Newstalk Breakfast
Presented by Anton Savage, a seasoned broadcaster and communications expert, this show has everything you need – and want – to know first thing each morning, brought to you with insight, intelligence and wit. It is Ireland's national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment.
Episodes
Patt Shortt to make his Abbey Theatre debut
Actor and comedian Pat Shortt is about to make his Abbey Theatre debut in “Animals”. Written and directed by Dan Colley, and adapted from the short stories of Blindboy. Pat joined Anton this morning to chat all about his stage debut.
We dig a bit deeper into the GAA integration story
We dig a bit deeper into the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association integration debacle and chat to Professor of Economics and member of the Sports Economics Research Centre in UCC.
INMO members vote in favour of industrial action
Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. This decision comes over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal. Speaking to Anton was Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO General Secretary.
Why antibiotics aren't always the answer?
We are coming into cold and flu season where a lot of people will end up feeling under the weather. A lot of the time, the advice from our GP’s is to rest up and drink plenty of fluids, not antibiotics. To explain why antibiotics aren't always the answer is GP Dr Phil Kieran.
Getting your hands dirty boosts your health!
Could getting your hands dirty actually be good for your health? Research suggests that contact with soil and nature may boost our skin microbes and support our immune system Selene Daly Tarpey, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Tutor explained all to Anton.
Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Fionnuala Corbett, Presenter on Dave and Fionnuala on Today FM.
Calls to cut PRSI and keep jobs
Retail Excellence Ireland is calling for the Government to cut employers’ PRSI in the next budget, including no employers’ PRSI for workers under 25. To discuss further with Anton was Jean McCabe, CEO Retail Excellence.
How education can prevent hate in the online world
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission are calling for human rights, equality, digital and media literacy to be embedded across education. They also say we need a designated lead Department, clear accountability mechanisms, and independent monitoring.For more on this Anton spoke to Dr Niamh Sammon, Assistant lecturer and Programme Chair of the BA in journ
The “disruption costs” of retrofitting
While the capital costs of retrofitting and renovating your home is well-documented. New research from the ESRI considers the less-discussed “hassle costs”. Anton discusses this further with Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist ESRI.
Is it healthy to laugh at yourself?
Have you ever found yourself laughing at yourself after doing something silly, or for being clumsy or maybe even in a social setting? Well don’t worry because it is actually good for you. Joining Anton this morning was Dr Sonja Heintz a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth who has a research focus on humour.
What's behind increased museum heists?
French police are hunting two thieves who escaped with two Renoir paintings worth nine million euro from a museum on the French Riviera. This is the latest in an increased string of heists in Europe over the last year. Speaking to Anton this morning was Eamonn McEnaney, Former Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures.
Mary Lou McDonald from the party’s think-in
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke to Anton this morning ahead from the party’s think-in in Malahide.
The widespread disruption at UK airports
Dublin Airport passengers are being warned of delays. This comes after a major UK air‑traffic control fault caused widespread disruption at airports including Heathrow, grounding flights and triggering hundreds of cancellations. We get the latest on the situation in the UK and home with Eoghan Corry, Travel Commentator and Owner of Travel Extra.
Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger in cinemas now
Oasis are back and they’re on the big screen! Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger has premiered in Venice and hits cinemas today, ahead of its Disney+ release later this year. We get the details from Deputy Editor of Hot Press, Stuart Clark.
Call for supports for farmers adapting to climate change
Farmers should be supported with land-specific climate information, technology and practical advice to prepare for a changing climate. That is according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. Alex White, Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council.
The increasing risks of financial crime
There is an increasing risk in Financial Crime and not enough ways to deal and combat the challenges around it. Anton discusses this further with Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute.
Coimisiúin na Meán opens investigation into X
The media regulator Coimisiún na Meán has opened an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X. This comes amid concerns over its age assurance measures and parental controls. Speaking to Anton was Melissa Ingle, Data Scientist and former X employee in content moderation.
