab Emirates. We get the latest on this with Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Middle East Correspondent.&nbs...

 US President Donald Trump has demanded that Ukraine should "immediately" agree to direct talks with Russia in a bid to end the war.   It comes after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his team were "ready to meet" Russian representatives following Vladimir Putin suggestion of peace talks, subject to an unconditional ceasefire starting today.  We discuss this further...

Music artists looking for protection against AI. Dua Lipa and Elton John are among a group of artists looking for protection against AI.  Newstalk's Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly brings us the details.

A garda has been killed after being struck by a motorcycle at a speed checkpoint in north Dublin yesterday.  The highly respected officer has been named as Gard Kevin Flatley, age 49, a father of two who was based in the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle.   To pay tribute to Garda Flatley we spoke to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and also Chairperson of O’Dwyer GAA club i...

Bill for new National Maternity Hospital could reach €2 billion. We are we too comfortable with overspending? Ciara and Shane discussed this morning.

The BAFTA TV Awards took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall last night. So, who were the big winners? T o tell us all the news from the night was Sarina Bellisimo, Broadcaster and Entertainment Journalist. 

Are we ready for the coming drought and the imminent return of water shortages?  That’s the question posed by Sunday Independent Columnist, Conor Skehan.  

The Public Accounts Committee are to examine ‘profiteering’ on asylum seeker accommodation .That’s according to new Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and Sinn Fein TD, John Brady who spoke to Shane this morning on the show.

A garda has been killed after being struck by a motorcycle at a speed checkpoint in north Dublin yesterday.  The highly respected officer has been named as Gard Kevin Flatley, age 49, a father of two who was based in the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle. We spoke to Ronan Slevin, General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association.

Socialist feminist group ROSA has organised an anti “manosphere” demonstration in Dublin City. Ruth Coppinger, Socialist TD who is closely affiliated with ROSA, spoke to us ahead of the event. She also discussed her refusal to take a question from a journalist from Gript when speaking at the plinth in Leinster House.

Dublin city centre‘s only public toilets, at the top of Grafton Street are set to shut. For more on this we spoke to Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor for the Irish Times.

Tanaiste Simon Harris has said that a social media ban for children under 16 must be given “serious consideration”. He suggested ­Ireland could follow Australia which has adopted some of the strictest laws in the world.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast Alex Cooney, CEO of Cyber Safe Kids .  

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland is recommending that its members accept new proposals aimed at supporting the rollout of Senior Cycle reform following detailed negotiations with the Department of Education.   We speak to TUI President David Waters. 

Opposition politicians will gather tomorrow at a public rally to “save the Triple Lock”, which they believe is necessary to save neutrality.  We heard from Alice-Mary Higgins, Independent Senator.

A new pope is elected. We ask why does the conclave capture our imagination? Shane and Ciara discussed this morning. 

Vatican City erupted into cheers yesterday at the sight of white smoke. Robert Francis Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV after a two-day Conclave, and he makes history as the first Pope from the United States. We get reaction to the new Pope with Colm Flynn, Vatican Correspondent for Global catholic television network EWTN and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin .