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
Taste of Dublin returns, what can people expect ?
Thousands of visitors are set to descend on Merrion Square from this morning for the return of Taste of Dublin.Among the foods that can be sampled is that of Eva Pau, TV Chef and Managing Director of Asia Market who joined Anton live from the festival to tell us all about it.
Irish children became less accomplished in reading and mathematics following Covid-19
Irish children became less accomplished in reading and mathematics after the Covid-19 pandemic, with children from poorer backgrounds falling further behind their better-off peers.That is according to new research from UCD’s Children’s School Lives study.Professor Dympna Devine, Principal Investigator for Children’s Student Lives at UCD and Professor of Education, Society and Critical Childhood St
U.S and Iran engage one another again as Trump promises to hit Iran “hard”
Following threats from Donald Trump, U.S Central Command says American forces have begun attacking Iran. They called them "self-defence strikes" on multiple targets.Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, joined Anton with the latest.
Political reaction to Belfast riots as DUP leader calls for border restrictions
Following the stabbing of a man in the city on Monday, riots occurred in Belfast on Monday and Tuestday night. Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese national, with an address at Duncairn Avenue in the city, was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday. There have been calls to examine the open border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with DUP Leader Gavin Robinson going so far as to
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 Tánaiste, Currently a Member of G7 Equality Advisory Council and Ambassador for Anti-Trafficking Organisation ‘Ruhama’
The trial of Riad Bouchaker begins: Emily Keegan updates
Yesterday the trial of fifty-two-year-old Riad Bouchaker, of no fixed abode, for the attempted murder of three children at Parnell Square East on 23rd November 2023, got underway following jury selection on Monday. Our reporter Emily Keegan was at the Central Criminal Court and joined Anton to bring us up to date on day one of proceedings
Just Transition Commission says Budget 2027 must cut Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels
The Just Transition Commission says Budget 2027 must cut Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels while protecting households facing rising energy and transport costs.The advisory body is calling for investment in retrofitting, renewable energy and public transport to ensure a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy.For more on this, Anton was joined by Oisin Coghlan of the JTC.
Second night of unrest in Belfast as water cannon deployed by PSNI
While no major protests developed in Belfast city, police used water cannons on a group of protestors who were throwing bricks just outside the city at a "flash point" on the Antrim Road.Barry Whyte, Chief Newstalk Reporter has been in Belfast since yesterday afternoon and he joined Anton with the latest from the city.
Would giving tax breaks to companies help young people find part time work?
A Sligo representative is calling for targeted tax breaks to help businesses hire students, as young people are struggling to find part time work.She says the proposal is based on a simple principle — support companies that give our young people work opportunities.The calls are being made by Fianna Fáil Sligo County Councillor, Edel McSharry, who joined Anton to explain her proposal.
The latest from Newry Crown Court
The jury at the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson has heard the final segment of his police interview from March 2024 and four interviews with Eleanor Donaldson. We get the latest from the trial with Jamie O’Hara who was at Newry Crown Court.
NASA names astronauts for Artemis Moon programme
Nasa names the four astronauts who will blast off as part of the Artemis III mission in 2027. This is the next step for humans to return to the Moon. Speaking to Anton with more on this was Helen Sharman, first British astronaut.
A stark new report on dangers of coastal erosion
Ireland must shift from monitoring coastal erosion as a physical process to establishing the urgent legal and financial mechanisms required to relocate homes and infrastructure. That’s according to new research from the University of Galway, authored by Associate Professor Dr Eugene Farrell.
Ireland is spending more than the economy can handle
Public spending is growing faster than the sustainable growth rate of the economy, according to the latest assessment by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. To discuss the assessment findings was Niall Conroy, Senior Economist, IFAC.
A night of unrest in Belfast
Several homes across Belfast have been set on fire and a bus lit ablaze in protests after a man was charged with attempted murder following a serious incident in the north of the city on Monday night. Speaking to Anton was Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Alex Burghart.
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 Jennifer Keane, founder of paygap.ie.
How do Greenway CPOs impact agriculture?