Large drone spotted close to Dublin Bay
An Aer Lingus pilot has reported seeing a large drone close to Dublin Bay. At around 5pm yesterday, the pilot of the Aer Lingus Regional plane told Dublin Air Traffic Control that the drone was spotted at the same altitude as the plane, around 6,000 feet in the sky.Speaking to Anton with reaction was Security and Defense Analyst, Declan Power.
Prices for new and used EVs both up
Used EV values are up for the first time in three years, according to a new report from DoneDeal Electric also took the largest single share of the new car market for the first time in July. Speaking to Anton with more on this was Paddy Comyn, Head of Communications at Done Deal.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin ahead of today's think in
Taoiseach Micheál Martin joined Anton this morning from the Fianna Fáil party think-in.
AI making some people work harder and for longer
Most workers who report saving time by using AI say they use it to work more. Rather than using it to achieve a better work life balance. That’s according to the 2025 Working in Ireland Survey. To discuss the findings with Anton was Professor John Geary, from the School of Business at University College Dublin and lead author on the research.
A decrease in people with health insurance since 2020
There has been a decrease of 1,663 people with health insurance compared with the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest report from the Health Insurance Authority. This marks the first decline in insurance market membership since 2020. We get reaction from Brian Lee, the CEO of the Health Insurance Authority.
Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Harry Browne Media Lecturer in TUD and Host of Ditch Podcast.
Mother of Daniel Tatlow-Devally
Today marks one year since Daniel Tatlow-Davelly first went into German pre-trial detention. Daniel is on trial in Germany for trespassing and criminal damage to an Israeli-owned arms factory. Speaking to Anton this morning was Mimi Tatlow-Golden, Daniel’s mother.
It's incy wincy spider season!
While the sight of a large house spider racing across the living room floor can be alarming. There are simple steps households can take to make their properties less inviting to spiders and other insects. To tell us more wasTrevor Hayden from Complete Pest Control.
Could social media health warnings reduce usage?
Could social media health warnings actually change young people’s habits? New research suggests they might. To discuss this further with Anton was Matthew Sadlier President of the Irish Medical Organisation.
Two killed in Russian missile strikes on Ukraine
Two killed in Russian missile strikes on Ukraine and Kyiv considers legalising pornography to raise money for war against Russia. We get the latest on the war on Ukraine with Former Fighter pilot and now Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix podcast Sean Bell.
Number of children living below the poverty line rising
The number of children living in households below the poverty line grew to 200,000 by 2024, an increase of almost 30,000 compared to 2023. That’s according to the ESRI’s latest report on poverty, income inequality and living standards in Ireland. Naomi Feeley, Senior Research and Policy Manager at the ESRI discussed the findings with Anton.
How to get matched with the perfect pet?
A new initiative called ‘K9Compass’ has been set up by a 22-year-old student. People can find a dog for them that will match their lifestyle, home life and work life too. To find out more about this initiative Anton spoke to Veterinary student, dog enthusiast and Founder of K9Compass Adam Murphy.
GRA to discuss ‘specific actions’ over working conditions
The Garda Representative Association will hold an emergency meeting after Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland. It will address the working conditions of the force amid several “extraordinary events” including Trump’s visit and the EU Presidency. Anton discussed this further with Niall Hodgins, GRA President.
Could phased out retirement for employees work?
New research from Irish Life shows only one in five adults expect a traditional retirement. More people would actually prefer to gradually reduce their hours or reduce them down to part-time rather than finish up in one day. To discuss further with Anton was Oisin O'Shaughnessy, Managing Director of Employer Solutions at Irish Life.
US envoys hold talks with President Zelensky
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has held a first round of talks in Kyiv with Donald Trump's top envoys. This is their first visit since Russia's full-scale invasion. We get the latest on the meeting with Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for France 24.
Gardaí investigate two fatal hit-and-run incidents
Gardaí are continuing investigations into two fatal hit-and-runs that happened this weekend. Two-year-old Peter Mulcaire was killed on Saturday around 4pm after he was struck by a jeep in Limerick, while 16-year-old Bryan Lowe on the Clare-Limerick border, shortly after 11pm. Anton got the details from David Raleigh a Freelance Journalist based in the Mid-West.
