
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

Pico Lopes his homecoming to Celtic Lourdes
Shamrock Rovers captain and Cabo Verde international Pico Lopes is set to return to his footballing roots this weekend. He will be receiving a civic reception at the home Lourdes Celtic, where he got his start in football. Pico chatted to Jonathan ahead of his return.

Local authorities to conduct a review of childcare providers’ fees
Local authorities are to conduct a review of childcare providers’ fees as a result of a direction from the Department of Children.T he review will begin this August. Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times brought us the details.

A wildfire is continuing to burn at Slievenamon
Firefighters are continuing to battle a major wildfire on Slievenamon mountain in County Tipperary, where around 700 hectares have been destroyed. Residents are being urged to stay away from the area as emergency crews, the Air Corps and local farmers work to contain the blaze. We get the latest on the situation there with Carol Kennedy, Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Tipperary

Ukrainian reaction to Aughinish Alumina export report
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke has said he have received and reviewed the report on whether Aughinish Alumina was supplying alumina to the Russian military. He said “no adverse findings have been determined in relation to the export of alumina to Russia by the company”. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke. Also we get reaction to the report from Le

Motorists warned to expect another fuel price jump
Motorists are being warned to expect higher fuel prices as oil hits 100 dollars a barrel. Fuel suppliers say diesel costs are rising sharply and are calling on the Government to delay planned tax increases. Speaking to Jonathan was Kevin McPartland, CEO of Fuels for Ireland.

Why Gen Z don’t want to be the boss!
Fewer young employees aspire to management roles, with just 6 per cent of Gen Z aspire to be the boss. To discuss further was Caroline Reidy, Head of HR with NFP.

Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Liz Dunphy, Southern Correspondent, Irish Examiner.

Concerns over dangerous drugs at festivals
A new report is warning that festival drugs in Ireland could contain dangerous synthetic opioids known as nitazenes. They can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin and linked to fatal overdoses To discuss the risks was Nicki Killeen, Project Manager for Emerging Drug Trends with the HSE.

How is the dry spell impacting farmers?
While it is not quite as hot as the past few weeks, it is still incredibly dry. So what does this mean for farmers across the country caring for and trying to feed animals? Jonathan discussed with Denis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.

Record-breaking temperatures in Spain
Record-breaking temperatures of up to 44 degrees are fueling deadly wildfires in Spain.. Thousands have been evacuated, firefighters are battling around the clock, Authorities have warned the worst may still be to come. Freelance Journalist in Barcelona, Stephen Burgen gave Jonathan an update on the situation there.

What goes up must come down!
Forecasts now indicate a wetter weekend than we’ve seen for the last while. To look ahead to the weather this weekend was Rebecca Cantwell, a meteorologist with Met Eireann.

Wildfire continues to rage on the Slievenamon mountains
A wildfire continues to rage on the Slievenamon mountains. The fire saw a flare-up overnight, despite Tipperary County Council saying yesterday that the fire was substantially reduced We get the latest with Carol Kennedy, the Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service.

Adrian Chiles on too-fast short-form videos
“As the pauses on social media videos are cut to shreds, I wonder where the assault on our senses will end”. According to broadcaster and Guardian columnist Adrian Chiles who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Day two of the legal aid dispute
Day two of the withdrawal by criminal defence solicitors is underway across Dublin. With services continuing to be suspended in the District, Circuit and Central Criminal Courts in a dispute over changes to the legal aid payment system. Joining Jonathan this morning to discuss this further was Social Democrats Justice Spokesperson TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon and Solicitor Michael Finuc

Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Ronan McGreevy, News Reporter, Irish Times.

Improving people’s disposable income the core focus of Budget 2027
Finance Minister Simon Harris has said that improving people’s disposable income will be a core focus of Budget 2027. With cuts to income tax among key priorities for the government. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Michelle Murphy, Research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland and James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South.

At what age can you leave your child home alone?
At what age can you leave your child home alone and leave them to their own devices? Jonathan asked Senior Clinical Psychologist and past President of the Psychological Society of Ireland, Dr Anne Keogh.