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food meet today to discuss the impacts of greenways, railways and roadways on agriculture. The Irish Farmer’s Association has called the compulsory purchase of farmland for the development of this infrastructure as ‘fundamentally inappropriate.’ Anton discusses this further with Paul O’Brien, Chair of the IFA Infrastructure Project
An Post ‘Letter to My Future Self’ campaign returns
An Post is bringing back its hugely popular ‘Letter to My Future Self’ campaign after more than 40,000 people took part last year. Head of Marketing Communications at An Post, Richard Miley explains the details about the campaign.
Australia’s social media ban for under 16s six months on
It has been 6 months since Australia introduced its world-first social media ban for under-16s. Dr Danielle Einstein, Sydney Based Clinical Psychologist, Researcher and Author of the Einstein Report which laid out evidence for the ban joined Anton with an update on the progress it has made.
US military has "completed" its retaliatory strikes against Iran
The US military has said it has "completed" its retaliatory strikes against Iran over the downing of an attack helicopter. The day’s developments have thrown precarity onto the truce in the Gulf, which was originally announced on the 8th of April. We get the latest from Borzou Daragahi, Long time Foreign Correspondent and Founder of the Badlands Newsletter.
Buildings and vehicles set on fire in Belfast unrest
Several homes across Belfast have been set on fire and a bus lit ablaze in protests after a man was charged with attempted murder following a serious incident in the north of the city on Monday night. Anton get the latest from James McCarthy, Political Reporter with Belfast Live and the Daily Mirror in Northern Ireland. Also Anton spoke to Deirdre Hargey, Sinn Féin ML
Sean McGovern jailed for 24 years for directing crime gang
A senior figure in the Kinahan organised crime gang has been sentenced to 24 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court. Forty-year-old Sean McGovern pleaded guilty to two counts of directing the activities of a criminal organisation during the Hutch-Kinahan feud, in which he was also shot. We get reaction from Former Garda Commissioner, Michael O’Sullivan.
€20,000 weekly spend storing ev buses due to lack charging infrastructure of
The National Transport Authority has revealed it is spending nearly €20,000 a week on the storage of 98 electric buses that have still not been deployed to the national fleet due to a lack of charging infrastructure in Galway and Dublin depots. We get the details from Aisling Moloney Political Reporter, Irish Independent.
Cardiac surgeries cancelled due to strikes
14 cardiac surgeries, including two pediatric ones, have been cancelled due to a strike by 25 perfusionists.Fórsa have said this is due to ongoing disputes over pay links between them and medical scientists. Speaking to Anton was Linda Kelly, Fórsa National Secretary.
The Irish road trips you can’t miss this summer
Anton was joined by Author and Travel Writer, Nicola Brady to talk about her brand-new book ‘Great Irish Road Trips’ and give us some inspiration for our summer travel.
Dáil set to vote on Ireland’s participation in match against Israel
Sinn Féin is introducing a motion today calling on the Government to stop the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League games against Israel scheduled for later this year. To debate this further Anton was joined by Mark Ward, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Mid-West and Alan Shatter, Former Minister of Justice and board member of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations.
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 Valerie Cox, Author and Journalist.
New research links obesity to the environment we live in
New ESRI research has revealed a sharp divide between public opinion and experts on what’s driving the obesity epidemic. While many blame personal choices, experts are pointing to the environment we live in. To discuss this more Anton was joined by Lead GP for obesity at the Irish College of General Practitioners, Dr Mick Crotty.
The cabinet discusses ending the triple lock
The cabinet set to discuss the future of the triple lock today, Mark Price, Co-Chair of the Irish Anti War Movement and founding member of the Irish Neutrality League joined Anton to discuss the importance of the triple lock.
The latest on the Jeffrey Donaldson Trial
Jurors in the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson have heard him deny claims by a woman that he raped her as a child, with the former DUP leader insisting the alleged incident “absolutely categorically did not happen”. Our Reporter Emily Keegan brought us the latest from Newry Crown Court.
EU foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas visits Dublin
EU foreign policy chief visits Dublin to discuss upcoming Irish Presidency and potential sanctions on Aughinish Alumina. To look ahead to the visit was Seán Defoe, Newstalk's Political Correspondent.
