Highlights from Newstalk Breakfast

More than 100 aid and rights groups on have today called for governments to take action as hunger spreads in Gaza. They are demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the lifting of all restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Stephen Bowen, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin joined Newstalk Breakfast this morning ahead of the Cabinet summer break. Joining Shane to discuss Metrolink, budget and the National Development Plan and more.

You'd have to be living under a rock to have missed the video and subsequent fallout of a pair now known as ‘the Coldplay Couple'. But in the fallout, should we ask ourselves; have we finally gone too far in exposing more about this couple? All to discuss with Columnist with The Irish Independent, Simon Bourke.

Drinking water in private supplies is becoming worse quality than public water supplies. That's according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency. We discuss the findings with Noel Byrne, Programme Manager of the Drinking Water and Waste Water Enforcement Team with the EPA.

Tour guides at a site of the Battle of the Boyne are not allowed to wear green and orange, according to an email regarding dress code seen by the Irish Independent. Shane get reaction from Dr Ruth Dudley Edwards, Historian, Commentator and Author of the Faithful Tribe.

Black Sabbath frontman and heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, after being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019. Jeanne Wolf, Hollywood journalist who interviewed Ozzy told us what he was like?

The Government has warned that the 9.4-billion-euro Budget for 2026 could be affected by a “deterioration in the tariff landscape”. However, the summer economic statement is silent on how exactly things might change if there is a big shock. Jonathan discusses this further with Dr Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College.

A plebiscite asking the people of Dublin if they want a directly elected mayor should take place alongside the Presidential elections later this year. That's according to Aodhán Ó Riordáin, Labour MEP and Dublin Spokesperson and also Daithí de Róiste, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Many parents are now deep in the trenches of summer survival. We hear why Summer camps are the key to surviving summer for parents with Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor and Saturday Weekend Magazine Columnist with The Irish Examiner.

The Government is due to announce the details of a flagship plan to build infrastructure over the next five years, as well as outlining in its Summer Economic Statement how much money will be set aside in the Budget for tax cuts. We discuss all with Paul Hosford, Acting Political Editor with the Irish Examiner.

People living in more disadvantaged communities had more negative attitudes towards immigration, in particular, disadvantaged communities where there was an increase in migrants since 2011. That's according to ESRI research published today. To discuss this research further was Senior Policy Officer at the ESRI and co-author of the report Keire Murphy and Dr Mike Murphy Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology in UCC.

“Abortion numbers can triple, and still Ireland refuses to acknowledge that the reluctant repealers were wrong, wrong, wrong. The Eighth was saving lives in the thousands.” So says Breda O'Brien, Columnist with the Irish Times and Patron with the Iona Institute. Breda spoke to Ciara this morning.

Funeral directors in the south-east are waiting on the decision for a planning application that would see a crematorium built on the outskirts of Waterford. It comes as cremation becomes an increasingly popular practice around Ireland. We discuss further with Aidan Walsh from Aidan Walsh & Sons Funeral Directors who filed the planning application.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the "accelerating breakdown of humanitarian conditions" in Gaza. It comes after Israeli forces launched air and ground offensives on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, a key hub for humanitarian efforts in the territory. Speaking to Shane this morning was Aseel Baidoun, Medical Aid for Palestinians' Deputy Director of Advocacy and Campaigns.

The Irish Road Haulage Association calling on the Government to remove the driver testing system from the Road Safety Authority. Before, they say “any more damage to the Irish economy is done”. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Brendan Walsh, Chief Operations Officer, Road Safety Authority.

People taking selfies with puffins on Saltee Islands or feeding the deer in Phoenix Park need to keep their distance or risk causing unintentional harm to wildlife. That's according to Richard Nairn, Ecologist and author of Future Wild.

The second part of the Online Safety Code comes into effect today, with a view to making the Internet a safer place for all, with a particular emphasis on children. What does it entail and will it really make an impact? All to discuss with Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

Ryanair has said it is considering increasing the commission it pays to staff who identify oversized bags at boarding gates. All to discuss with Eoghan Corry, Editor of TravelExtra.ie.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said that the revised National Development Plan will provide a "significant uplift", particularly in areas that need strategic investment such as water, energy, transport and housing. We discuss this further with Gavin Lawlor, President of Irish Planning Institute.

The HPV vaccine “catch-up” programme is set to be renewed and rolled out “without delay”, according to the Tánaiste, giving anyone under 25 a chance at immunisation. It comes following a backslide in the number of people taking the vaccine. All to discuss with Sheena Mitchell, Owner of Milltown Total Health Pharmacy and Host of the WonderCare Podcast.

A second half for the ages saw Tipperary seal the Liam MacCarthy Cup at the All-Ireland Hurling Final yesterday in Croke Park. We review with game with Tommy Rooney, Off the Ball GAA Correspondent.

This weekend saw several more people come out of the woodworks to weigh in on the Presidential election, including none other than Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley. Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent brings us the latest on the race to the Aras.

The Government have published an independent evaluation of the National Drugs Strategy, has found it made significant progress in advancing a health-led approach to drug use. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Dr Garrett McGovern, Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic and GP Addiction Specialist.

A Status Orange warning for rain is in place for four counties in Leinster, with Met Éireann warning of widespread surface flooding and "hazardous" travel conditions. We get the latest on the weather this morning with Aoife Kealy, Forcaster with Met Éireann.

Earlier this week we heard from Sarah Jane Allen about her endometriosis diagnosis and the issues she has had accessing treatment. Following on from the interview with Sarah Jane we discuss the endometriosis care in Ireland with Dr Niamh Daly, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Rotunda Hospital.

Are you travelling to the All-Ireland Hurling Final in Croke Park? Michael Moynihan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner has the list of the dos and don'ts ahead of Sunday's game.

It's been one year since the ICJ ruled Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful under international law. Dan Mulhall, Former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, joined us to discuss the potential impacts of the Occupied Territories Bill

The majority of Dubliners will see their property tax rise next year as Dublin city councillors are set to become the latest local authority in the capital to vote to increase the tax. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for Dublin's North Inner City, and Daithi Doolan, Sinn Féin Councillor for Ballyfermot Drimnagh.

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon Galway and spokesperson for Health, Dr. Martin Daly, is calling for a full ban on sunbeds, warning they pose a serious and immediate risk to public health. Dr Martin explained by to Newstalk Breakfast.

10 years ago, Ireland's postcode system was introduced. Gone were the days of searching for hours for a rural house, Eircode to the rescue. Have they been the success they are touted as? All to discuss with Siobhan Maguire, Consumer Journalist.

The Minister for Education has been asked to consider introducing a mandatory three-week Gaeltacht course for every Leaving Certificate student studying Irish. To discuss this Ciara was joined by Julian de Spainn, Ard Runai Conradh na Gaeilge.

The EU is drawing up a list of possible tariffs and export controls on US services, in case trade talks with Washington break down. Two officials close to the negotiations say the measures are being prepared by the European Commission in response to US President Donald Trump's tariffs, but still need approval from EU member states. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Olof Gill, European Commission Spokesperson for Trade.

Newstalk's political correspondent Sean Defoe is handing out his Dáil star awards as politicians get ready for their summer holidays. From the newcomer of the year to the biggest political cowardice moment, Sean has all the prizes.

You might know Chris Tarrant, broadcaster and former host of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, best for asking contestants whether they want to phone a friend. But now he's released a book about one of his greatest passions bears called 'For The Love Of Bears'. We phoned our friend Chris and chatted about his book and more.

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.

Should national anthem be on the school curriculum? Shane and Ciara discussed this on the show.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.