Highlights from Newstalk Breakfast

Beyond the value of the cash and coins they hold, there's a sentimental value to wallets we're losing as phones become our main method of payment. That's according to Ellie Harrison, TV Editor of the Independent.

Ireland's World Cup dream has turned into a nightmare after losing two-one to Armenia last night. But is there any hope left at all for qualifying hopes? We asked Johnny Ward, sports journalist.

The Spanish government has approved a draft law to ban smoking and vaping on bar and restaurant terraces. The new law would also prohibit minors from using vapes and stop sale of single-use electronic cigarettes. We get reaction to this with Chris Macey, The Irish Heart Foundation's Director of Advocacy.

The leaders of Hamas have survived an Israel strike on a negotiation delegation in Doha, the capital of Qatar. While the White House has said the IDF strike does not align with their goal to resolve conflict in the Middle East, Hamas have said the US are just as responsible as Israel for the attack. Speaking to Shane this morning was Yossi Beilin, A former Israeli Minister of Justice.

There are now more obese school-aged children worldwide than those who are underweight. That's according to a new report from UNICEF, which found 1 in 10 kids around the globe now suffer from obesity. To discuss further we heard from Dietician Orla Walsh.

New research published today by the National Youth Council of Ireland reveals the severe impact of the cost-of-living crisis on young people, with rent and accommodation emerging as the single greatest financial challenge. Newstalk's Ellen Kenny asked the young people of Dublin for their two cents on the matter. We also discuss this further with Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI.

Meanwhile Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has reaffirmed his opposition to developer tax breaks, warning of their “risks and dangers”. Should there be tax breaks for developers? All to discuss with Conor O'Connell, Director of Housing and Planning of The Construction Industry Federation and Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin.

Hamas leaders have reportedly survived IDF strikes on the Qatari capital of Doha. Although five Hamas members were killed, the group said Israel failed to “assassinate” the negotiation delegation. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Reuters Reporter Andrew Mills is in Doha and also Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged residents of Gaza City to evacuate as the military intensifies its offensive on the main urban centre of the Palestinian territory. Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist joined us on the show this morning.

Ireland's economy continues to perform well – so the Government does not need to continue pumping money into the economy. That's according to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council in their pre-Budget Submission. Niall Conroy, acting chief economist at IFAC joined us on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

One in five Irish children now live below the poverty line when housing costs are taken into account, according to new research from the Economic and Social Research Institute. Co-author of the report Dr Barra Roantree joined Shane Beatty on Breakfast Briefing to this morning discuss his findings while Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.

Rather than arguing over household tasks, Jess Wright has come up with an alternative solution: she bills her husband if he's not pulling his weight. Jonathan Healy spoke to Jess, and started by asking her how she came up with this scheme...

The French Government has once again collapsed after Prime Minister Francois Bayrou lost a vote of confidence in parliament yesterday evening. Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief with Bloomberg brought us the latest.

Fianna Fáíl will today choose its presidential candidate in a secret ballot between candidates Jim Gavin and Billy Kelleher. Newstalk's Political Correspondent Sean Defoe joined Shane Coleman on the show.

Shane Coleman was joined on the show this morning by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald.

If we want fairer wealth distribution in Ireland, we need to tax property properly – so writes Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin John Fitzgerald in the Irish Times today who joined Shane Coleman on the show.

Gardaí are investigating claims there was a bomb at the family home of Tánaiste Simon Harris yesterday afternoon, resulting in a large security operation. This is the third threat made against the Fine Gael leader in just over a week. Ciaran Cannon, Former Fine Gael TD joined Jonathan Healy on the show this morning.

Cocaine kits have been spotted for sale in a shop window in Dublin's city center. Marketed as ‘snuff kits', they include a razor, a metal spoon and a snorting tube. How harmful is the open promotion and sale of these products? Addiction counsellor Austin Prior joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.

Vow renewals are the new weddings. Sarah Madden brought us this report…

Kerry County Council will today hold the first of a nationwide series of Presidential candidate consultation meetings as the local authority route for securing a nomination narrows. Our reporter Josh Crosbie is in Kerry,,,Newstalk's political correspondent Sean Defoe joined Jonathan Healy on the show.

US President Donald Trump said he was prepared to move forward on new sanctions on Moscow, hours after Russia fired its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine. Kira Rudyk, Ukrainian MP joined Shane Coleman on the show.

Why the smooth sounds are such a source of frustration? Adrian Chiles, broadcaster and Guardian columnist tell us why he detests hold music.

