Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

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.

Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to bring Early Years and School Age Care graduates within public sector pay and conditions, in line with teachers. We discussed further with Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland.

We've all been at a party with our partner, silently wondering: “I hope they're having as much fun as I am”. Journalist and Columnist, Anniki Sommerville decided to ditch setting her husband up with new friends just let it be.

A Cork City Councillor has claimed Ireland is becoming “a cold place for Catholics and Christians” after Cork city councillors voted to consider a renaming process for Bishop Lucey Park. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Terry Shannon, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Cork City council and South–East area.

What sort of person do you want to represent Ireland? Shane and Ciara discussed this morning.

The European Commission is set to propose merging Common Agricultural Policy funding with other funds, in a radical overhaul of how farmers receive financial supports from the European Union budget. We get reaction from Francie Gorman President of Irish Farmers Association and Vice President of COPA European Farmers Organisation.

The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that urgent action and strengthened policy levers are required to incentivise increased tree planting to ensure Ireland's forestry sector does not become a source of greenhouse gas emissions. We heard from their Chair Marie Donnelly.

A 9.8% rise in non-domestic water charges is coming this October, raising concerns across the business community. One of those concerned is Michael Magner, National President of the Irish Hotels Federation who explained why to Ciara.

87 per cent of Irish adults who are eligible for the pension auto-enrolment scheme are happy to use it once it's rolled out, according to new research from financial advisors Ask Acorn. However, they are also warning that people should be fully aware of what they're signing up for. All to chat with Robert Whelan, Financial advisor with Rockwell Financial Management.

The 2025 Emmy nominations will be announced later this evening, so who deserves to get the nomination? All to chat with Scott Bryan, TV Critic and Broadcaster.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine through NATO and has warned of 'very severe' sanctions against Russia should it fail to reach a peace agreement within 50 days. We discuss further with Ian Bond, Former British diplomat in Moscow, and now the Deputy Director of the Centre for European Reform.

Ibec is urging the Government to adopt a measured and strategic approach in Budget 2026, warning that global economic uncertainty and over-reliance on volatile corporate tax receipts pose risks to Ireland's competitiveness. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gerard Brady, Head of National Policy and Chief economist at Ibec.

Sinn Féin is due to bring forward a motion tonight in the Dáil calling for improved services for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Sarah Jane Allen has spent more than €15,000 on endometriosis services outside of Ireland. Sarah explain her condition and it's impact to Shane this morning.

The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee is to hear from supporters of Israel and Palestine about the Occupied Territories Bill, as the pre-legislative scrutiny begins. Former Minister of Justice, board member of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chairperson of MDA Ireland, Alan Shatter spoke to Shane this morning.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum today revealed that Dear Erin, a stereotyped Irish “rom-com” featuring actor Peter Coonan was an elaborate hoax. The fake trailer, full of clichés from flat caps to whiskey-soaked letters, was created to challenge tired portrayals of Irish people in film. At what point do we stop laughing off the stereotypes and start questioning why they persist?

Tánaiste Simon Harris says the European Commission will publish an expanded list of potential EU tariffs, should no trade deal be reached with the US We discuss all with Economist Austin Hughes.

An “honest” belief that a victim consented to sex will no longer be a legal defence in rape cases according to new proposals being considered by the Government. We discuss this further with Cliona Sadlier, Executive Director Rape Crisis Network Ireland.

‘A Sip of Irish' is the new documentary aiming to prove there's more to Irish food and drink than Guinness and stew. Carlow filmmaker, Frank Mannion, director behind ‘A Sip of Irish' spoke to Ciara this morning.

Over 2,100 pubs have closed since 2005, with more than 100 pubs are closing every year across Ireland. That's according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. We discuss these findings with Tony Foley, Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics at DCU Business School.

The EU is pushing for a last-minute trade deal after President Donald Trump declared plans to impose 30% tariffs on nearly all goods imported from the EU starting next month. Joining Shane to discuss further was John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

Asylum-seekers who are working should have to contribute to the cost of their accommodation in direct provision centre. With more on this we heard from CEO of Doras, John Lannon and Independent TD for Cork North-Central, Ken O'Flynn.

Live Aid at 40. Ciara and Shane has a interesting discussion on the legacy of Live Aid.

Plastic nets on fruit and vegetables and single-use plastic packaging for condiments such as ketchup sachets, will be banned by the end of the decade under new EU rules. We get reaction from Tad Kirakowski, CEO of Voice Of Irish Concern for the Environment.

This week, the housing Minister unveiled new rules allowing studio flats as small as 32 square metres. But are these moves for smaller apartments harkening back to Soviet style housing models? All to discuss with Orla Hegarty, Architect & Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy.

The exhumation of remains at the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home begins today. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Breeda Murphy, PRO of the Tuam Mother & Baby Home Alliance.

With temperatures hitting 30 degrees this weekend, beach trips are a no-brainer but do you know your seaside do's and don'ts? Features Journalist at the Irish Independent, Kirsty Blake Knox tells us.

Supermarkets have pushed back against claims of price gouging, saying their prices remain competitive and their profit margins are slim. We discuss further with Charlie Weston, Personal Finances Editor with the Independent.

81% of Irish people say the drugs problem is out of control in this country – that's according to new research published by Merchants Quay Ireland. It also shows that stigma remains a real and pressing concern for those in addiction in Ireland To discuss further Ciara spoke to Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchant's Quay.

Many will be embracing the warm weather facing us this weekend, but Labour Party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock is calling for legally defined temperature limits for all workplaces to protect employees. Marie spoke to Ciara this morning.

A loyalist bonfire in Co Tyrone controversially topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat has been lit. The Police Service of Northern Ireland earlier said they were investigating a hate incident in reference to the pyre. An Irish tricolour flag was also placed on the bonfire, which is among about 300 which will be burned ahead of the Orange Order's annual 12 July parades. We get reaction to this with Sinn Féin Senator, Conor Murphy.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that 'careful consideration' was given to Palestinian GAA team's visa applications. As we reported earlier this week, 47 members of the team were due to come from the West Bank next week, but they were refused due to “insufficient documentation”. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gill Waters, GAA Palestine Press Officer.

Sunday marks 40 years since Live Aid, the benefit concert organised by Bob Geldof in 1985 following the success of the successful charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?". It is estimated that 150 million pounds has been raised for famine relief since Live Aid – but what other impacts have the concerts had? All to ask Dipo Faloyin author of “Africa is not a country”.

The Social Democrats are proposing a savings scheme to fund affordable housing, saying it could deliver thousands of homes a year and help tackle the housing crisis.With more on this we spoke to Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson.