Newstalk Breakfast

Primary and special schools face disruption today as INTO members begin industrial action, including the withdrawal of pre- and post-school supervision.  A 24-hour strike is also planned for October 14th. Speaking to Jonathan was John Boyle, INTO General Secretary. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Charlie Weston Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent.

Pet owners could soon be allowed to bring their animals on more public transport services. But Rail Users Ireland are calling for fares for larger pets and a ban during busy periods.  Mark Gleeson, Spokesperson for Rail Users Ireland spoke to Jonathan this morning. 

Up to 500 schools in France could be closed or partially closed today, as student protests over teacher shortages, long school days and poor facilities continue to spread  For the latest on the situation in France we heard from Veteran Paris Based Journalist, John Lichfield.

A challenge to the decision to allow a controversial Orange Order parade to go down a predominantly nationalist road is due to be heard in court later.  Speaking to Jonathan was Mark Hennessy Ireland and Britain Editor for The Irish Times.

Dogs, baby buggies and couples in love. There's lots of us now sharing (or not) the nations narrow footpaths. Who should get the right of way and has our footpath etiquette gone by the wayside?  Newstalk's Sarah Madden took to the pavements to find out. Also with reaction to this was Esther McCarthy Columnist with the Irish Examiner .

Ireland’s chance of victory against Austria slipped away in the second half last night. But off the pitch people protested outside, calling for the players not to play against Israel this Sunday.  Henry McKean, Newstalk Reporter was there last night inside and outside the stadium.

Donald Trump is considering a US diesel export ban amid global shortages linked to the Iran war, raising fears of further price rises across Europe and the UK.  Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was Ger Hyland President of the Irish Road Haulage Association. 

Former Miss Ireland, Chelsea Farrell and Fianna Fail TD Deputy, Erin McGreehan discussed the importance of women being heard when it comes to their health. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Jennifer Keane, Founder of Paygap.ie.

In the UK, nearly 1 million young people are not in education, employment or training, despite 84% of these seeking work. But just how important are those first jobs you get, usually in hospitality?  Chatting to Jonathan on this was Isabel Brooks, Freelance Journalist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he “doesn’t plan to attack any European countries” but warns he will respond if Russia “faces aggression”.  For more on this Jonathan spoke to Donnacha Ó Beacháin Professor of Politics at DCU.

Family Carers Ireland is urging the Government to do more for family carers in Budget 2027. It comes after a reported €7.50 weekly increase in Carer’s Allowance falls far short of what’s needed amid rising living costs.   Clare Duffy Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Family Carers Ireland explained what they need with Jonathan.

A man with dual British and Iranian citizenship has been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts over the incident at RAF Fairford.  For the latest on this we heard from Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor, Financial Times .  

With an ageing population, the need for family care in Ireland is projected to rise by at least 49 per cent by 2040.  That’s according to a new ESRI report. To discuss these report findings with Ciara was and the report author and associate research officer at the ESRI Dr Sheelah Connolly. 

Christa Pike, a death row inmate in Tennessee has been taken to hospital after an attempt to execute her by two lethal injections failed. Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. For more on this Ciara spoke to Trina O Connor, Criminologist .

This is now season 2 of The Celebrity Traitors. There’s a whole new cast and a whole new dynamic. How do you think it’s going to go?  To look ahead to the new season was BBC TV Critic, Scott Bryan .  

Ireland will play Austria this evening as part of their UEFA Nations League Campaign. This comes ahead of the controversial match against Israel in Serbia on Sunday. In a week that's seen huge criticism to everyone involved. Speaking to Ciara was Keith Treacy, Former Irish International Footballer.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will get to the “root” of the co-pilot behind a foiled attempt to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight. Adding that Israel may join the investigation  For the latest on this we heard from Mark Weiss, Israel Correspondent with the Irish Times.

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

Students from across Ireland will protest today, calling on Government to “Fund Our Future” and put students at the centre of its plans.  Speaking to Ciara ahead of the protests today was Daniel Walsh, President of AMLE. 

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has launched an investigation into nine online gaming companies. This comes around concerns such as hidden costs, pressure to spend and protection of young people.  We get reaction to this with Ollwyn Moran, neurodevelopmental therapist founder of Cogni Kids. 

Irish Penal Reform Trust have today launched their report with their annual assessment of Ireland's penal system. It comes with a focus on mental health and overcrowding. Joining Ciara to look into the report was Saoirse Brady IPRT Executive Director.

Today marks the beginning of National Breastfeeding Week led by the HSE to celebrate families and promote feeding support.  We get the details of the campaign with Lynn Carroll, La Leche League Leader. 

Portadown Orangemen have said they are “not doing any deal” surrounding their  plan to march down Garvaghy Road at Drumcree in Co Armagh as a standoff continues with residents.  Speaking to Ciara with an update was Ciaran Dunbarr from the Belfast Telegraph.