Newstalk Breakfast

Almost 6,000 complaints were submitted to the National Transport Authority about delayed, cancelled, or so-called “ghost” buses in just the first five months of the year. We discuss these figures with Conor Faughnan, CEO at Royal Irish Automobile Club and commentator on transport.

Duration:00:03:23

Is it hard to see your children grow up?

For many parents, watching their kids grow up can be a rewarding experience. But it can also be tinged with sadness. That’s according to Guardian columnist Zoe Williams.

Duration:00:04:03

Huge numbers of children missed developmental checks

Around 70,000 children missed the crucial 9–11 month Public Health Nurse check between 2020–2024. That's according to figures obtained by Newstalk. Stephanie Rohan, Newstalk Reporter has been looking into these figures.

Duration:00:05:53

Israeli forces have intercepted vessels from the Gaza aid flotilla

Israeli forces have stopped 14 boats carrying foreign activists and aid bound for Gaza, but 30 boats are continuing to sail towards the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave Nine Irish citizens were on board the vessels which were intercepted and detained by the Israeli navy. Speaking to Ciara was Naoise Dolan, who is on board a flotilla en route to Gaza.

Duration:00:08:34

Is it time to change inheritance tax rules?

83 per cent of people believe the family home should be exempt from inheritance tax. That's according to a new survey from Royal London Ireland So, is it time to change inheritance tax rules? All to discuss with Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College and Joe Neville, Fine Gael TD, Member of The Budgetary Oversight Committee & Chartered Accountant.

Duration:00:07:59

A call for 30-kilometre speed limits in urban areas

The “Love 30” Campaign will hold a rally outside the Dáil later this morning, calling for a default 30 kilometre speed limit in urban areas.Joining Ciara to discuss more was Mairéad Forsythe, Love 30 Campaign spokesperson.

Duration:00:03:35

Are our planning laws fit for purpose?

Plans by property giant Hines to build a large-scale apartment scheme with over 1,100 units in Drumcondra have been stalled, following one singular appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála. Are our planning laws fit for purpose? All to discuss with Tom Philips of Tom Phillips and Associates.

Duration:00:06:32

What weather will Storm Amy bring around the country?

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange rain warning for Kerry and a Status Yellow alert for 14 other counties ahead of the arrival of Storm Army on Friday. Alan O’Reilly, From Carlow Weather brings us an update on what weather will Storm Amy bring.

Duration:00:03:19

How long have you held on to a grudge?

I am steadfast in my commitment to holding a grudge. I once paid to name a cockroach after a friend’s ex-boyfriend. So says Irish Independent Columnist Saoirse Hanley.

Duration:00:04:54

Hamas will respond to proposed Gaza peace plan

Hamas has confirmed it will respond to the Gaza peace plan proposed by the US and Israel tomorrow, following warnings from US President Donald Trump that the group has "three or four days" to reply. We discussed this further with Yezid Sayigh a fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Centre in Beirut and a former adviser and negotiator for the Palestinian delegation for peace talks with Israel.

Duration:00:07:58

Riff: Housing for Key workers good plan?

Housing for Key workers good plan? Do you support it? Ciara and Shane discussed this proposed plan this morning.

Duration:00:03:40

A plan to help Key workers rent in the heart of Dublin City

Key workers, including nurses, gardaí and teachers, could have the opportunity to rent low-cost homes in the heart of Dublin City under a new plan from Dublin City Council. All to discuss with Richard Guiney CEO of Dublin Town.

Duration:00:08:05

Should dyslexic students be given extra time to take state exams?

Students who are dyslexic should be able to avail of extra time in Junior and Leaving Cert exams. That’s the call from advocacy group Dyslexia Ireland, whose CEO Rosie Bissett spoke to Shane this morning.

Duration:00:05:06

Will you participate in “Sober October”?

Mental Health Charity Turn2Me is urging people to participate in “Sober October” as research shows over half of young adults have already made positive changes to their drinking habits. We heard from Fiona O'Malley, CEO of Turn2Me. Newstalk’s Ellen Kenny took to the streets to find out how many people are going dry for October and if their habits have changed over the years.

Duration:00:06:21

A drop in number of tourists coming to Ireland

There was an 11 per cent decline in visitors to Ireland in the first seven months of the year, according to CSO figures. This comes as key figures across the tourism industry meet for a major conference on tackling this decline Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast to discuss further was Catherine Flanagan, Director of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation and CEO of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions.

Duration:00:03:55

Man charged with murder of three members of his own family

Robert O’Connor has appeared in court charged with murdering three members of his own family at their home in Co Louth. Bringing us the latest on this was is Conor Lally Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.

Duration:00:02:22

Demand for Irish language courses for adults has skyrocketed

Waiting lists, sold out courses and extra dates added It might sound like promotion for a concert in the 3 arena, but we're actually talking about adult Irish language classes, which are having a year like never before. Newstalk's Sarah Madden is one of the students driving demand beyond expectation and she sent us this report:

Duration:00:04:42

European and Middle Eastern leaders welcome a US peace plan for Gaza

European and Middle Eastern leaders have welcomed a US peace plan for Gaza. The plan, agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, calls for an immediate end to fighting. It includes the release of 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of over two dozen believed to be dead, in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans. For more on this Ciara spoke to Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University.

Duration:00:07:54

Riff: Irish parents should take charge of kids’ social media usage more

Meta boss says Irish parents should take charge of kids’ Instagram and Facebook usage more. All to discuss with Ciara and Jonathan this morning.

Duration:00:04:13

More local reaction to Co Louth triple murder