'Baby sleep pillows' posing risk of death warns consumer watchdog
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has warned parents that pillows marketed as sleeping aids for babies can cause death through suffocation or overheating. Grainne Griffin, Director of Communications, Consumer Information and Financial Education at the CCPC explained the warning with Anton.
Smartglasses and earpieces may worsen exam cheating in schools
The head of the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in the UK has expressed concerns around smart glasses and earpieces for GCSEs and A level exams. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly brought us the details.
How to get involved in the hedgehog census!
Censuses are not just for us humans because today marks the beginning of the Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count with people being asked to look around this week to try find and document hedgehogs. Elaine O’Riordan is a researcher at the School of Natural Sciences in the University of Galway and the Lead Research on the Irish Hedgehog Survery.
Canadian Prime Minister to visit Dublin and Mayo this week
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will make an official visit to Ireland this week in what will be the first bilateral visit to Ireland by a Canadian Prime Minister in nearly a decade. We get the details of the visit with Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent.
Rotunda to provide HSE with audit of private work
Today is the deadline for the Rotunda Hospital to provide the HSE with an audit of all private work being carried out by consultants on public only contracts in the hospital. It follows revelations at an Oireachtas committee last week that this practice is continuing despite a direction it was to stop. Anton discusses further with Joe Neville, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North.
Gen Z delaying major life decisions due to their financial situation
More than half of Gen Z have delayed major life decisions due to their financial situation. That’s according to a new survey by Deloitte out this morning that shows how the housing and cost of living crises are shaping the lives of Irish young people. Newstalk’s Sarah Madden has been looking into this research.
Zelensky received the backing of the leaders of the UK, France and Germany
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received the backing of the leaders of the UK, France and Germany in calling for direct ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine It comes after Russian forces deliberately struck a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel near Ukraine's Chornobyl power plant, according to Zelensky. Speaking to Anton was Sean Bell, Former Fighter pilot and now Milit
Do supermarket loyalty schemes come with a price?
Loyalty cards are they becoming more of a necessity rather than a choice when we see the price difference having one makes. And does that bring up issues when it comes to GDPR and supermarkets processing our data off loyalty cards? Anton discussed further with Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer with the Irish Council of Civil Liberties.
How girls are falling down a skincare rabbit hole
Children as young as ten years old are developing unhealthy obsessions with having what they perceive to be ‘perfect skin’, leading to complex daily cosmetic routines using numerous products. That has led researchers to coin a new term cosmeticorexia to define this obsession. Professor Giovanni Damiana is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Milan explains more.
Gangland criminal found dead in garda custody
A gangland criminal found dead in garda custody was the chief suspect in the knife attack on Thomas Griffin last weekend who died while trying to escape across the River Liffey. For more on this Anton was joined by Robin Schiller, Senior Journalist, Irish Independent .
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 Patti Shields Vice Chair Democrats Abroad in Ireland.
Russian drone hits nuclear fuel storage facility near Chornobyl
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received the backing of the leaders of the UK, France and Germany in calling for direct ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine It comes after Russian forces deliberately struck a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel near Ukraine's Chornobyl power plant, according to Zelensky. For the latest on this we heard from Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Corr
How does your town fare in IBAL’s latest litter survey?
Areas that were previously litter blackspots have made progress in the latest Irish Business Against Litter Survey where Sligo once more comes out as the cleanest town in the country. To go through the results was Conor Horgan the Spokesperson for Irish Business Against Litter .
Israeli military identifies missiles launched from Iran
Israel says more Iranian missiles have been fired toward its territory this morning. It comes after Iran fired missiles towards Israel yesterday, the first time since a ceasefire paused hostilities in April. Anton gets the latest with Mark Weiss, Israel Correspondent with the Irish Times.
The cost of medical negligence claims in the State
The cost of medical negligence claims in the State has reached almost one point eight billion euro over the past five years, accounting for fees paid to lawyers, medical experts and settlements themselves. To look into this more Anton spoke to Ciara McPhillips is a Medical Negligence Solicitor with Michael Boylan Litigation.