Taoiseach to meet President Zelenskyy today
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has just landed down in Kyiv for a meting with Volodymir Zelenskyy. Covering his trip is Newstalk’s own reporter Emily Keegan.

The future of drones for policing in Ireland
This week began using drones as part of operations targeting scramblers and e-scooters. A total of 11 e-scooters, two e-bikes and one scrambler were seized during the operation in west Dublin on Tuesday. How easily can drones be rolled out to Gardaí at large? Jonathan discusses this with Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Airport Safety and Security Officer.

Former WHO executive Dr Mike Ryan
Dr Mike Ryan, former Executive Director of the World Health Organisation will be at this year’s MacGill Summer School. Discussing “The New World Disorder”, and Ireland’s role in the world in uncertain and fragmented times. Dr Mike Ryan spoke to Jonathan this morning on the show.

Housing construction is on the rise
New figures from Geo Directory show more than 30,000 homes are now under construction across Ireland. While house prices continue to rise despite increased building activity. CEO of Geo Directory Dara Keogh explained the findings of the report.

Solicitors set to withdraw services for two days in dispute
Criminal defence solicitors across Ireland are withdrawing their services in the District, Circuit and Central Criminal Courts today and tomorrow . This is happening over a dispute over changes to the legal aid payment system introduced by the Justice Minister. Joining Jonathan to discuss was s Tony Collier a Partner at Ferrys Solicitor.

Why the hosepipe ban has been extended nationwide
Uisce Éireann have announced this morning that a hosepipe ban on six counties until the end of August has been extended nationwide. This is because pressure on water supplies continues. Lecturer in Public Procurement at DCU, Paul Davies explained why the restrictions are necessary.

How a decline in taxi numbers affecting the economy?
Before the Seanad rose for the Summer, Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher drew attention to recent NTA figures showing that 23 counties have seen a decline in taxi numbers. This is while facing population increases. How a decline in taxi numbers affecting the economy? Robbie Gallagher spoke to Jonathan this morning.

Is it bad to sleep with your pet?
Did you wake up beside your furry friend this morning? And if so, is it actually hygienic to have your pet in bed with you? Jonathan asked Dr Jacqueline Boyd who is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science and Nottingham Trent University.

Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Sinead O Carroll, Editor, The Journal.

Petrol and diesel prices are tipped to shoot up again
Experts are warning that the price of petrol and diesel is set to shoot up once again after the latest jump in crude oil costs. We get reaction from Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association.

Hosepipe ban is being extended across Ireland
Uisce Éireann is extending its Water Conservation Order nationwide from Friday. As hot, dry weather continues to put pressure on water supplies. Jonathan spoke to the Regional Water Operations Manager (Southwest region), Brian O Leary.

An update on the Bray to Greystones cliff walk
Plans for an alternative access route to the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk could cost more than €350,000. Work could take up to four years to complete, according to engineering records released under the Freedom of Information Act. We discussed further with Eugene Finnegan, Bray Business Area Representative on the Management Committee of the Cliff Walk.

We remember football legend Kevin Keegan
Football legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75. The former Liverpool star, two-time Ballon d'Or winner and England manager is being remembered as one of the game's greatest figures. Paying tribute was former Liverpool footballer and England captain, Phil Thompson.

Call for increased cap on tax relief for private health insurance
Insurance Ireland are launching their pre-budget submission today. They are calling for the Government to increase the cap on tax relief for Private Health Insurance from €1,000 to €1,500. Ahead of the launch today Jonathan spoke to Moyagh Murdock, the Chief Executive of Insurance Ireland.

Minister James Browne on housing delivery
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 has been signed into law. It will seek to speed up housing delivery and streamline the judicial review process. James Browne Minister for Housing and Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford discussed this further with Jonathan.

