Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

Over half of Ireland’s septic tanks failed inspections, putting the health of our waters and our households at risk  That’s according to the EPA’s latest report. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Noel Byrne Programme Manager in the EPA’s Drinking Water and Waste Water Enforcement team.

More than half of septic tanks fail inspection. We ask this morning do we care enough about our environment? Ciara and Shane discussed this morning.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said allowing Northern Ireland’s Irish citizens to vote in presidential elections may require a referendum.  We discussed this further with Conor Murphy, Sinn Fein Senator. 

The Israeli Military is going to enter Gaza “with full force” in the coming days, according to its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.  Under the plan, which has been internationally condemned by world leaders, Netanyahu said it could involve his government displacing Palestinians from Gaza and working with other nations to accept refugees.  We get the latest on this with Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Middle East Correspondent. We also heard from Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.

The sister of Love Island Molly-Mae Hague has come under fire online following comments she made against Tommy Fury in the Amazon Prime series, Molly Mae: Behind it All. Is it ever ok to get involved in another person’s relationship? We ask Jennifer Haskins, Relationship Expert from Two's Company.

Last night was the first Semi Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. Just 10 songs made it through. Henry McKean bumped into this celebrity chef at Eurovision.

A Victorian cottage recently collapsing in Dublin city centre after falling into disrepair despite being owned by the Construction Industry Federation is a sign that the Government must increase the derelict site levy.  That’s according to Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillor and Former Lord Mayor who spoke to Ciara this morning on the show.

Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being “scared” to meet him for peace talks in Turkey, as the Kremlin has yet to confirm Putin’s attendance.   We get the latest on this with Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute of Human Sciences in Vienna and a former BBC Central Europe Correspondent. 

Families are now receiving letters about hip operations their children had 15 years ago, raising serious concerns that the scandal over unnecessary surgeries is set to deepen. Reporting on this in The Independent today is Senan Molony,

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer published the UK’s proposals to change its legal immigration system. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Adam Boulton, Political Commentator and Former Sky News Political Editor. 

The Vintners Federation of Ireland is urging the government to introduce a 40% excise rebate on draught products sold in pubs in the upcoming Budget. It is a critical measure to preserve Ireland’s pub culture and sustain rural communities. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was The Vintners Federation of Ireland CEO, Pat Crotty.

Raising a child in Ireland now costs €169,000. That’s according to research out today from Laya Life. We discuss these findings with Kel Galavan Money Coach, Author, and Qualified Financial Advisor.

Kim Kardashian is set to take the stand in person today to testify at the trial of the men accused of robbing her at gunpoint and stealing millions of dollars worth of jewellery. We get the latest on this with Harriet Alexander, US-based journalist.

Today the Government to hear about leaving cert reform. We bring you up to date with what's on the cabinet agenda with Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent.

Hamas yesterday released Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier who holds American citizenship, as part of ongoing efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire with Israel.   It comes as President Trump is set to land in Saudi Arabia today, followed by visits to Qatar and then the United Arab Emirates. We get the latest on this with Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Middle East Correspondent. 

 US President Donald Trump has demanded that Ukraine should "immediately" agree to direct talks with Russia in a bid to end the war.  It comes after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his team were "ready to meet" Russian representatives following Vladimir Putin suggestion of peace talks, subject to an unconditional ceasefire starting today.  We discuss this further with Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast.

Music artists looking for protection against AI. Dua Lipa and Elton John are among a group of artists looking for protection against AI.  Newstalk's Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly brings us the details.

Bill for new National Maternity Hospital could reach €2 billion. We are we too comfortable with overspending? Ciara and Shane discussed this morning.

A garda has been killed after being struck by a motorcycle at a speed checkpoint in north Dublin yesterday.  The highly respected officer has been named as Gard Kevin Flatley, age 49, a father of two who was based in the roads policing unit at Dublin Castle.  To pay tribute to Garda Flatley we spoke to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and also Chairperson of O’Dwyer GAA club in Balbriggan, David Rooney.

Are we ready for the coming drought and the imminent return of water shortages?  That’s the question posed by Sunday Independent Columnist, Conor Skehan.