Newstalk Breakfast

An Garda Síochána will commence a Taser Pilot for Frontline Uniform Gardaí from today. It’s something we have debated many times on this show, but the ICCL say it is a dangerous step for community policing. For more on this Ciara spoke to Joe O’Brien, Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

CareDoc employees will begin a 24-hour strike today due to a dispute over HSE funding not being paid to workers.   Caredoc provides GP out-of-hours services in the southeast of the country, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and south Tipperary. We heard from   Ger McNally, SIPTU Health Organiser.

Ireland’s energy emissions are down 16% since 2018, even as the population has grown, but a new SEAI report warns progress is far too slow. To meet 2030 climate targets, emissions cuts must now more than double, with transport and energy infrastructure under particular pressure.  All to discuss with Margie McCarth, Director of Research and Policy Insights at SEAI.

Up and down the country right now families and homes are facing up to a rampant dose of flu. Leaving many bedridden and unable to participate in normal life.  But what's the correct attitude to have if you do come down with the flu?  Esther McCarthy, Weekend Magazine Columnist with The Irish Examiner has been writing o...

Later today, Minister for Children Norma Foley will launch the Action Plan on Childcare.  Phase one of the plan includes increases to the income limit for the National Childcare Scheme, and a consultation aimed at reducing the cost of childcare to 200 euro per child per month in the lifetime of this Government. We speak to Elaine Dunne, Chair...

The terrorist attack on Bondi Beach which targeted a Hannukah event, has killed at least 15 people. It highlights the rise in antisemitism globally, and raises concerns for the safety of the Jewish community in Ireland.  We get reaction to this terrorist attack from  Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder  and also Rabbi Levi Wolff of Central Sydney Synagogue.  

A review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign has found that “nothing further was done” by party bosses after Jim Gavin told them he had no recollection of an issue with a former tenant, before he was selected as their presidential candidate.   Parliamentary party members met yesterday to discuss these findings and shared their grievances with leader Micheál Martin. We disc...

Today, the Minister for Health will introduce the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill, introducing a ban on the sale of disposable vapes.   The Government also plans on developing legislation preventing the sale of any nicotine product to people under 18. Speaking to Sean this morning was  Professor John Crowne, Consultant oncologist at St Vincent's Hospital Group. 

Sending and receiving letters has gone out of style in the digital age. But during the festive season, are people sending out Christmas cards? Newstalk’s own Ellen Kenny took to the streets of Dublin to find out: 

Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said he did not anticipate a vote on the Mercosur trade deal until January.  Adding that the agreement offers substantial benefits for Irish farmers and the broader economy. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Dennis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.

A review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign has found that “nothing further was done” by party bosses after Jim Gavin told them he had no recollection of an issue with a former tenant, before he was selected as their presidential candidate.   The review, and Micheál Martin’s future as leader of the party, was discussed by parliamentary members last night.  We discuss all this...

Housing Minister James Browne will update Cabinet today about the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which would provide up to 140,000 euros to help people turn spaces above shops into homes.     Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Claire McManus, Director of JFOC Architects and Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects.

Ukraine’s top peace negotiator said Monday that U.S. and Ukrainian officials had achieved “real progress” in the second round of peace talks in Berlin aimed at ending Russia’s war.  We heard from Patrick Bury, Defence Expert at the University of Bath and former NATO analyst. 

Today, the Oireachtas will consider a petition calling on the expansion of voting rights to Irish people living abroad.  A referendum to offer voting rights to Irish citizens living outside the Republic was postponed way back in 2019, but should it be reconsidered?   All to discuss with Emma DeSouza, Writer, Political Commentator and member of VotingRights.ie. 

The long-awaited review of Fianna Fáil's presidential election campaign was submitted to the party leader Micheál Martin last night. Under the review's terms of reference Mr Martin will share its findings with the members of the parliamentary party after he has considered the report.  With more on this Sean was joined by Malcom Byrne, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intel...

The government has launched a survey asking responders if they prefer mixed or single-sex schools. While the results have yet to be published. Ireland, which has had a long history of single-sex schooling is bound to yield interesting results.    We discuss further with Barbara Ennis, Principal of Alexandra College and Simon Lewis Primary School Principal and podcaster.    

There was a 259 per cent increase in deaths by cocaine poisoning between 2013 and 2022, according to the latest research by the Health Research Board. Joining Sean to discuss more is Dr Suzi Lyons, Head of National Health Information Systems. 

The European Commission is expected to reverse the effective ban on the sale of engine-combustion cars. This change is due to take place from 2035 after pressure from automakers across the EU.   We discuss further with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent .  

US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit seeking at least 10 billion dollars from the BBC over a documentary that edited his 2021 speech to supporters ahead of the US Capitol riot.  We get the latest on this with David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief with the Guardian.

Where to spend Christmas when you and your partner hail from different counties? We are joined now by Cork-native Fionnuala Jones, Broadcaster and Podcaster,

You may already be planning your TV watching for over the festive period. But those of us looking to consume content from the BBC will have to watch it live as it's no longer possible to record the channel in Ireland, as a result of newer set top box technology.   All to discuss with Newstalk's Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly. With thanks to Renault.

A summit is getting under way this morning in Berlin between US envoys and European leaders, in the hopes of ending the Russian war in Ukraine.   In a bid to secure peace, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he is willing to concede Ukraine’s ambitions of NATO membership   What might this mean for Ukraine, and for European defence?   All to discuss with Sean...

A new analysis of Census figures has shown that the population of the Gaeltacht is growing but the number of families raising their children through Irish is falling.   We discuss further with Director of Development at Conradh na Gaeilge  Aodhan O’Dea.  

"Have you the Christmas tree up?" It's the standard greeting in Ireland every December. But do you go for spruce or fir, star or angel?   Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports: 

A terrorist attack on Bondi Beach yesterday has left at least 15 people dead including a 10-year-old girl. The shooting targeted a Hannukah event, at which about 1,000 people were present.  Speaking to Sean Defoe this morning was Jack Hahn, News Reporter at the Today Show in Sydney.