Newstalk Breakfast

Buy Conor Pass, rewild it, and make it a National Park” That’s the call from campaigners today as they begin their protest at Conors Pass. Siobhan O’Donohue, Director of Uplift spoke to Shane this morning with more on what they are calling for.

The heart of Cork City will be a lot quieter than normal tomorrow, as the city centre will be closed to traffic for the city’s first-ever ‘Car Free Day’.   Speaking to Ciara with more on what is happening today was Collette Finn, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork.

"Ireland is not unique in having to confront this" Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe joined Newstalk Breakfast to discuss the protest at the Dail yesterday

Dublin is at a pivotal juncture and we must ‘build-up or lose out’.   That’s the call from Stephen O’Leary, President of the Dublin Chamber who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Primary schoolyards are often hard-surfaced, restrictive, empty spaces with limited access to natural areas.  So found a new study from University College Cork.     Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Bethan O'Riordan, Mother of three and therapist specializing in parenting support, who also runs the Calm parenting community.

Children’s Health Ireland has published two reviews relating to spinal surgery for patients with Spina Bifida at Temple Street Hospital, following a number of complications with patients and the death of a 10-year-old child last year.  Speaking to Ciara this morning with more on this was Paul Cullen, Irish Times Health Editor. 

Parking enforcement should be brought back under the direct control of the Council, and should be combined with litter, dumping, and dog warden powers. That’s the call from a group of Green Party councillors in the capital and speaking to Ciara this morning was Carolyn Moore is a Green party Councillor for Kimmage / Rathmines.

Gardaí arrested 13 people yesterday evening after intervening in protests outside Government Buildings during which TDs were harassed and jostled. We get reaction to the scenes that occurred yesterday was Ivana Bacik, Labour party leader.      

A confidential internal Garda report found four years ago that the roster the Garda Commissioner plans to reintroduce in November "does not provide sufficient resources" to police the country and "is not fit for purpose".  We speak to the President of the Garda Representative Association Brendan O’Connor. 

Over the past few weeks, there has been more election talk in the air.  We’ve heard from some rural politicians that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have lost the farmers' vote.    We sent our reporter, Josh Crosbie, out around the National Ploughing Championships to find out if rural constituents would consider swaying their vote.

 New data from the ESRI shows sitting tenants paying markedly lower rents than new tenants. Get get reaction to these findings from Carol Tallan CEO of the Property District and Author of the Irish Property Buyers Handbook Series .  

All Things Considered: Is Cash King? Ciara and Shane discuss this morning.

Minister for Education, Norma Foley, is announcing significant changes to the Senior cycle curriculum and the Minister spoke to Shane this morning and outlined what she is announcing today.

Ireland’s ‘lenient’ bail system should be reformed.  That’s the call from Independent Dublin City Councillor, Nial Ring. Ciara asked Nial why he felt the system needed to be overhauled.   Also speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was  Barry Ward, Fine Gael Senator and Criminal Barrister .  

US President Joe Biden has had to directly address concerns about his age when campaigning for re-election.   Opinion polls have shown that American voters are concerned about the President’s seniority ahead of next year’s vote.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast with more on this was Nora Owen, Former Minister for Justice was asked are we too quick to judge people for their age. 

President Michael D Higgins has warned there is no doubt whatsoever that people will have to alter their diet to deal with Climate change. Irish Farmers Association President Tim Cullinane gave his reaction to these comments to Shane on the show this morning.  

An ambitious new plan for the future of the Irish language is being launched today. With more on this Ciara was joined by Julian de Spáinn, General Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge.

 Nineteen children suffered significant complications after spinal surgery at Temple Street Hospital in Dublin. The HSE is now commissioning a UK expert to lead an external review into the pediatric orthopedic surgical service at the hospital.  Speaking to Shane this morning with reaction was David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Health.

‘Modern culture has ripped away girls’ childhood, taking their joy with it’   This is the title of an article by Guardian Writer Elle Hunt and Elle spoke to Shane this morning on the show.

The US Senate will no longer enforce a dress code – while some will continue to wear a suit, some will opt for more casual attire.  But, is this the way forward or should we retain some dress etiquette?  We got the view of Noel Cunningham, from Harvey’s Point, Donegal.      

The fallout has continued from multiple accusations of rape and sexual assaults levelled at comedian Russell Brand, which he denies.   But do we the public have some soul-searching to do about enabling poor behaviour?  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Roger Bolton Former BBC editor, presenter and executive who runs the Beeb Watch podcast.

All Things Considered: Is childhood been eroded? Shane and Ciara discuss.

The government's planned budgetary package risks keeping inflation higher for longer, so warns the Central Bank of Ireland in its latest quarterly bulletin.  Austin Hughes, Economist gave his reaction to this?  

The Office of Public Works is set to commission a cull of wild rabbits at Derrynane House National Park in Co. Kerry to protect other wildlife and rare plants. To debate this decision Newstalk Breakfast spoke to John Carmody, Animal Rights Campaigner and Norma Moriarty, Local Fianna Fail councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare municipal district .  

'The Friends Experience' is coming to Dublin for the first time.  The interactive show from Monica's apartment to Central Perk, to the 'PIVOT' moment with Ross & the couch.    Stepping into the world of the most iconic sitcom, perhaps of all time.  Henry McKean met super fans and spoke to the Director of The Friends Experience.