Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

87 per cent of Irish adults who are eligible for the pension auto-enrolment scheme are happy to use it once it’s rolled out, according to new research from financial advisors Ask Acorn. However, they are also warning that people should be fully aware of what they’re signing up for. All to chat with Robert Whelan, Financial advisor with Rockwell Financial Management.

Ibec is urging the Government to adopt a measured and strategic approach in Budget 2026, warning that global economic uncertainty and over-reliance on volatile corporate tax receipts pose risks to Ireland’s competitiveness. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gerard Brady, Head of National Policy and Chief economist at Ibec. 

President Donald Trump has announced plans to supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine through NATO and has warned of 'very severe' sanctions against Russia should it fail to reach a peace agreement within 50 days.  We discuss further with Ian Bond, Former British diplomat in Moscow, and now the Deputy Director of the Centre for European Reform. 

Sinn Féin is due to bring forward a motion tonight in the Dáil calling for improved services for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Sarah Jane Allen has spent more than €15,000 on endometriosis services outside of Ireland. Sarah explain her condition and it's impact to Shane this morning.  

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum today revealed that Dear Erin, a stereotyped Irish “rom-com” featuring actor Peter Coonan was an elaborate hoax. The fake trailer, full of clichés from flat caps to whiskey-soaked letters, was created to challenge tired portrayals of Irish people in film.  At what point do we stop laughing off the stereotypes and start questioning why they persist?  

The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee is to hear from supporters of Israel and Palestine about the Occupied Territories Bill, as the pre-legislative scrutiny begins.  Former Minister of Justice, board member of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations and Chairperson of MDA Ireland, Alan Shatter spoke to Shane this morning.

Tánaiste Simon Harris says the European Commission will publish an expanded list of potential EU tariffs, should no trade deal be reached with the US  We discuss all with Economist Austin Hughes.

An “honest” belief that a victim consented to sex will no longer be a legal defence in rape cases according to new proposals being considered by the Government. We discuss this further with  Cliona Sadlier, Executive Director Rape Crisis Network Ireland. 

‘A Sip of Irish’ is the new documentary aiming to prove there’s more to Irish food and drink than Guinness and stew. Carlow filmmaker, Frank Mannion, director behind ‘A Sip of Irish’ spoke to Ciara this morning.

Over 2,100 pubs have closed since 2005, with more than 100 pubs are closing every year across Ireland. That’s according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. We discuss these findings with Tony Foley, Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics at DCU Business School.

Live Aid at 40. Ciara and Shane has a interesting discussion on the legacy of Live Aid.

The EU is pushing for a last-minute trade deal after President Donald Trump declared plans to impose 30% tariffs on nearly all goods imported from the EU starting next month.   Joining Shane to discuss further was John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

Asylum-seekers who are working should have to contribute to the cost of their accommodation in direct provision centre.  With more on this we heard from CEO of Doras, John Lannon and Independent TD for Cork North-Central, Ken O’Flynn.

Plastic nets on fruit and vegetables and single-use plastic packaging for condiments such as ketchup sachets, will be banned by the end of the decade under new EU rules. We get reaction from Tad Kirakowski, CEO of Voice Of Irish Concern for the Environment. 

This week, the housing Minister unveiled new rules allowing studio flats as small as 32 square metres.  But are these moves for smaller apartments harkening back to Soviet style housing models? All to discuss with  Orla Hegarty, Architect & Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy. 

The exhumation of remains at the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home begins today. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Breeda Murphy, PRO of the Tuam Mother & Baby Home Alliance.

Supermarkets have pushed back against claims of price gouging, saying their prices remain competitive and their profit margins are slim. We discuss further with Charlie Weston, Personal Finances Editor with the Independent. 

With temperatures hitting 30 degrees this weekend, beach trips are a no-brainer but do you know your seaside do’s and don’ts? Features Journalist at the Irish Independent, Kirsty Blake Knox tells us.

81% of Irish people say the drugs problem is out of control in this country – that’s according to new research published by Merchants Quay Ireland. It also shows that stigma remains a real and pressing concern for those in addiction in Ireland  To discuss further Ciara spoke to Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchant’s Quay. 

Many will be embracing the warm weather facing us this weekend, but Labour Party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock is calling for legally defined temperature limits for all workplaces to protect employees. Marie spoke to Ciara this morning.