Although still well in the minority, research has shown that the number of children being homeschooled has increased. The number has grown from 1,507 to 2,499 in recent years. Should homeschooling become more mainstream, and does it prove a more viable option for some families? We heard from Monica O'Connor, mother of six.

Cabinet Minister Patrick O'Donovan has accused hoteliers of “robbing people up to their eyeballs”. While warning the Vat reduction promised in the Budget is not guaranteed. Shane and Ciara discussed all this morning.

The Russian Embassy in Ireland has strongly criticised the possibility of deploying Irish peacekeepers in Ukraine. It comes after yesterday, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said Ireland would be willing to consider sending peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia. All to discuss with Cathal Berry, former TD.

The Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon has said he is "extremely concerned" over the State's response to a boy who is missing in north county Dublin and presumed dead. Dr Niall Muldoon spoke to Ciara this morning with more on this.

Minister Paschal Donohoe discusses Ireland's infrastructure crunch, housing delays, and what the government plans for Budget 2026

Giorgio Armani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer who built a global empire, has died at the age of 91. Speaking about his legacy was Jo Ellison, Editor of “How to spend it magazine” for the Financial Times.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has ended his efforts to run in the presidential election, claiming that a new generation has been told lies about his character and political life. Newstalk's Political Correspondent Sean Defoe brings us all the latest on the race to the Áras.

Ireland's infrastructure challenges are now seen as a direct threat to competitiveness. Chambers Ireland warns that delays in planning, housing, energy and transport are driving up costs and holding back growth. We heard from Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot.

Could the incentive of free coffee for picking up rubbish be the answer to our litter problems? Litter picking schemes in Copenhagen, the UK, and America amongst others have proven effective in diminishing rubbish, particularly in tourist hotspots. Could this work in Ireland? All to discuss with John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and author of the Lie of the Land.

The head of the Metropolitan Police has called on the UK government to "change or clarify" the law following the arrest of comedian Graham Linehan over posts he made online. The 57-year-old Father Ted writer was arrested under the Public Order Act on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence in relation to posts about trans people on X. We discuss this further with Dominic Grieve Former UK Attorney General and Conservative MP.

At least 15 people have died and 18 were injured after a famed Lisbon funicular derailed and smashed into a building in one of the Portuguese capital's most popular tourist spots. Joining us for more on this was Katie Wright a freelance journalist in Lisbon.

Allowing garden homes without planning permission will have “significant unintended consequences, even if limited to family members only.” So says the Irish Planning Institute in its submission to a recent government consultation. All to discuss further with Gavin Lawlor, President of Irish Planning Institute.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority has seized over 10,000 illegal weight-loss as part of a wider crackdown on falsified medicines. We get the details from Donal O Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist and HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity.

Many avid Electric Picnic veterans were left disappointed yesterday after a long-running loyalty scheme failed to secure them tickets. Places at next year's festival sold out within two hours, leaving many hopefuls empty-handed.We asked what happened with Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

At least 15 people have died and 18 were injured after a famed Lisbon funicular derailed and smashed into a building in one of the Portuguese capital's most popular tourist spots. We get the latest on the tragic accident from Journalist Gonçalo Costa Martins.

Fans of the American Office will know that theme music all too well. Yes, the creators who brought you Michael Scott and the hilarious Dunder Mifflin team are back with another mockumentary, The Paper starring Ireland's own Domnhall Gleeson. Our reporter Sarah Madden caught up with Domhnall at the offices of the Toledo Truth Teller ahead of the series' Sky TV debut this Friday.

The annual cost of residential parking permits in Dublin city could increase by 350 per cent, going from 50 euros to 225 euros, following a review by Dublin City Council. For more on this we spoke to Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of the Irish Times.

Tusla has confirmed it had dealings 5 years ago with the family of a child now missing presumed dead. A search will continue this morning as part of the investigation in North Dublin. We get the latest with Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan is in Donabate.

Former Minister Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as the sole nominee for Fine Gael to contest the upcoming Presidential Election, which is set to take place on October 24th.Heather spoke to Shane in her first interview since announcing her Presidency election bid.

The new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is considering whether frontline Gardaí should carry taser guns. Tasers are already used by specialist units in the force, but could arming the frontline curb violence in the State? To discuss further we heard from Christy Galligan, Retired Garda Sergeant and Local Peace Commissioner in Donegal and Dr Pat Leahy, Former Garda Assistant Commissioner for Dublin.