Newstalk Breakfast

The Irish Heritage Trust will later today unveil its 10-year strategy which aims to secure the future sustainability of Ireland’s built and natural heritage. But do we value our heritage enough in this country? Speaking to Shane this morning was Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council.

Labour TD Alan Kelly has urged the Government to “look into” the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, labelling plans to prosecute a member for doing “his duty” as “outrageous”. Alan Kelly spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Now last night Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said engagement and not blockades were needed after locals in Co Clare protested yesterday at the arrival of thirty-four asylum seekers at a hotel in Inch just outside Ennis. Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte was at the Magowna House Hotel and gave us an update on the situation there.

We discuss the Government's plans to restrict cars in public sector offices with Sadhbh O’Neill, coordinator of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition.

A new feature on WhatsApp will allow users be able to lock and hide private conversations. Elaine Burke, host of the “For Tech's Sake” podcast, explained what exactly is this new feature.

Up for discussion this morning between Shane and Jonathan this morning, do we need to curb the amount of cars to the office?

Ministers are to meet with senior gardaí this week to discuss the policing of anti-migrant protests. It comes after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government will work with Gardai to make sure that those responsible for the attacks over the weekend are detected and held to account. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Jim O’Callaghan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay South & Spokesperson on Justice an...

ix in ten workers would like to retire at 60 or before and one in five would retire at the age of 50 if they could afford to. That’s according to a new survey by Royal London Ireland. We asked Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic and Columnist with the Irish Examiner what she made of these stats?

Minister Paschal Donohoe has privately warned that the delivery of the state’s €165 billion of infrastructure this decade is “at serious risk” and said that new solutions must be found urgently. So reported the Business Post on Sunday. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast wasDr Francis Ruane, Chair of the state’s National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, and we asked how concerning is this.

Pest Experts, Rentokil have warned of a threat of rodents as they have recorded a 65% increase in callouts for rodents in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Colm Moore is the Area Technical Manager for Rentokil.

Today the Ombudsman for Children’s Office published their annual report for 2022 titled “Falling Behind”. The report indicates that Ireland is falling behind on children’s rights in a number of areas from education to mental health. Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children explained what was are the most concerning findings from the report.

Parents of children from St Kevins primary school in Greystones have signed up to a code, to hold off on buying their children a smartphone. Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

The Digital Poverty Alliance in the UK has criticised Vodafone’s decision to turn off its 3G network, saying it will have “detrimental effects” on those who use older devices. The 3G network is also being phased out here in Ireland - so should we be worried? Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kell.

A damning report from daft.ie this morning shows growing alarm for renters in the capital. Speaking to Shane this morning on the findings of this report was Ronan Lyons, Associate Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

Children and parents across the country are being encouraged to walk to school this week. The five-day challenge aims to increase exercise for students and motivate a healthier lifestyle throughout school communities. Our reporter Josh Crosbie visited a school in Kerry to talk with children, parents and staff about Walk to School Week.

Longer operating hours for speed cameras, a new driving test and alco-locks for truck and bus drivers are going to be rolled out to halt the rise in road deaths. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Jack Chambers, Minister of State with special responsibilities for Road Safety.

The average age that our children are exposed to porn is 13. The largest, most visited site, Pornhub does not require age verification – so what are our children seeing? Speaking to Shane to discuss was Helen Rumbelow Feature Writer with The Times.

Shane and Ciara discussed the campaign to recruit male primary teachers to join the education sector.

The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use will hold its second meeting this weekend in Dublin Castle. Speaking ahead of the meeting was Paul Reid is Chair of the Citizen's Assembly on Drugs and former HSE CEO.

Mary Immaculate College has launched a campaign to encourage males to “inspire the next generation and choose primary teaching”, as currently, men make up just 20% of primary level teachers in Ireland - according to official Department of Education statistics Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland explained why is it important that more males take up this role.

The regulations for the Defective Concrete Block scheme should be up and running “in the next number of weeks” So said the Finance Minister Michael McGrath in the Dáil yesterday. The new 10% levy on concrete blocks was brought in as part of the Mica Redress Scheme and is expected to raise 80 million euros annually. Tom Parlon Director General at Construction Industry Federation spoke to Shane this...

Dublin Bus is set to axe its app this month in a huge change that will affect thousands of commuters. Feljin Jose, Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition, gave his reaction to this news.

One in six people is now waiting over 3 months for a dental appointment. That’s according to a new survey from the Irish Dental Association, whose CEO Fintan Hourihan joined Shane to explain the findings of this survey.

Four in five bathing sites across the country have 'excellent’ water quality while 97% meet the minimum standard. So found the new Bathing Water Quality in Ireland report from the Environmental Protection Agency. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Mary Gurrie Programme Manager at the EPA.

Mexican Student Alfredo Gallegos and his girlfriend Karen Perez were off on their holiday to Germany last month when they were subjected to a horrific attack on the way to the airport. Alfredo spoke to Shane this morning on his horrific experience.