Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

Phone addictions continue to rise amongst all ages – and many people find themselves trying to figure out how to cut down screentime without completely cutting themselves off from technology. Helen Coffey, Senior features writer for the Independent, has the tips.

 Ireland's public finances are benefitting from a young population and a strong economy. But it's important to start preparing the coffers for an older population and more pension. That's according to the latest report from IFAC, and we heard from Niall Conroy, Author of the report and Acting Chief Economist of IFAC.

Phone addictions, are we getting better or worse? Ciara and Shane discussed this morning.

The family of Irish charity worker Gena Heraty, who was among eight people kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti, have asked people to keep the group “in your hearts” as they asked for discretion. Dr Louise Ivers, Professor of Medicine and former Chief of the Mission for Partners in Health in Haiti, who is friends with Gena spoke to Ciara this morning.

A London restaurant has sparked outrage after surreptitiously adding an extra charge to diners' bills. Dubbed the 'carbon free' fee which it says will help 'offset the environmental impact of meals'. Is this type of charge something that's likely to become standard? All to discuss with John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and author of the forthcoming book “The Lie of the Land”.

More than half of parents say they are worried about meeting back-to-school costs this year. A new survey by Barnardos has found only one third of secondary school parents said that costs were manageable. Our reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting with parents to hear how costly this time of year is for them.

Summer is a great time to examine our utility bills and service providers. We all want to save money, and while the bills are low, this is our opportunity. So wrote Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner and she explained all to Ciara this morning.

The Israeli cabinet is set to meet to consider Prime Minister Netanyahu's plan for a full military takeover of Gaza, a move not seen in two decades. Ciara gets the latest on the situation there with Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, has held talks overnight with his Haitian counterpart about the kidnapping of Mayo woman Gena Heraty. For the latest on this was Liz Dunphy, journalist with the Irish Examiner.

The final of Love Island was on last night, with Toni Laites and Cach Mercer taking the fifty-thousand-pound prize. The iconic reality show has seen a dip in popularity in recent years. But did this year's season exceed expectations? All to discuss with Fionnuala Jones, Broadcaster, podcaster and self-confessed Love Island expert.

The Government is set to consider a major overhaul of its response to flooding and extreme weather emergencies, including plans to establish permanent flood relief centres across key regional locations. We discuss further with Climatologist and Professor Emeritus of Geography at Maynooth University, John Sweeney.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will urge a meeting of his security cabinet today to support the full “conquest of the Gaza Strip” according to reports in Israeli media. We get the latest with Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Middle East Correspondent.

A leading paediatric consultant has said that domestic abusers should go to refuge centres, instead of their partners and children. Dr Suzanne Crowe says forcing families into refuges disrupts children's health and education and violates their rights. We discuss further with Sinn Féin Senator Nicole Ryan.

Independent Ireland TD for Cork North-Central, Ken O'Flynn has condemned the Government's decision to continue taxing tips, calling it “a tax on decency.” Ken spoke to Ciara this morning.

The National Bus and Rail Union is urgently calling for the introduction of a dedicated transport police unit following a violent incident on a Dublin Bus this weekend. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Dermot O'Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said "no stone" will be left unturned to secure the release of an Irish woman Gena Heraty who was kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti yesterday. Our Reporter Stephanie Rohan joins us for more on this.

A whole host of international and Irish acts will be taking to the stages across Curraghmore Estate this weekend in Waterford. But with such a huge following, and the festival growing year-by-year, what does such a huge influx of people do for a place like Waterford. Kyle Butler, Reporter with WLR FM joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

More than 4 in 10 Go For the ‘One Month's Salary' Engagement Ring Rule, that's according to a nationwide survey from Gallagher in Ireland. Chris Andrews, Managing Director at Weir & Sons Jewellers joined us to discuss.

With over 300,000 households now behind on their electricity bills, should the government reconsider its decision to rule out new energy credits in the autumn budget or is increasing the fuel allowance a better targeted solution? Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Fingal West Louise O'Reilly & John Clendennen Fine Gael TD for Offaly joined Shane Coleman to discuss.

Outgoing Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has promised to publish a report which shows that a substantial number of gardaí assigned to Roads Policing are not doing their jobs and have no interest in doing them. He called their actions "brazen and contemptuous" and the report's conclusions "sobering". Christy Galligan, Former Garda Sergeant joined us on Newstalk Breakfast to discuss.

