Newstalk Breakfast

The European Commission is set to propose merging Common Agricultural Policy funding with other funds, in a radical overhaul of how farmers receive financial supports from the European Union budget.  We get reaction from Francie Gorman President of Irish Farmers Association and Vice President of COPA  European Farmers Organisation. 

What sort of person do you want to represent Ireland? Shane and Ciara discussed this morning.

A Cork City Councillor has claimed Ireland is becoming “a cold place for Catholics and Christians” after Cork city councillors voted to consider a renaming process for Bishop Lucey Park. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Terry Shannon, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Cork City council and South–East area.

The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that urgent action and strengthened policy levers are required to incentivise increased tree planting to ensure Ireland’s forestry sector does not become a source of greenhouse gas emissions. We heard from their Chair Marie Donnelly.

A 9.8% rise in non-domestic water charges is coming this October, raising concerns across the business community. One of those concerned is Michael Magner, National President of the Irish Hotels Federation who explained why to Ciara.

87 per cent of Irish adults who are eligible for the pension auto-enrolment scheme are happy to use it once it’s rolled out, according to new research from financial advisors Ask Acorn.  However, they are also warning that people should be fully aware of what they’re signing up for. All to chat with Robert Whelan, Financial advisor with Rockwell Financial Management.

The 2025 Emmy nominations will be announced later this evening, so who deserves to get the nomination?  All to chat with Scott Bryan, TV Critic and Broadcaster. 

Ibec is urging the Government to adopt a measured and strategic approach in Budget 2026, warning that global economic uncertainty and over-reliance on volatile corporate tax receipts pose risks to Ireland’s competitiveness.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gerard Brady, Head of National Policy and Chief economist at Ibec .  

President Donald Trump has announced plans to supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine through NATO and has warned of 'very severe' sanctions against Russia should it fail to reach a peace agreement within 50 days.   We discuss further with Ian Bond, Former British diplomat in Moscow, and now the Deputy Director of the Centre for European Reform. 

Sinn Féin is due to bring forward a motion tonight in the Dáil calling for improved services for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Sarah Jane Allen has spent more than €15,000 on endometriosis services outside of Ireland. Sarah explain her condition and it's impact to Shane this morning.  

The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee is to hear from supporters of Israel and Palestine about the Occupied Territories Bill, as the pre-legislative scrutiny begins.   Former Minister of Justice, board member of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chairperson of MDA Ireland, Alan Shatter spoke to Shane this morning.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum today revealed that Dear Erin, a stereotyped Irish “rom-com” featuring actor Peter Coonan was an elaborate hoax. The fake trailer, full of clichés from flat caps to whiskey-soaked letters, was created to challenge tired portrayals of Irish people in film.   At what point do we stop laughing off the stereotypes and start questioning why they persist? ...

Tánaiste Simon Harris says the European Commission will publish an expanded list of potential EU tariffs, should no trade deal be reached with the US   We discuss all with Economist Austin Hughes.

‘A Sip of Irish’ is the new documentary aiming to prove there’s more to Irish food and drink than Guinness and stew. Carlow filmmaker, Frank Mannion, director behind ‘A Sip of Irish’ spoke to Ciara this morning.

An “honest” belief that a victim consented to sex will no longer be a legal defence in rape cases according to new proposals being considered by the Government. We discuss this further with  Cliona Sadlier, Executive Director Rape Crisis Network Ireland. 

Over 2,100 pubs have closed since 2005, with more than 100 pubs are closing every year across Ireland. That’s according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland.  We discuss these findings with Tony Foley, Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics at DCU Business School.

The EU is pushing for a last-minute trade deal after President Donald Trump declared plans to impose 30% tariffs on nearly all goods imported from the EU starting next month.    Joining Shane to discuss further was John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

Asylum-seekers who are working should have to contribute to the cost of their accommodation in direct provision centre.  With more on this we heard from CEO of Doras, John Lannon and Independent TD for Cork North-Central, Ken O’Flynn.

Live Aid at 40. Ciara and Shane has a interesting discussion on the legacy of Live Aid.

This week, the housing Minister unveiled new rules allowing studio flats as small as 32 square metres.  But are these moves for smaller apartments harkening back to Soviet style housing models? All to discuss with  Orla Hegarty, Architect & Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy.  

Plastic nets on fruit and vegetables and single-use plastic packaging for condiments such as ketchup sachets, will be banned by the end of the decade under new EU rules.  We get reaction from Tad Kirakowski, CEO of Voice Of Irish Concern for the Environment .  

The exhumation of remains at the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home begins today. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Breeda Murphy, PRO of the Tuam Mother & Baby Home Alliance.

Supermarkets have pushed back against claims of price gouging, saying their prices remain competitive and their profit margins are slim. We discuss further with Charlie Weston, Personal Finances Editor with the Independent. 

With temperatures hitting 30 degrees this weekend, beach trips are a no-brainer but do you know your seaside do’s and don’ts? Features Journalist at the Irish Independent, Kirsty Blake Knox tells us.

81% of Irish people say the drugs problem is out of control in this country – that’s according to new research published by Merchants Quay Ireland. It also shows that stigma remains a real and pressing concern for those in addiction in Ireland   To discuss further Ciara spoke to Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchant’s Quay .