Should hi-vis vests and helmets be mandatory for cyclists?
Yesterday the Government agreed to ban e-scooters for anyone under 18. Reports are emerging this morning that they will now consider making hi-vis vests and helmets mandatory for regular cyclists, which has angered some cycling interest groups We get reaction to this with Ray Cunningham, Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party representing Ballyfermot Drimnagh.

Man charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe
A man has been charged with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. We get the latest on this with Reporter and Presenter with LBC Radio London, Henry Riley.

Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Deirdre O’Shaughnassy, Presenter of the Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast, Irish Examiner.

EU Presidency road closures effecting local businesses
Now as Ireland settles into its term of the EU Presidency. Road closures and access restrictions in Dublin City Centre around Dublin Castle mean that many businesses aren’t receiving the same footfall. Speaking to Jonathan was Owner of Silk Road Cafe, Abraham Phelan.

Andy Burnham outlines his priorities for Government
Andy Burnham has wasted no time as Britain's new Prime Minister. Sacking senior Ministers in a major cabinet reshuffle and outlining his priorities for government. Jonathan spoke to Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer, James Lyons.

The new feature on WhatsApp
Users of WhatsApp may have noticed in recent days a prompt appearing within the app to register a username. This is a new feature that could replace phone numbers. Or be yet another gateway for scammers. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly explains all.

Government plans to fast-track critical infrastructure
Minister Jack Chambers says the Government plans to fast-track major infrastructure projects. This would be done through new critical infrastructure legislation that would reduce planning delays and narrow climate-related grounds for legal challenges. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was one of the Directors of Friends of the Irish Environment, Tony Lowes and President of the Irish Planning

Andrew and Tristian Tate arrested in the US
Andrew and Tristan Tate have been arrested in the US on a UK extradition request over new rape and sex trafficking charges. The brothers deny all allegations and remain involved in separate legal proceedings in Romania We get the latest on this with London based Journalist and Broadcaster, Enda Brady.

How Gardaí are struggling with the policing of e-scooters
The leaders of Ireland’s political parties will meet Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to discuss an outright ban on e-scooters. It comes as Amazon and other major retailers have begun pulling illegally fast e-scooters from sale in Ireland. Speaking to Jonathan was Niall Hodgins, President of the Garda Representative Association.

Can you have a favourite child?
Is it okay to have a favourite child or should it always stay unsaid? Speaking to Jonathan was Psychotherapist specialising in Parenting Support, Bethan O Riordan.

Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor, Irish Independent.

Did the World Cup final half-time show deliver?
In between victory for Spain and sorrow for Argentina last night, we saw the World Cup’s first ever half-time show, featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber and the Muppets among many other music stars. But did the half-time show deliver, or should the World Cup leave such entertainment to the Super Bowl? Dave Fanning, Broadcaster and music journalist gave his reaction to the show.

Car driven into group of teenagers after brawl in Skerries
Three people have been taken to hospital after a car was driven into a group several times in Skerries in north Dublin. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was Lorraine Clifford Lee, Fianna Fáil Senator in Skerries and Conor Lally, Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.

Ireland's warm, sunny spell is set to continue this week
Ireland's warm, sunny spell is set to continue this week, but it has fallen just short of matching the country's longest-ever recorded heatwave. So what’s in store this week? To tell us was Alan O Reilly of Carlow Weather.

What does The Odyssey’s release mean for cinema?
Christopher Nolan’s movie ‘The Odyssey’ is released today. The film, based on the Greek epic, has received great reviews across the board and is expected to be movie lovers’ highlight of the year Joining Jonathan now to discuss how it was made, and how important it will be is Bethany Minelle, an Arts and Entertainment Reporter with Sky.

Is an outright ban on e-scooters our only option left?
E-scooter risks have dominated conversation this week, after Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “leaning towards” a complete ban. Also withTánaiste Simon Harris said that he would keep an “open mind” on an outright ban on e-scooters. But is an outright ban our only option left? To discuss further with Jonathan was Shane O’Donoghue, Editor of Completecar.ie and Sadhbh O’Neill.

