Newstalk Breakfast

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is bringing a memo to cabinet to make it mandatory for employers to use the new gender pay reporting portal. Jennifer Keane, founder of paygap.ie discussed further with Anton.

A woman who accused Jeffrey Donaldson of raping her as a child has said it will be “seared into my brain for the rest of my life”, Newry Crown Court has heard.  Our Reporter Emily Keegan brought us an update from the court in Newry.

Last year there was a reduced level of cover overall across many health insurance plans, despite average premiums increasing by almost 11%.  That’s according to the new Annual Market Report for 2025 from The Health Insurance Authority, whose CEO Brian explained the findings to Anton this morning.

Wexford County Council has passed a motion calling for a referendum on a constitutional right to housing. The council will right to Wexford’s TD and Senators to also seek their support.  Anton discusses this further with Tom Forde, Sinn Féin Councillor for Wexford County Council and also Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates. 

Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams  sat in silence and did not speak at a panel discussion about her tell all book about the social media giant because of ongoing legal action by her former bosses at Meta.  Jessica Kelly Newstalk's Technology Correspondent brought us the details.

The UK government is considering a national airline blacklist that would ban passengers involved in serious incidents, such as drunkenness, abuse of crew, or violence, from flying with any airline, not just one carrier.   Anton discusses this idea further with Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Airport and Safety Auditor .  

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Alex White Senior Council.

Ireland’s economic performance is being put at risk by increasingly restrictive migration policies, the Immigrant Council of Ireland will warn at a conference in Dublin today. Speaking to Anton ahead of the conference was Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.

It’s a nervous morning in thousands of households across the country as the Leaving Cert gets under way.    First up is English paper 1 and to get some advice Anton was joined by Conor Murphy English teacher in Skibbereen Community School .

Rosamund Pike called out an audience member for texting during an emotional moment from her performance in West End play Inter Alia on Saturday. So what is the correct theatre etiquette when attending a performance. Anton asks Brian Merriman, Founder of International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. 

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne has confirmed he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving last week while travelling to Dublin Airport in the early morning.    For the latest on this Anton was joined by Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent .  

Speaking to Anton this morning was James Lyons, Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer. As new Mandelson files released.

A woman who has accused Jeffrey Donaldson of sexually abusing her as a child has claimed his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, “did nothing” about an abuse allegation, Newry Crown Court has heard.  We get the latest on the trial with Alison Morris, Crime Correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph. 

US President Donald Trump has said that “talks are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran”. This is despite earlier reports that Tehran had suspended message exchanges with Washington over Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon.  Speaking to Anton with more on this was Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University. 

Gardaí are investigating a fatal assault that took place in the streets around Grafton Street in Dublin’s city centre in the early hours of Monday.  We get reaction from Dermot Lacey, Chair of local community safety partnerships, Labour Councillor for Dublin Bay South .

3 in 4 people would support new licences to let nightclubs remain open until 4.30am.  That’s according to new research from the Licenced Vintners’ Association, who are calling for the Government to push ahead with the Sale of Alcohol Bill. Speaking to Anton for more on this was Donal O'Keefe, Chief Executive of the Licensed Vintners Association .  

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was David McRedmond, CEO of An Post.

The Government is set to press ahead with plans to remove the triple lock governing overseas deployments of Irish troops, with Defence Minister Helen McEntee set to bring it to Cabinet this month.  To discuss further Anton spoke to Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst .  

New research has found that wrens in the Shetland Islands are growing almost twice the size of their mainland counter parts.  Biologist, environmentalist, broadcaster and Irish Times contributor, Eanna Ní Lamhna can tell us more about the phenomenon is known as 'island gigantism'.

Britain’s former ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, said the government would “never regret” appointing him to the role, according to newly released documents. For more on this Anton spoke to Philip Webster Former Political Editor of the Times.

Gardaí are investigating a fatal assault that took place in the streets around Grafton Street in Dublin’s city centre in the early hours of Monday.  Anton gets the details from Mick O’Toole, the Crime and Defence Editor for both the Irish Mirror and Irish Daily Star. 

J Lo, Kylie and the  great Robson and Jerome all actors who turned singers. Recently Kiefer Sutherland says there is a 'stigma' around actors making music.  Anton asked Dave Fanning  is this the case? 

June Bank Holiday will be a busy one at Dublin Zoo because more than 20 animals will celebrate their birthdays this weekend. Domhnall Murphy from Dublin Zoo’s Near Side Team told us more about the celebrations.

The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) has launched a public consultation on measures to address noise associated with proposed developments at Dublin Airport. One suggestion includes increasing home insulation supports to households near the airport.   To discuss all this further Anton spoke to Dr Niamh Maher, Spokesperson for St Margarets The Ward Residents Group and Kevin Byrne...

The jury in the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson has been shown video recordings of police interviews with one of his alleged victims. The former DUP leader has pleaded not guilty to 18 historic sexual offences, including one count of rape. We get the latest from the trial with Emily Keegan, Newstalk Reporter.