The influx of synthetic cannabis driving mental health issues
HSE national clinical lead on addiction Professor Eamon Keenan has warned an influx of synthetic cannabis products is causing more individuals to present with mental health problems. We discussed this issue further withJo-hanna Ivers, Professor of Addiction at School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin.
Jeremy Corbyn MP ten years on from Brexit referendum
This time ten years ago, the United Kingdom was in the thick of campaigning for the Brexit referendum. One of the key figures in the fight for Remain was then leader of the Opposition and UK Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn. Jeremy, who is now an independent MP for Islington North in London and Parliamentary Leader of Your Party spoke to Anton this morning on the show.
Has swimming pool etiquette gone completely out the window?
Has swimming pool etiquette gone completely out the window in Ireland? Anton asked Freelance Journalist, Niamh O’ Reilly.
A solution to ghost buses!
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien recently introduced new legislation to the Dáil, which looked to expand the powers of the National Transport Authority as works on the Metrolink and BusConnects pick up steam. To discuss further with Anton was Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire.
The latest on the Jeffrey Donaldson trial
We get the latest on the Jeffrey Donaldson trial from our Reporter Emily Keegan.
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 Mary Hanafin Barrister and former Minister.
How you can your child more active!
Children are less physically active than they used to be. Getting your child to move more is good for their long term health, educational achievements and cognitive performance. Denise Murphy Fitness Expert and Performance nutritionist tells us how you can your child more active.
Could YouTubers save Hollywood?
Could Gen Z Youtubers be the ones who save Hollywood by turning viral ideas and micro budgets into the industry's next big box office hits? Anton asked Movie Critic and Entertainment Journalist, Brian Lloyd.
Government’s failure to transpose the EU Pay Transparency Directive
New figures from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions have revealed that the Government’s failure to transpose the EU Pay Transparency Directive on time will cost working women more than €570 million per year in lost wages. To discuss this further with Anton was Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer, Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Wedding plus ones what's the etiquette?
Taylor Swift’s reported no-plus-one wedding rule has sparked debate about wedding guest etiquette, with one invitee even threatening to skip the big day. So what are the dos and don'ts when it comes to plus-ones, and how should couples navigate awkward guest-list decisions? Anton asked Wedding Planner Tara Fay.
Garda to expand use of body-worn cameras nationwide
An Garda Síochána plans to spend €150 million over 15 years on a nationwide rollout of body-worn cameras and a new digital evidence management system following a successful pilot programme. Speaking to Anton was Niall Hodgins, Garda Representative Association President.
Champions League final drew over a million illegal streams in Ireland
Views for The Champions League final were traced to 318,000 unique Irish IP addresses despite the game being free to air on RTE. For more on this Anton spoke to Adrian Weckler Technology Editor with the Irish Independent.
Farmers are more worried about climate change than people think
Both farmers and non-farmers worry about climate change and say they are willing to take action, yet they underestimate each other's worry and willingness. That’s according to new research published this morning by the Economic and Social Research Institute. To discuss the research findings was Professor Pete Lunn Research Professor and Head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit.
Gardai continue to investigate fatal assault
Gardaí in Pearse Street continue to investigate a fatal assault which occurred on Clarendon Street, Dublin in the early hours of Monday 1st June For the latest on the Anton spoke to Conor Lally the Irish Times Crime and Security Editor.
Advice on having an enough nest egg to retire in peace!
Eight in ten workers eligible for Auto Enrolment don’t think it, alone, will be enough to provide for their retirement, while a further one in three of those believe their Auto Enrolment pension alone will be “nowhere near enough”. What can worried savers do to make sure they have a large enough nest egg to retire in peace? For advice we heard from Robert Whelan, Managing Director at Roc
The dangers of teenage binge drinking
Teenage binge drinking is on the rise with teens drinking younger and in larger amounts. Anton discusses the dangers that comes with binge drinking with Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care in Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin.
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.
Artists drop out of Trump’s 250th celebration
A month today, America will mark its two hundred and fiftieth birthday. But celebrations are a bit up in the air after numerous artists dropped out of a Trump backed festival. We get the latest with David Smith the Washington Bureau Chief with The Guardian.
