Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

Tomorrow marks baby loss awareness day. In Ireland, there are approximately 380 babies who are stillborn or die shortly after birth each year; that is more than one baby every day. Féileacáin, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland, is calling on people throughout the country to participate in the global ‘Wave of Light’ at 7pm tomorrow. By doing so they will encourage conversations about the loss of a baby and the impact it has on people affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Nina Farrelly, Grace and Liam’s Mam and coordinator of The Wave of Light on behalf of Feileacain joined Ciara on the show this morning to talk about her experience of loss and to give more details on 'The Wave Of Light'.

Dublin Bus is set to launch its 24-hour services this weekend. The new "G Spine" routes and Route 60 will replace the 79 and 79A buses as well as the western part of the number 40 route in the capital as a part of BusConnects' new network. Tim Gaston, the NTA’s Director of Public Transport services joined Shane this morning.

The water quality of our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal areas has all continued to decline in the past five years. That’s according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency. Mary Gurrie Programme Manager with the EPA spoke to Ciara this morning.

Thousands of third level students are planning a series of walkouts from lectures this morning. This is in protest at the lack of accommodation available and the cost of living in Ireland. Beth O’Reilly President of the Union of Students in Ireland spoke to Shane ahead of the protests today.

Ireland’s First Digital Platform for Reusable Packaging is Piloting today! Customers of participating cafés and restaurants in North Co. Dublin can order takeaway food and drink, in specially produced packaging, which can be reused again and again, and returned to drop-off points reducing the number of single-use containers in circulation. To explain this further Shane spoke to Michelle Moloughney, Co-founder of Reuse Island which is trading as Vytal Ireland.

Some parts of the country are facing backlogs of almost 10 years for access to the HSE’s School Dental Screening Service, which means children who should be receiving three check-ups in primary school are not being seen until their fourth year of secondary school. That’s according to the Irish Dental Association, whose Chief Executive Fintan Hourihan spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

The question of how, when, and whether to cap gas prices dominated another meeting of European Union countries yesterday, as they pursue a joint plan to target high gas prices. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.

Concerns are already being raised about stockpiling of fireworks and flammable materials for bonfires ahead of Halloween at the end of the month. So what can be done to tackle the problem ahead of time? Daithi Doolan is a Sinn Féin Councillor for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh and Chairperson for the Joint Policing Committee and joined Shane this morning on the show.

In the wake of that historic victory, last night where Ireland beat Scotland 1- nil - We are now going to the World Cup! Speaking to Ciara this morning was Ireland Ladies Football Manager Vera Pauw.

THE HSE has announced a €169 million plan to address concerns about the provision of healthcare during the winter months. Chief Clinical Officer with the HSE, Dr. Colm Henry spoke to Shane this morning on the show.

A trial allowing soccer referees to wear body cameras in the adult grassroots game in England is expected to start in the first half of next year. Should the GAA be looking at a similar policy to tackle referee abuse? Maurice Deegan is a Former inter-county referee and joined Ciara this morning on the show.

RTÉ has questions to answer over its decision not to broadcast an interview with former Minister for Transport Shane Ross about his biography of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. That’s according to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who said in the Dáil yesterday that development has a chilling effect on democracy. Shane Ross joined Shane this morning on the show with his reaction.

Teenage girls are becoming increasingly interested in STEM careers - That’s according to a new report by I Wish. 93 per cent of female transition year students surveyed in the report reject the idea that boys are more suited to STEM careers than females. However, nearly two-thirds of female students said persistent poor gender equality is a barrier to getting into the field. To discuss further Newstalk Breakfast spoke to the Lecturer of Mathematics at TU Dublin, Dr. Fiona Faulkner.

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for holiday homes to be excluded from the Government’s universal electricity credits. To explain why Jennifer spoke to Ciara this morning on the show.

“My child got an attendance award at school – and I’m furious about it”, so says Lauren Crosby Medlicott, Freelance Writer, who feels “We are teaching them that strong is good, and fragility is bad. Lauren spoke to Shane this morning on the show.

One in five women worries about being attacked by a stranger – almost twice the level of fear of men. That’s according to a new survey commissioned by the Department of Justice. To discuss this further Ciara spoke to Cliona Sadlier Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland and also joined by Sexual Assault survivor Rachel McElroy.

Granting legal rights and protections to non-human entities such as animals, trees, and rivers is essential if countries are to tackle climate breakdown and biodiversity loss, experts have said. A report for the Law Society explores how the relationship between humans and mother earth might be recalibrated in the future. So should animals have legal rights? Animal rights campaigner John Carmody

A colony of bats has divided the people of Kerry, as its existence as led to a strategic housing development being refused planning permission. Plans for 228 residential units of houses, apartments, duplexes and a crèche were proposed for Killarney. An Bord Pleanála refused the planning due to artificial lighting that could impact the Lesser Horseshoe Bat in the nearby Killarney National Park. Our reporter Josh Crosbie has been to the Kingdom to get some local reaction.

The IABA is gifting period packs to over 350 boxing clubs to combat period poverty and support boxers. The initiative was launched as part of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association’s celebration of the Day of the Girl. Women In Sport Lead, coach, and former competitive boxer Louise McKenzie spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.

October is cyber security month and one of the key themes this year is phishing - which is on the rise. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly brings us advice on keeping safe on line.