Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

Social Justice Ireland will today make the case to the Social Protection Minister for an increase in core social welfare rates of €20 per week in Budget 2023 Research and Policy Analyst with Social Justice Ireland, Suzanne Rogers spoke to Johnathan on the show this morning.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak went head-to-head on BBC in the first one-on-one debate between the candidates in Stoke-on-Trent last night Truss has been the front-runner with commentators saying last night would be make or break for Sunak. For the latest on the Tory leadership race Philip Webster, Former Political Editor of the Times spoke to Johnathan this morning.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton is set to introduce regulations that will double the fixed charges relating to key road safety offences. Minister Naughton spoke to Ciara this morning on the show.

Former Ulster Unionist Party leader, David Trimble has died, aged 77. Last night, the Ulster Unionist Party announced Lord Trimble had passed away following a short illness Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Doug Beattie gave his reaction to the passing of David Trimble

A new report by daftmortgages.ie has found that first-time house buyers have 9% less spending power now compared to this time last year. The typical mortgage seeker now has 15% less savings than this time last year and as a result buyers and home movers have reduced their expectations for the amount they will spend on a home. For more on this we spoke to Paul Monahan, General Manager at Daft Mortgages

The Government has published its Mid-Year Expenditure Report and is set to increase spending next year. The report follows on from the Summer Economic Statement, published earlier this month, and details the State's expenditure position ahead of the budget estimates process. Minister for Public expenditure and reform Michael McGrath spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Sean Nolan, Professional Cyclist with the EvoPro Racing Team was left with four broken ribs and fractured bones in two different vertebrae when he came off his bike at Townley Hall woods in Louth. It appears a rope trap was deliberately set on the mountain trail and could have left him paralysed. Sean spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about his experience.

Voluntary school contributions should end - that’s the view of Barnardo's who are today launching Barnardo's Back to School Survey 2022 The CEO of Barnardo's, Suzanne Connelly spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has signalled a major change to the state pension system. New changes to the state pension age will offer workers a cash incentive to continue to work up to the age of 70. To discuss further Ciara was joined on the show by Dr. Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy, Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Sport Ireland is to launch €2million ‘Sport for all’ fund for Clubs to support disability-specific activities in sports clubs. The total funding package of €4m aims to break down barriers to participation Jack Chambers, Minister of State for Sport and The Gaeltacht spoke to Newstalk Breakfast ahead of the funding launch.

Newstalk Technology correspondent Jess Kelly brings us tips and tricks when using your Gmail account.

Ahead of the Bray Air Show yesterday, there were major DART delays after passengers on a stalled train outside Bray forced open the doors and began walking on the tracks. Customers on board the train have expressed their outrage as many complained of the heat on the crowded trains resulting in people fainting on board. Barry Kenny, Chief Communications Manager at Iarnrod Eireann spoke to Jo

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has been engaging in ongoing talks with Environment Minister Eamon Ryan on Climate change. He signalled that he could support emissions cuts of more than the minimum 22% for farming – but in an interview with the Irish Independent, he stated that farming families must be protected. Tim Cullinan, President of the Irish Farmers Association spoke to Newstalk Breakfast with his take on this.

Higher dole payments for workers who suddenly lose their jobs are in the mix for the budget. So reads the story on the front page of the Independent this morning. But is it a good idea to tailor dole payments to things like previous incomes and how long someone has been out of work? Gerard Howlin is a Public Affairs Consultant and Former Government Advisor spoke to Johnathan on the show this morning.

Seven-year-old Erin O'Mahony has been hailed a hero by Gardaí after she saved the life of her mother who suffered a stroke in their home. The brave youngster managed to get the keys, open the front door and get help. Erin’s mother Dee Dixon spoke to Ciara on how Erin saved her life.

President Michael D. Higgins signed off on legislation yesterday that will see free contraception available to those aged between 17 and 25. The Women’s Council of Ireland have welcomed this but says they will continue to campaign for a universal rollout of free contraception to all women. Alana Ryan, Women’s Health Co-ordinator at the Women’s Council of Ireland spoke to Ciara this morning on the show.

Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi resigned his position yesterday “following a tumultuous week of political haggling” That is the view of Eric Sylvers, The Wall Street Journal’s Milan Correspondent who spoke to Vincent on the show this morning.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has sought a meeting with AIB officials after calling on the bank to reconsider its decision to remove cash facilities at 70 branches around the country. The bank is due to appear before the Finance committee soon and for more on this Vincent was joined on the show by Ned O’Hara of The Postmasters Union and Rose Mary McDonagh who is national chair of the farm business committee at the Irish Farmers’ Association.

Dublin is failing Northern Ireland when it comes to political representation. That’s the view of Writer and Campaigner Emma DeSouza, who believes that a predetermined number of Seanad seats should be reserved for nominated representatives from Northern Ireland. Emma spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

Do you tip? This morning on the show we discuss why tips are so important to hospitality workers in Ireland. We sent our reporter Elaine Smith to find out from the people of Cork about their tipping etiquettes. And also we were joined on the show by Irish Examiner Columnist and Author Clodagh Finn.