Europe tightens fingerprint checks at airports
Airport chaos could be looming for travellers to Europe. This coms as stricter fingerprint checks are been introduced. Airlines warn of long queues and missed flights, with no longer a fallback to passport stamps.Speaking to Anton with more on this was Travel Journalist, Eoghan Corry.
Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner.
Have influencers lost their etiquette?
How have influencers at the US Open caused a row over their ‘etiquette’? A group of them decided to hold a photo shoot in their hospitality suite during Naoimi Osaka’s first-round match. This led to a reprimand from the umpire. So where do we draw the line? Anton asked entertainment Journalist Sarina Bellissimo.
The shortage of second-hand homes
The Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers has warned that the shortage of second-hand homes is now “unhealthy”. Speaking to Anton was Genevieve McGuirk, CEO of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers.
A balanced tax package for people needed in budget
With the budget coming up next month. Social Justice Ireland have released what they think would be a potential fair and balanced tax package for people. For more on this Anton spoke to Michelle Murphy Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.
Germany's far-right party AfD take lead in state election
In Germany, the far-right AfD has surged into first place in a crucial state election in Saxony-Anhalt, winning 44.5% of the vote. If they form a coalition, they would be the first far-right party leading a state government in the country since the Second World War. Joining Anton this morning to discuss further was Dr Ed Turner, From the School of Law and Social Sciences at Aston University a
An Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami Airport
Five people are dead and five injured after an Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport. The Boeing 767 overran the runway and struck several vehicles before catching fire.Anton got the latest on this with David Smith Washington Bureau Chief, The Guardian.
GPO “national conversation” to cost €295,200
The Office of Public Works is set to pay a firm an estimated €295,200 to oversee "a national conversation" concerning the future development of the GPO complex on Dublin's O'Connell Street. Speaking to Anton was Dr Carole Pollard Former president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and Editor of the book Irish Cities in Crisis.
Have you ever had an AI relationship?
Family Psychotherapist and Author, Dr Richard Hogan who was shocked when an advertisement for an AI girlfriend appeared on his phone while he was watching a video of The Beatles. Richard explained to Anton what happened.
What guests at Michelin-starred restaurants are stealing!
Guests at France Michelin-starred restaurants are stealing the cutlery, candles and even the toilet-roll holders? One French restaurant lost 40 knives in a year, while one five-star hotel says 100 bathrobes. disappear annually. It seems some customers really do want a souvenir. We get reaction to this with Chef, Restauranteur, and Author from Galway, JP McMahon.
Strengthening online safety for children a key priority
Next week, experts from across Europe will gather to discuss strengthening online safety for children and young people is a key priority under Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. To look ahead to the conference was Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.
The Irish Road Haulage Association conference starts today
Irish hauliers are calling for action on rising fuel costs, regulation and driver shortages as the IRHA conference gets underway in Killarney this weekend Speaking to Anton ahead of the conference was President of Irish Road Haulage Association, Ger Hyland.
Declining IQ scores among the Gen Z
Could Gen Z be the first generation with lower IQ scores than their parents? Experts are questioning whether increased use of technology in classrooms could be partly to blame. To discuss with Anton was Neuroscientist, Educator, and Author of The Digital Delusion. Jared Cooney Horvath.
EPA investigating persistent humming from Clondalkin data centre
The Environmental Protection Agency have started investigating complaints made by a data centre in Clondalkin. The concerns were first raised back in July but after getting a number of these complaints on what's described as a persistent humming.Speaking to Anton this morning was Francis Timmons Mayor of South Dublin County Council and Independent Councillor.
Today is World Sexual Health Day
Social media is creating unrealistic expectations out there around sexual health, particularly for young people. Today is World Sexual Health Day. We look to debunk some of those myths out there with Dr Ronan Daly, Clinical lecturer and registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital and the RCSI.
Is a road safety program in secondary schools required?
“This is a problem that needs more than just a policing response. There must be an equal focus on better education and prevention if we are to end the carnage.” Those are the words of Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North and Party Transport Spokesperson who discussed this further with Anton.