SIPTU reacts to Aer Lingus job cuts
Yesterday Aer Lingus announced that up to five hundred jobs could be cut at the airline. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction to this news was Terry Gill is the SIPTU Organiser for the Aviation Sector at Dublin Airport.

Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Chris Luke, Columnist, Host of The Irish Medical Lives Podcast and Retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine.

How long is too long to spend on the dole?
According to figures released by the Department of Social Proetction to Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín. There are nearly 6500 people on Jobseeker’s Allowance for a decade or more. This has cost an estimated €800m to the Irish taxpayer. How long is too long to spend on the dole? We get reaction to these figures with Peadar Tóibín.

Burnham to be officially announced as Labour leader
Andy Burnham is set to be crowned Labour leader after securing backing from the majority of the party’s MPs and trade unions. The former Greater Manchester Mayor expected to become Prime Minister next week. Speaking to Jonathan was Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.

Airlines face rising costs and a turbulent future
Aer Lingus has said that up to 500 jobs could be cut at the airline due to a planned 6% reduction in its flight capacity. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was Global aviation and tourism adviser Anita Mendiratta.

Donald Trump claims significant election interference
U.S. President Donald Trump in a prime time address last night in which he announced the release of unclassified files claiming significant election interference by China in the 2020 election Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief of The Guardian.

IBEC's Economic Outlook on the future of AI in work
IBEC's Economic Outlook reports that the impact of AI on the labour market is still not clear. But early signs show significant effects on trade and investment. It also suggests domestic demand growth of 3.3% for 2026, while inflation is expected to land around 3.5% for the year. Joe Lynam discusses this further with Gerard Brady, Chief Economist and Head of National Policy of IBEC.

Why are more women leaving the handbag at home?
New research suggest that Gen Z women are leaving the handbags at home for nights out. Instead putting their phones and IDs in their bras. We get reaction from Cathy O’Connor, a stylist and the founder of Women Unbranded.

The latest on the crisis in the Middle East
The US and Iran are continuing a fifth day of strikes, with Washington saying its latest attacks are aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.We get the latest on the Middle East with the Middle East Correspondent for Sky News, Adam Parsons.

Should we widen raw milk’s availability?
More and more people are drinking raw milk, claiming it contains health benefits not found in typical milk. Raw milk, which is unpasteurised, does carry health risks.Joining Jonathan to explain why we should widen raw milk’s availability is Barry Heneghan, TD for Dublin Bay North. Barry.

The unfinished business as the Dáil goes into recess
As the Dáil goes into recess, there are plenty of issues that will generate some controversy throughout the summer and beyond. To discuss with Jonathan was Pat Leahy, Political Editor of The Irish Times.

We get an update on Ireland’s hot spell
A spell of hot weather is continuing across Ireland, with temperatures expected to climb into the high twenties. There is also heat warning in place for much of the country Speaking to Jonathan with an update on what we can expect was Alan O Reilly of Carlow Weather.

Crackdown on dodgy box resellers ramps up
The Federation Against Copyright Theft and Sky have issued legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers. They are warning they could face court action or referral to Gardaí if they continue selling illegal streaming subscriptions. We get the latest on this crack down with FACT Investigation Manager Nick Sumner.

Should VAT for sunscreen to be removed?
The political party Aontú are calling for VAT for sunscreen to be removed. Calling it an essential and not a luxury. Jonathan discusses this further with Consultant Dermatologist at Institute of Dermatologists, Clinical Professor at UCD.

Did You See?
We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Ralph Riegel the Southern Correspondent at the Irish Independent.

Is Ireland prepared if this heat becomes a regular event
Temperatures could reach up to 30 degrees in parts of Ireland today amidst the current yellow heat warning. Is Ireland is prepared if this heat becomes a more regular event. Jonathan asked Keith Leonard the Head of National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.

It is a Spain v Argentina final!
England and Argentina went head to head with Argentina last night. Argentina booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 92nd minute winner.Enda Brady, a UK-based journalist spoke to Jonathan on the reaction to England loss.

