Drivetime

An Opinion piece published in the Irish Times today questions that social media is having a negative impact on the mantal health of teenagers. To discuss this Eoin Whelan, professor of business analytics & society University of Galway and Professor Matthew Sadlier, Chair of IMO Consultant Committee and a consultant psychiatrist.

Ryanair has reiterated its call for a limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger to be introduced at airport bars. The airline said such a policy would result in “a safer travel experience for passengers and crews”. Ryanairs Head of Communications, Jade Kirwin tells us more.

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on those involved in government formation talks to address these challenges in the forthcoming Programme for Government. For more on this Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland

New figures released today show that grocery sales in Ireland hit 1.4 billion euro over a record-breaking Christmas. For more on this Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar

The EU climate monitoring agency also declared today that the warming climate was beyond anything humans have ever experienced, with temperatures now 1.6 degrees higher than the pre-industrial average. Chris Hewitt who is Director of Climate at the World Meteorological Organization & Paul Moore, Climatologist at Met Éireann.

The School Meals Programme which provides funding towards the provision of food services for school children in Ireland has been very succesful... But there have been some concerns expressed about the nutritional value. To discuss this Food Policy Consultant Ruth Hegarty & Ger Killian, Managing Director of TheLunchBag.ie.

It comes with several big companies now wanting all their employees in the office for some or all of the working week. One leading employment lawyer says the Government's new remote working legislaiton may not have gone as far as employees anticiapted. For more on this reporter Barry Lenihan.

The long awaited watershed ban on tv and radio alcohol advertising comes into effect from today. The ban restricts the hours for alcohol ads on tv and radio to reduce children’s exposure to alcohol advertising. For reaction Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland & Dr. Frank Murray, Chair of Alcohol Action Ireland.

Arsenal football manager Mikel Arteta has been put to the sword by the media after blaming his side's recent loss to Newcastle on the Puma ball that was used in the game because it ‘flies differently’. So why do managers often reach for implausible excuses afer a loss? Former footballer and manager Roddy Collins spoke with Sarah and Cormac.

Plans to regulate so-called on-street soup kitchens in Dublin have been the subject of some debate in recent days.Dublin City Council may draft new bye-laws that could change how these services operate. Our Reporter Una Kelly has been looking into this

In a statement the ACP also says that while they are not suggesting any cover up of abuse they are looking for balance, fairness and perspective in the presentation of stories and are now speaking out in protest at the way nuns are being portrayed. To discuss this Father Tony Flannery from the Association of Catholic Priests.

The Rutland centre have cautioned that Dry January can encourage healthier choices but is not a solution for those with addiction and raised concerns about zero alcohol drinks for people in recovery.For more on this Maebh Mullany, CEO of The Rutland Centre.

Opposition politicians are pressurising Fianna Fail and Fine Gael over the prominent role of Independent TD Michael Lowry in Government Formation talks. It's after Gardai forwarded a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions about the Moriarty Tribunal. For more on this reporter Barry Lenihan.

The start of a new year is the perfect time for self-improvement and reflection, and one often overlooked area is our friendships and how we manage them. As adults, maintaining meaningful connections can be challenging, and Psychologist, Dr Maureen Gaffney explores the upsides, and downsides of friendships and how they can be nurtured.

This evening the Israeli military says its troops have found the body of a hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, as well as evidence that suggests another may also be dead. For some analysis on the hostage negotiations, Gershon Baskin, Middle East Director with the International Communities Organization and a hostage negotiator.

The new charge came intro effect just over a week ago, but with some Funeral Directors describing the move from a previously free service to 100 euro as "excessive" – several new online platforms are being launched to offer a rival service to RIP.ie. To talk us through some of the rival sites Drivetime’s John Cooke.

House prices are set to continue rising this year and the average price of a second hand property in Dublin is now €582,772- up from €531,773 at the end of 2023. For more on this Paul Murgatryod, DNG Director of Research and Business Development.

Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Meta is to scrap external fact checkers on its platforms - including facebook- and is to instead bring in a system used by Elon Musk on X. The shutting down of its third-party fact-checking programme has raised concerns. Technology editor with The Guardian Robert Booth tells us more.

The Pendulum Summit a gathering about leadership and self-empowerment will be taking place at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Among the speakers inspiring attendees one of the greatest boxers of all time, six time World boxing Champion and Olympic gold medallist - Sugar Ray Leonard joined Cormac.

Hamas says it is committed to reaching an agreement, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement alleging Hamas hasn't yet provided a hostage list. spoke with a representative of the Israeli hostage families Eylon Keshet about hopes for a ceasefire and hostage release.