Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

he number of households behind on their energy bills has soared by 86,000 up to April this year, reaching a total of 286,000 households. That’s according to figures obtained by the Irish Independent and we discuss them further with Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor for the Irish Independent.

Duration:00:04:01

Will we see any easing of cost of living crises for people?

Are we going to see any easing of cost of living crises for people? Ciara asked Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe this morning.

Duration:00:10:03

Should we be teaching the national anthem in schools?

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Conor D McGuinness TD, has slammed the Government’s failure to include Amhrán na bhFiann anywhere in the national curriculum . Conor discuss further with Shane.

Duration:00:08:08

The airport dad the unsung hero of holiday travel!

Airport Dad’s are the unsung heroes of holiday travel according to freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly who explained why she thinks so.

Duration:00:04:21

Calls for Gardaí to tackle drinking at Grand Canal Lock

It’s time for Gardaí to tackle drinking at Grand Canal Lock, so said councillors at the most recent South East Area Committee meeting this week. Labour Councilor for Pembroke and Former Lord Mayor, Dermot Lacey explained why.

Duration:00:06:17

Social Justice Ireland on their calls at the Budget Forum today

Social Justice Ireland says Budget 2026 must boost core social welfare payments by €25 a week to close growing income gaps and meet the Government’s promise of progressive budgeting Shane discussed further with Susanne Rogers Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.

Duration:00:06:14

Are Irish post offices at risk?

An Post could be forced to change the frequency or speed of postal deliveries due to costs and changing consumer habits. Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan told Cabinet yesterday that profits at the mail service were up, but there has been a decline in overall post numbers. We discussed further with David McRedmond, CEO of An Post.

Duration:00:04:36

Should we stop setting men up in new friendships?

We’ve all been at a party with our partner, silently wondering: “I hope they’re having as much fun as I am”. Journalist and Columnist, Anniki Sommerville decided to ditch setting her husband up with new friends just let it be.

Duration:00:05:24

A call for childcare worker’s pay to be in line with teachers

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to bring Early Years and School Age Care graduates within public sector pay and conditions, in line with teachers. We discussed further with Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland.

Duration:00:07:40

Wednesday Riff: What sort of President would you like?

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

Duration:00:05:12

Overhaul of how farmers receive financial supports from the EU budget

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.

Duration:00:06:40

Is Ireland becoming ‘a cold place for Catholics?’

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.

Duration:00:07:26

Urgent action needed to deliver change in the forestry sector

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.

Duration:00:05:00

A 9.8% rise in non-domestic water charges is coming this October

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.

Duration:00:05:41

How does pension auto-enrolment work?

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.

Duration:00:06:37

A look ahead to the Emmy nominations

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.

Duration:00:04:06

President Trump issues a 50-day ultimatum to Russia

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.

Duration:00:05:08

Ibec urges a strategic Budget 2026 to protect Ireland’s competitiveness

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.

Duration:00:07:07

The real-life impact of endometriosis care

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.

Duration:00:08:56

At what point do we stop laughing off the Irish stereotypes?