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
How can daylight savings affect people?
The clocks go back this Sunday, giving us an extra hour in bed. Some welcome the change, but others say the darker evenings can take a toll! To explain all was Health Psychologist, Neuroscientist and Author, Dr. Sabina Brennan.
The app that could save pubs
We hear about an app where you can buy your friends and family drinks or food, without even being there. To tell Anton all was Founder and Publican of Gr8NiteOut, Sheila Gaughan.
Who will be the next Bond.. James Bond?
The search for the next James Bond could be nearing its end. This comes with Amazon MGM Studios reportedly preparing final auditions over the coming week. We get the details from Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd.
Scale of cyber-security flaw 'unprecedented'
Organisations around the world are scrambling to protect their systems after critical security flaws were discovered. The UK Government has already taken dozens of services offline as a precaution. For more on this Anton spoke to Paul Dywer, CEO of Cyber Risk International and President International Cyber Threat Task Force.
Weather and travel updates for the weekend ahead
We get weather and travel updates for the weekend ahead with Cathal Nolan, Climate Scientist at UCC and the founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel. Also speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications at Iarnrod Eireann.
A majority of businesses say Dublin city is not safe!
Dublin Chamber have just released a survey 51% of businesses say Dublin is becoming less safe. While 1 in 3 businesses say employee safety concerns are impacting their willingness to work or travel in the city. Speaking to Anton was Stephen Browne, Head of Public Affairs with Dublin Chamber.
Should Britain return Irish artefacts held in its museums?
"The Annals of Inisfallen are part of Irish history. They don’t belong in a British library". So says Dr. Chris Doyle, Lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Galway.
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 Ronan McGreevy, News Reporter, Irish Times.
A call for a basic income for local food farmers
Talamh Beo have released their ‘Basic Income for Local Food Farmers’ policy proposal which call for a basic income support to farmers committed to feeding their local areas. Anton gets the details from Fergal Anderson a farmer in East Galway and a member of Talamh Beo.
AI video used to promote Christmas in Limerick
Limerick councillors have criticised an AI video that is being used to promote Christmas in Limerick. We get reaction to this with Elisa O'Donovan, Social Democrats Councillor for Limerick City West.
An update on the weather warning across the country
The first named storm of the year has hit as Storm Austen brings risks of flooding, fallen debris, and difficult travelling conditions. Munster and Leinster are under yellow rain warnings while Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford are all under orange warnings.Anton get the latest on the weather today and for the weekend with Met Éireann forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock.
Hospital apologises to Michelle Craughwell for cancer diagnosis delay
University Hospital Galway has apologised to a 28-year-old Michelle Craughwell from Tuam in Co Galway for deficiencies in radiology care after her diagnosis of cancer was delayed for two years.Michelle spoke to Anton this morning.
How can we curb antisocial behaviour in Dublin City?
Would giving out social welfare payments at the GPO curb antisocial behaviour. To discuss this further is Richard Guiney, the former CEO of Dublin Town and Managing Director of Richard Guiney Consulting.
Ireland’s air quality is improving
Ireland’s air quality is improving, with pollutants decreasing. But more progress is needed to meet stricter 2030 limits, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency. To discuss the findings with Anton was Warren Phelan, Programme Manager of the Environmental Monitoring and Surveillance Programme.
The procurement of hot school meals
The Public Accounts Committee will today be looking at a new report from the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Hot School Meals programme For more on this was Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North and Member of the Public Accounts Committee.
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 Former Political Journalist Brian Dowling.
Why are we struggling to sleep?
Getting a good night’s sleep is becoming increasingly difficult across Europe, with climate change, technology and work pressures all playing a role Speaking to Anton to discuss further was Fran Pilkington-Cheney Co-lead author of the paper & Lecturer in Psychology and Sleep at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
The scourge of illegal fireworks
The sound of fireworks are becoming more and more frequent as the evenings draw in and Halloween comes closer. But the vast majority of fireworks in this country are set off illegally. So where and how are people getting their hands on them? Reporter Bairbre Holmes went to find out.
Jeffrey Donaldson being investigated over alleged rape inside Parliament
Jailed former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson is being investigated by London police about an alleged rape of a woman inside the Houses of Parliament, the BBC have revealed. With more on this Anton spoke to James McCarthy, Political Reporter with Belfast Live and The Daily Mirror Northern Ireland.
Storm Austen to bring intense rain
Two Status Orange rain warnings have been issued for six counties as Storm Austen is set to hit Ireland this evening. We get the latest on the incoming rain warnings with Alan O Reilly of Carlow Weather.
The GRA are calling for more resources
Arrests have been made in two different cases of wrong way driving on the M50 this week. The Garda Representative Association are calling for more resources and protocols to be put into place.. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was James Morrisroe, Deputy General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association.
Advice on renewing your health insurance policy
Health insurance customers are being urged to review their policies, with around 40 plans identified as potentially poor value for money Premiums have risen while benefits have been reduced, leaving many paying more for less. For best advice on managing your health insurance policy we heard from Dermot Goode of Health insurance Ireland.ie.
Should we scrap the Triple Lock?
Opposition parties are joining forces to fight the Government’s plans to abolish the Triple Lock on Irish Defence Forces deployments. The first major Dáil debate on the controversial legislation takes place later today. Speaking to Jonathan ahead of the debate was People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy and also Cathal Berry, Former Army Ranger.
Brian Stack's family to receive formal State apology today
The family of murdered prison officer Brian Stack is due to receive a formal State apology today for failings in the investigation into his killing by the IRA in 1983. More than 40 years on, no one has been brought to justice. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was the son of the murdered prison officer Brain Stack, Austin Stack.
New National Maternity Hospital in Dublin gets go ahead
The Government has given the green light for construction of the long-awaited new National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, with work expected to begin early next year. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll Mac Niell.
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 Alex White Senior Counsellor and Former Minister.
Households are the biggest contributors to food waste
One in ten Irish people say they are throwing more food away than last year. This comes despite increases in the cost of living with 43% of Irish adults say they are not concerned about food waste in their homes. Jonathan discusses these findings with Machaela O’Leary, Key Accounts Manager with Too Good to Go.
A Beluga Whale was spotted off the coast of Donegal Bay
A Beluga Whale was spotted off the coast of Donegal Bay on Saturday, marking the second ever confirmed sighing of a beluga whale in Irish waters. Speaking to Jonathan was Pádraig Whooley, Sightings Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.
Further arrests relating to Waterford arson attack
Three more people have been arrested in connection with the arson attack and murder of Kim and Philip English and their sons, Callum, and Jayden. We get the latest on this from Broadcaster with Waterford Local Radio, Damien Tiernan.
Venomous spider expected to make its way indoors
The National Poisons Information Centre has warned Irish households of a venomous spider that's expected to make its way indoors in the coming months. Anton Savage was joined by Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer and Zoology Research Associate at Trinity College Dublin to discuss.
Partial curfews to be rolled out in France
Partial curfews are to be rolled out in France in an attempt to prevent more riots taking place across the country. Naomi O'Leary, Europe Correspondent for The Irish Times joined Anton Savage to discuss.
Solicitor strikes over new payment reforms continue
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has accused solicitors of targeting rape cases during their legal aid protest. Solicitors deny the claim. Anton Savage was joined by solicitor, Michael Finucane to discuss.
Could pubs and clubs closing earlier reduce violence?
Alcohol Action Ireland will today recommend to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to reduce alcohol trading hours among other things in order to combat alcohol’s role in unprovoked assaults. Dr Sheila Gilheany CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.
Talks on a new public sector pay deal continue
Talks on a new public sector pay deal have concluded last night after about five hours of negotiations. The talks get underway again this morning. Unite deputy regional secretary, Tom Fitzgerald joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.
Michael Healy-Rae on rural road safety
There have been numerous incidents of deer causing danger to drivers and the issue going underreported. Independent TD for County Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss rural road safety.
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 David Mc Redmond Former CEO of An Post.
Why can’t we stop laughing once we start?
Have you ever laughed so much that you couldn’t stop? There’s actually science behind it! Different brain networks control laughter, linking it to emotions, pleasure and social connection. Sophie Scott Professor of Cognitive Psychology, University College London joined us on the show to discuss.
New trains due next year to tackle overcrowding
New battery-electric trains are due to enter service next year in a bid to ease overcrowding on Irish rail services. Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at the School of Engineering at Trinity College joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss if they will make a difference.
Government considers clampdown on vape shops
The Government is considering new planning rules to help councils limit the growing number of vape shops, amid concerns about youth vaping, suspected money laundering and the impact on town centres. Anton Savage was joined on the show by Garret Ahearn Fine Gael Senator & spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss.
Are motor insurance reforms bringing down your premiums?
The Central Bank has published a new report today on the cost of motor insurance, with premiums showing signs of falling. But are Irish motorists paying less and how much of your premium goes towards claims, legal fees and insurers’ costs? Moyagh Murdock, Chief executive of Insurance Ireland joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.
Elon Musk and his flying car!