“No one wants to hear about your dreams – unless you follow my golden rule”. So writes Adrian Chiles, broadcaster and Guardian columnist who joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff has met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a bid to salvage Gaza truce talks. Avi Mayer, founder of the Jerusalem Journal and Former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

The lack of green spaces of Dublin's inner city – and cities across the world is “disastrous” for people's mental health. That's according to Anthony Freeman O'Brien, Liberties Communities Project member who joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

Gardaí have concluded their search in Wexford as part of an ongoing investigation into the 1998 disappearance and murder of Fiona Sinnott. Conor Lally, Irish Times Crime & Security Editor spoke to Shane Coleman on the show.

More than one in three of us have not taken any measures to prepare for the end of our lives. That's according to new research published today by Royal London Ireland, who's Protection Propositions Lead Barry McCutcheon told us about their findings. We were also joined by Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin.

Ultra-processed baby foods that “set children up for a lifetime of obesity” are “dominating” supermarket shelves, experts have warned. Sarah Keogh, Dietician & Founder of Eatwell joined us on the show this morning.

The Government has approved Uisce Eireann's Water Services Strategic Plan 2050, outlining the strategic direction and the actions they will implement to ensure sustainable public water services for Ireland. But what is the future of water infrastructure in Ireland, and are Irish people really on board with what's needed? Gavin Lawlor, President of the Irish Planning Institute joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

The Occupied Territories Bill legislation should be widened to include a ban on services as well as goods. That's the call from the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose Chair John Lahart joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

Ireland has become a global outlier by being “virtually defenceless,” and our allies are going to grow tired of that. That's according to Cathal Berry, former TD and former member of the defence forces who joined Jonathan Healy on the show.

A 100-million-euro redevelopment project to redevelop Stephen's Green shopping centre has been rejected by An Comisiúin Pleanála. They said the proposed glass design lacked a “sense of original aesthetic” - but they also noted the current facade is by no means the gold standard. So, what is the future of Stephen's Green shopping centre? Dr Carole Pollard, Former president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland & Editor of the book Irish Cities in Crisis, joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

Ukrainian families in Youghal are being moved to a number of different locations today and tomorrow. This has caused upset among the residents being provided with temporary accommodation and the employers they work for in the area. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie travelled to the East Cork town to hear how this is impacting those affected.

Ireland has recorded its highest alcohol treatment figures in more than 10 years, according to a new report from the Health Research Board. Sheila Gilheany, Alcohol Action Ireland CEO joined Jonathan Healy on the show.

The Government must recommit to the reduction of speed limits in urban areas after promising to do so in the Programme for Government. That's the call from the Dublin Commuter Coalition, and their Public Relations Officer Gary Marshall joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

A garda has suffered multiple stab wounds following a knife attack in Dublin city centre. One man was arrested following the incident. Paul Cleary, Garda Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

Two leading Israeli rights organisations have said Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza constitutes genocide against the Palestinian population and the country's western allies have a legal and moral duty to stop it, it comes as Britain will recognise the state of Palestine in September. Jonathan Heaky spoke to one of those organisations B'Tselem.

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia's Far East in the early hours of the morning, triggering tsunami fears across the Pacific, with warnings and alerts in place across Japan, parts of the US including Hawaii, California and Alaska, and the Philippines. Malika Dudley, Meteorologist and Former Miss Hawaii spoke to Shane Coleman on the show.

We are often told about the importance of Ireland weaning itself off fossil fuels and reducing our reliance on other countries to keep the lights on. However, a new report from the National Social and Economic Council suggests it isn't as simple as going renewable and reaping the benefits. Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist at the ESRI joined Jonathan Healy on the show.

A garda has suffered multiple stab wounds following a knife attack in Dublin city centre. One man was arrested following the incident. Mick O'Toole, Crime and Defence Editor with The Irish Daily Star and The Irish Mirror, brought us the latest.

Last night, Channel 4 aired 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story. It follows the sex worker Bonnie Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, as she defends her career creating some of the most explicit content online. Ali Ryan, Founder of Goss.ie joined us on the show.

Thousands of digital missionaries and young Catholics have arrived in Rome this week to discuss the role of social media and how young believers can drive change. As part of this, the Vatican is seeking the help of “hot priests” to spread the good word. Fr David Vard a 33-year-old Irish priest at the Jubilee in Rome and he joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

The science has finally spoken; you need to cut your toxic friends and ‘frenemies' for the good of your health. Yes, a team of researchers from NYU found that negative social ties could cause premature ageing. Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and Consultant Psychiatrist at Tallaght Hospital, joined Jonathan Healy on the show to discuss.

A man has been sentenced to death in Lebanon after he was convicted for his part in the killing of Irish peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney, who was shot dead while serving in the region in December 2022. Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent with the Irish Times joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.