A significant degree of overvaluation in our housing market
House prices are significantly overvalued when compared to people’s income levels and interest rates. That is according to new research from the ESRI. Joining Anton to discuss these findings was Dr. Paul Egan, Research Officer, ESRI.
WMO warns El Niño could fuel extreme weather worldwide
The World Meteorological Organisation says El Niño is strengthening and could bring increased risks of extreme heat, flooding and drought in the months ahead.To explain this further with Anton was Award Winning Climate Scientist at UCC and the founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, Cathal Nolan.
Would you pay for an algorithm to pick your friends?
Platforms such as PLY and Agora match people using information such as their interests, lifestyle habits and profession. To explain how it all works is Elaine Burke the Host of the For Tech Sake Podcast.
72% Irish adults worry about money
72% Irish adults worry about money to some extent, with 18% saying financial stress is a regular or constant part of their lives. To look into this was Head of Employee Benefits NFP Ireland Sarah McGurinn.
A need to crackdown on the supply of illegal fireworks
With fireworks already being wielded “like weapons” in early September. Calls are ramping up for an immediate crackdown on their illegal sale and supply in the lead-up to Halloween. To discuss along with Anton was Gayle Ralph, Fine Gael Councillor for Cabra-Glasnevin.
The social media obsession with crime court trials
The jury in the murder trial of US woman Lindsay Clancy is set to resume deliberations for a sixth day after twice failing to reach a verdict. Beyond the courtroom, people online are building their own cases. To discuss this further was Criminologist Trina O’Connor.
Weekend rostering of consultants requires adequate resources
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association is warning that weekend rostering of consultants could worsen Ireland’s waiting list crisis. It says that without adequate staff, diagnostics and beds, moving consultants to weekends will simply take them away from already busy weekdays. To discuss further with Anton was Gabrielle Colleran, President of the Irish Hospital Consultants Associatio
Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor, Irish Independent.
Irish trio wanted for ‘sob-story’ scam in Spain
Spanish police are investigating three Irish nationals posing as tourists who are believed to have stolen thousands of euros with a “sob-story” scam. Anton got the details on this with Guy Hedgecoe, Irish Times contributor based in Madrid.
Youth4Earth the climate change movement
Teenager Olivia Fahey has garnered a huge interest in climate change. She has gain nearly 40 thousand followers online after setting up a climate change movement called ‘Youth4Earth’. Olivia Fahey, climate activist and founder of Youth4Earth explained all about the movement with Anton.
HSE launches the first national guide on abortions after foetal anomaly diagnosis
The HSE has published Ireland’s first guide for people considering or undergoing an abortion following a diagnosis of a foetal anomaly in an unborn baby. Joining Anton this morning was Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician and Lead of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at University College Cork.
The key demands of the Affordable Ireland campaign
Affordable Ireland, a campaign created by a coalition of groups, will be protesting this month ahead of the Budget in October. They’re calling on the Government to address the affordability crisis in the Budget and have a set of demands. Eddie Conlon the convener of the Affordable Ireland Campaign told Anton their key demands.
70% of primary school children still own social media accounts
70% of primary school children (aged 8–12) still have their own accounts on social media apps. That are meant to be 13+, according to figures published today in CyberSafeKids’ tenth annual report.To break these findings down was CyberSafeKids CEO, Alex Cooney.
Investigating whether someone is having an affair?
Changes in behaviour, unexplained absences, a phone that never leaves their hand and is always face down. These are all the stereotypical signs that someone is having an affair. But how does one go about investigating whether someone is having an affair? Paul Lewis, Private investigator and founder of UK-based PEL Consultancy Services.
Better public transport could mean less reliance on cars later in life
New ESRI research finds people with good public transport access tend to learn to drive later. Therefore driving less as they get older. Senior Research Officer with the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, Dr Shane Timmons discussed the research findings with Anton.