Many parts of the world are still working to figure out if and how driverless cars will work. But Elon Musk and Tesla now have their eyes set on a new innovation flying cars.For more on this Anton spoke to Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly.
The latest on the riots across France
More than 2,000 people have been arrested after police clashed with protesters across France. For the latest on the situation there Anton spoke to John Litchfield veteran Journalist based in Paris.
New public sector pay deal talks take place today
Formal negotiations on a new public sector pay deal are due to begin at the Workplace Relations Commission today. This comes with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying any agreement must improve productivity across the public service while protecting lower-paid workers. We get the latest with Political Editor, The Irish Times Pat Leahy.
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 Retired Media Lecturer in TUD and Host of the Ditch Podcast.
Where does gaming end and gambling begin?
With the release of Grand Theft Auto VI and other videos games ahead of the Christmas season. The Drug and Alcohol Task Forces are asking parents to look beyond the hype and consider an increasingly important question: where does gaming end and gambling begin? Anton discusses this further with Tony O’Reilly, Gambling Initiative spokesperson for the Drug & Alcohol Task Force, and former po
An “explosion” in octopus numbers off the UK coast
An “explosion” in octopus numbers off the UK coast is causing havoc in the populations of crabs, lobsters, whelks, clams, and mussels and threatening livelihoods, according to Fishermen. We get the details from Marine Biologist Rowan Byrne of Marinecreatures.com.
Police clash with protesters across France
More than 2,000 people have been arrested after police clashed with protesters across France. With politicians calling for the resignation of the Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Speaking to Anton with more on his was Freelance Journalist in France Jamie Smith-Maillet.
Time to prepare for 100-year Lives
As many as one in three children born in Ireland today are expected to live to 100. That is according to The 100 Year Lives Project. But what needs to change so that we're prepared? To discuss with Anton was Karen Hand, Social Psychologist co author of the The 100 Year Lives Project with Carolyn Odgers.
Man dies following an assault in Dublin
A man who died following an assault in Dublin in the early hours of Sunday morning has been named locally as Jamie Bailey. Anton got the details on this story with Reporter with Independent News and Media, Conor Feehan.
Videos of dangerous driving remain on social media
Recently,representatives from TikTok, Meta, Google and Coimisiún na Meán appeared at an Oireachtas Media Committee. They were there to answer questions on how and why videos appeared on the platforms showcasing dangerous driving.Has anything changed since? Anton asked Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.
Experimental drug shows potential to alleviate eczema
An experimental drug developed by a company co-founded by Trinity College scientist Professor Luke O’Neill has shown potential to relieve the symptoms of eczema. Luke joined Anton to discuss the research and findings.
Why will Jeffrey Donaldson only serve half his sentence?
Jeffrey Donaldson is to walk free from prison in just over seven years despite his fifteen-year prison sentence, but how? To explain was Allison Morris Crime Correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph.
Waterford community prepare for English family funeral
Philip English his wife Kim and two of their children lost their lives after their home in Waterford was set on fire. Funeral arrangements have been announced.Damien Tiernan Broadcaster at WLR and friend of Philip English joined Anton this morning.
Could you do a 24-hour cyber break?
More than a third of 8–12-year-olds and two-thirds of 12–15-year-olds have no time restrictions on online activity. Today Cyber Safe Kids are urging families to take a 24-hour Cyber Break. Speaking to Anton was the CEO Cyber Safe Kids, Alex Cooney.
EU is considering temporary subsidies for fossil fuels
Rising oil and gas prices, driven by conflict in the Middle East, are putting pressure on households and businesses across Europe. Should the priority be lowering bills or protecting the planet? Anton discusses this further with Oisin Coghlan Policy Advisor to the Irish Environmental Network and Peadar Tóibín Aontu Leader and TD for Meath West.
Television consumption is increasingly moving online
Ireland may need to plan for a future without traditional free-to-air television, according to communications regulator ComReg. To look into this further with Anton was the Technology Writer with the Irish Times Ciara O'Brien.
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 Gabija Gataveckaite BBC Dublin Correspondent.
The trial of Russell Brand continues
The trial of Russell Brand, who is charged with rape and other offences continues. We get the latest from what happened in court with Bauer Media London Reporter Claire Boad.
Trump calls off livestream of execution by firing squad
Donald Trump has cancelled plans to livestream the execution of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, following widespread criticism. Anton got the details from Washington Bureau Chief, The Guardian David Smith.
Two people have been arrested over Waterford arson attack
Two people have been arrested over the arson attack in Waterford city that claimed the lives of four members of the English family on Tuesday. For the latest on this was Irish Times Crime and Security Editor Conor Lally.