Sugar in space!
Astronomers have discovered a new type of sugar drifting through deep space. A discovery that could reveal new clues about how life began on Earth. To explain the new discovery was Astronomer and Science Writer, Dr David Whitehouse.

How are farmers coping with the recent heatwave?
With the heatwave showing no sign of easing, how are farmers coping? Is this the start of a prolonged drought, or simply an unusually sunny spell that's putting pressure on crops and livestock? Anton discussed all with President of the Irish Farmers Association, Francie Gorman.

Has the world cup being over politicised?
A complaint has been made to the International Olympic Committee. The complaint is accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of breaching political neutrality rules over his dealings with US President Donald Trump. Has the world cup being over politicised? Speaking to Anton was Fianna Fail MEP, Barry Andrews.

Record-high referrals for Tusla in 2025 report shows
Tusla received 106,000 child safety and welfare referrals last year, a ten percent increase compared to 2024 and the first time the Agency has received more than 100,000 referrals in a single year. That’s according to their Annual Report for 2025 being launched later this morning, and speaking to Anton was the Chief Social Worker for Tusla, Ger Brophy.

Trump threatens to knock out Iran energy infrastructure
The U.S. has carried out more strikes overnight in Iran with Donald Trump now also threatening an expansion of attacks to bridges and power plants next week. We get the latest on the war in the Middle East with Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University.

Call to make pet theft its own specific crime
Today, the Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions will be considering a proposal to make the theft of pets its own individual crime. For more on this Anton spoke to Lisa O’Connor, founder of Missing and Stolen Animals Ireland and is the author behind the petition.

Five days paid leave for early pregnancy loss approved by Cabinet
Cabinet has approved plans to introduce five days paid leave to anyone who suffers a pregnancy loss before 23 weeks. This will also include women who have a termination in the case of fatal foetal abnormality or those who have an abortion up to 12 weeks. Speaking to Anton to discuss this and more was Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael TD for Longford-Westmeath Peter Burke.

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 at TU Dublin and Host of The Ditch Podcast.

IAA proposing to cut Dublin Airport airlines charges
The aviation regulator has proposed cutting the charges airlines pay to use Dublin Airport by 15 per cent from 2027. Airlines have welcomed the move, while DAA says it needs higher charges to fund expansion. Travel Journalist Eoghan Corry discussed this further with Anton.

Parents dipping into savings for children divorce costs
Everyone is feeling the pinch with regard to the cost of living and housing crisis. One group of people not often discussed is divorcees. Who are finding themselves borrowing money from their parents to over financial costs. Joining Anton discuss this further is Michelle Brown, a Legal Mediator and Author.

Are heatwaves the new normal for Irish summers ?
Ireland is experiencing its third round of unusually hot temperatures in just six weeks. Is this summer heat going to become the new normal, and is Ireland prepared for that? Anton discusses this further with Darren Clarke, Assistant Professor in Climate in DCU.

Back to school costs are weighing heavily on families
New research from the Irish League of Credit Unions shows school costs are weighing heavily on families. With 59% of parents saying covering back to school costs is a financial burden.Anton discusses this further with David Malone, the CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions.

Why bees are affected by heatwave
You might have noticed in recent weeks more bees dead on footpaths and struggling in the summer heat. To explain all was Eanna Ní Lamhna, Biologist, Environmentalist, Broadcaster and Irish Times contributor.

The Government is considering a generational smoking ban
The Government is considering a generational smoking ban which would eventually lead to the purchase of cigarettes being illegal for young people. To discuss this further with Anton was Professor Des Cox, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI Crumlin and Representative of RCPI Advisory Group on Tobacco and Vaping.

The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz intensifies
The US-Iran standoff is intensifying. With the key global shipping route, the strait of Hormuz once again at the centre of the latest developments. CEO of Henderson Risk Group, Former British Army Officer & Former UK Diplomat, Duncan Bullivant gave us an update on the situation.
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