Just 39% of Irish people believe everyone enjoys basic human rights
Just 39% of Irish people believe that everyone enjoys the same basic human rights. This according to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s 2025 poll. To discuss these findings with Anton was Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
Germany blames Russia for the drone attack on Leipzig airport
Germany has blamed Russia for the drone attack on Leipzig airport attack last month. How much of a threat is this to Europe, especially when Ireland currently holds the EU presidency? To discuss this further with Anton was Donnacha Ó Beacháin, Professor of Politics at DCU.
Mandatory helmets and high-vis jackets for e-scooter users
Legislation to make hi-vis jackets and helmets mandatory for all e-scooter users will be signed into law today. With more on this Anton spoke to Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fail TD for Clare and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee.
Gen X is facing a growing workplace crisis
Too old to hire, too young to retire? Gen X is facing a growing workplace crisis. But midlife could be the perfect time to rethink your career not start from scratch. To discuss further with Anton was Author and Former Editor-In-Chief of HELLO! magazine, turned qualified life coach, Rosie Nixon.
Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Richard Bruton, Former Minister and Chair of Two Voluntary Bodies; A Research Centre on Climate Biodiversity and Water and Social Enterprise.
France aims to crackdown on fast fashion
France is aiming to crackdown on fast fashion, as its government has started imposing fees on items sold from sites like Shein and Temu. The levy could reach almost €20 per garment by 2030. Should the Irish government do the same? Anton discusses this further with Sustainability Broadcaster Meghann Scully.
Tyler Robinson will stand trial for the murder of Charlie Kirk
A judge in Utah has ruled that Tyler Robinson will stand trial for the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He will face the death penalty. Anton got further details from David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief, The Guardian.
How did Andy Burnham’s first day in Parliament go?
In the UK, the summer recess is over and Andy Burnham has finally faced the House of Commons as Prime Minister. How did the day go? Anton asked James Lyons, Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer and Senior Partner at Penta Group Consultancy.
Students are avoiding school for non-health reasons
More than one fifth of primary school and one third of secondary school parents said their children have refused or avoided going to school at least once a month. That’s according to a new report from Barnardos out today. To discuss the findings of this report with Anton was Paul Crone, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies.
What are the regulations around drones?
As the number of drones in Ireland increases so too has the publics unease towards them according to new research commissioned by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). What are the regulations around drones? To discuss with Anton was Pete Hutchison known as Pete the Irish Pilot on social media.
The cutting-edge science of human memory
Our recollections of the past are constantly adapting and changing, and a faulty memory isn't always a bad thing. That is according to Professor of psychology at UCD and author of Memory Lane, Ciara Greene.
A sharp rise in incidents of AI escaping users’ control
ChatGPT will become the first AI chatbot that has to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act. This comes after new research that the number of times AI lies, ignores instructions and pursues goals in harmful ways almost doubled in July. To explain this further was Adrian Wreckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent.
Why are flash floods becoming more common?
One person is dead and fifteen are missing after flash floods swept through the Grand Canyon in the US. In Nepal, thousands are still missing and the death toll continues to rise since the deadly flash floods last week. But how are these flash floods happening and what is the reason? Anton asked Karyn Morrissey, Professor in Environment and Marine Economics at the University of Galway.
Public sector faces widespread strikes
Siptu members in the public service have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. This comes in an escalating row over a a new pay deal. Speaking to Anton this morning was Adrian Kane, Siptu Deputy General Secretary.
Why are politicians using the word Vegan as if it's a slur?
Why are US republicans throwing the word ‘vegan’ around as if it’s an insult? We’ve seen Donald Trump say to Democratic Texas senatorial candidate James Talarico “He’s a vegan,”. While his opponent, Ken Paxton, is trying to get the nickname him “Tofu Talarico”. We get reaction to this with the Owner of Happy Food at Home, Ciara Brennan.
Will your name brew up a storm?
Met Éireann, in partnership with the National Meteorological Services of the UK and the Netherlands, has launched the new list of names for the 2026/27 storm ‘season’. The season runs until 31st August 2027. Joining Anton was Evelyn Cusack, Former Head of forecasting at Met Eireann.
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