Would you become penpals with a deathrow inmate?
LifeLines, a UK charity that sets death row prisoners up with pen pals, has reported a sharp increase in enquiries after the Christa Pike case. Their chair, Patrick Ballin spoke to Anton this morning.
Housing and living costs are worse now than 30 years ago
New research shows three quarters of us think the cost of living and buying a home are worse than they were 30 years ago. These are the findings from a new report marking 30 years of the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index. To discuss these findings was Economist Austin Hughes.
Jeffrey Donaldson to be sentenced today
Former Leader of the DUP Jeffrey Donaldson will be sentenced today after being convicted of 18 child sex offences. With more on this Anton spoke to Newstalk's Reporter Emily Keegan.
Gardai investigation continues in Waterford
Gardaí are continuing their investigation into the murder of four members of the same family in Waterford. Philip and Kim English and their two sons, 12-year-old Callum and nine-year-old Jayden, died following an arson attack on their home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte reports that Gardaí have identified suspects, as the horrific tragedy raises serious questi
Non-Binary and Intersex Recognition Bill due to be debated
A new bill aimed at strengthening the rights of non-binary and intersex people in Ireland is due to be debated in the Dáil next week. For more on this Anton spoke to TD Ruth Coppinger.
Are people too confident in their own driving abilities?
Three quarters of people believe they are excellent drivers, but only 12 per cent think the same of other motorists. That’s according to a new survey from the European Motor Show. To chat about these findings with Anton was Shane O’Donoghue Editor of Completecar.ie.
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 Today FM Presenter Fionnuala Corbett.
Dangerous roadside trees could put lives at risk this winter
West Cork councillors are calling for urgent action on dangerous overhanging trees before winter storms hit. They warn falling branches could block roads, damage vehicles and put council workers at risk during emergency clear ups.To discuss further with Anton was Independent Ireland Cork County Councillor Daniel Sexton.
The trial of Russell Brand enters its second day
The trial of Russell Brand enters its second day, with the comedian facing charges of rape and sexual assault involving six women. We get an update from the trial with Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, BBC Presenter and host of the podcast Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial.
A vigil has been held in Waterford for the English family
Gardaí have carried out a series of searches in Waterford as the investigation continues into the firebomb attack that killed four members of the English family. Speaking to Anton this morning was Reporter Irish Examiner Neil Michael.
How AI could help birds rediscover lost songs
Scientists are exploring how artificial intelligence could help birds recover lost songs and improve their chances of survival. Anton discusses this further with Wildlife Expert Eanna Ni Lamha.
A bumpy start for Donald Trump's new spokeswoman
Katie Zacharia, Donald Trump’s new press secretary made her debut behind the White House lectern on Tuesday. It was a bumpy one. Anton got reaction to the press briefing with Communications Expert and Sun Independent Columnist Gina London.
Hundreds of thousands begin public sector strikes
300,000 public sector workers have begun a 24-hour strike this morning, with schools, medical appointments, courts and other services affected. We heard from our reports around the country. Also speaking to Anton was Adrian Kane, Siptu Deputy General Secretary for the Public Service.
The scale of the grief in the Waterford community
Garda investigations are continuing into the murder of a mother and father and their two children in Waterford. Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte reports for us from Waterford.
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 Fergus Finley Columnist for the Irish Examiner and former Senior Advisor to the Labour Party.
What you need to know about HSE work stoppages today
Today, public sector work stoppages are set to affect a wide range of HSE services What does that mean for patients? Which services will remain open and what should you do if you need medical care? Anton got the details from Dr Colm Henry Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE.
When did children stop playing outside?
One in six Irish parents don’t think it’s safe for their five-year-old child to play outside at home during the day. When did children stop playing outside? Anton asked Sadhbh O’Neill, Climate and Environmental Researcher, and contributor to the Irish Times.
Murder Investigation launched after fatal house fire in Waterford
A murder investigation is underway after a house fire in Waterford claimed the lives of a couple and two of their children. Two other children remain in a critical condition Speaking to Anton this morning was Damien Tiernan a Broadcaster with Waterford Local Radio.
Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer
Pope Leo was taken to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital yesterday afternoon for surgery to remove a small lung nodule The Vatican expects his recovery to take about a week, with public engagements cancelled until October 20. Anton got the details with Senior Reporter Daily Mail Nick Pisa.
Public sector workers have begun a 24-hour strike
More than 300,000 public sector workers have begun a 24-hour strike, including teachers, healthcare workers, civil servants and court staff. Speaking to Anton this morning was Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Fine Gael TD for Longford-Westmeath.