Childcare provider’s reaction to fee cap from Government
The Minister for Children Norma Foley has announced new maximum fee caps for early learning and childcare services who receive Core Funding from the State. For reaction to this Anton spoke to Elaine Dunne, Chair of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.
Latest from Jeffrey Donaldson trial
One of two women who claims Jeffrey Donaldson abused her as a child has told his trial she blames herself for what happened to his second alleged victim because she did not go to the police at the time. For more on the trial, Anton spoke to Emily Keegan, Newstalk Reporter in Newry.
Ireland taken to court over failure to stop illegal peat extraction
Ireland is being taken to the European Union’s highest court for failing to stop illegal peat extraction. With the details on this Anton spoke to Pat O’Toole, Political Correspondent, Irish Farmers Journal.
It is National Fostering Awareness Month
Today marks the launch of National Fostering Awareness month, and research by Tusla shows that many are not aware that they might actually be eligible to be a foster carer. Speaking to Anton about her experience as a foster carer was Noeleen O’Reilly. Also Anton spoke to Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla National Lead for Foster Care.
The new gender pay reporting portal explained
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is bringing a memo to cabinet to make it mandatory for employers to use the new gender pay reporting portal.Jennifer Keane, founder of paygap.ie discussed further with Anton.
Analysis of new stage scrappage scheme
People with petrol and diesel cars that are more than 13 years old are to be eligible for grants of €8,500 to purchase a new electric vehicle under a State scrappage scheme. Independent Motoring Expert with Car Zone Conor Faughnan brought us the details.
Nutritionist advice most important meal of the day
84% of people say a healthy, balanced breakfast is important to them, according to new research from the National Dairy Council. Only 41% focus on convenience above everything else. We get the advice on the most important meal of the day with Sarah Keogh, Registered Dietician with eatwell.ie.
The latest on Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial in Newry
A woman who accused Jeffrey Donaldson of raping her as a child has said it will be “seared into my brain for the rest of my life”, Newry Crown Court has heard. Our Reporter Emily Keegan brought us an update from the court in Newry.
Wexford County Council calls for constitutional right to housing
Wexford County Council has passed a motion calling for a referendum on a constitutional right to housing. The council will right to Wexford’s TD and Senators to also seek their support. Anton discusses this further with Tom Forde, Sinn Féin Councillor for Wexford County Council and also Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates.
Many health insurance premiums charging more but covering less!
Last year there was a reduced level of cover overall across many health insurance plans, despite average premiums increasing by almost 11%. That’s according to the new Annual Market Report for 2025 from The Health Insurance Authority, whose CEO Brian explained the findings to Anton this morning.
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 Council.
UK government considering a national airline blacklist
The UK government is considering a national airline blacklist that would ban passengers involved in serious incidents, such as drunkenness, abuse of crew, or violence, from flying with any airline, not just one carrier. Anton discusses this idea further with Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Airport and Safety Auditor.
Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams sits in silence at book discussion
Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams sat in silence and did not speak at a panel discussion about her tell all book about the social media giant because of ongoing legal action by her former bosses at Meta. Jessica Kelly Newstalk's Technology Correspondent brought us the details.
The impact of Irelands migration policies on the economy
Ireland’s economic performance is being put at risk by increasingly restrictive migration policies, the Immigrant Council of Ireland will warn at a conference in Dublin today. Speaking to Anton ahead of the conference was Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.
Leaving Cert 2026: Advice on English paper 1
It’s a nervous morning in thousands of households across the country as the Leaving Cert gets under way. First up is English paper 1 and to get some advice Anton was joined by Conor Murphy English teacher in Skibbereen Community School.
Theatre etiquette when attending a performance
Rosamund Pike called out an audience member for texting during an emotional moment from her performance in West End play Inter Alia on Saturday. So what is the correct theatre etiquette when attending a performance.Anton asks Brian Merriman, Founder of International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival.
The latest from Newry Crown Court
A woman who has accused Jeffrey Donaldson of sexually abusing her as a child has claimed his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, “did nothing” about an abuse allegation, Newry Crown Court has heard. We get the latest on the trial with Alison Morris, Crime Correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph.
