Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

Department of Education figures today show that about one in 20 schoolchildren are being diagnosed with autism, a threefold increase in less than a decade. We discuss these figures with Carl O’Brien, Education editor with the Irish Times who has the story this morning. 

Thirty-six people have been brought ashore after a cargo vessel collided with an oil tanker off the East Yorkshire coast.  It's emerged that the cargo ship was carrying 15 containers of the toxic chemical sodium cyanide. We get the latest with Vincent McAviney London based journalist.

Almost half of Irish adults have reported being targeted by scam calls, text or emails. That's according to new research by Fraud Smart.  What can you do to stay safe and is there a way to know for certain if something is a scam?  Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly explained all to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

This week marks 5 years since the start of Covid-19 lockdowns and new research from Mary Immaculate College suggests those born when the pandemic began are struggling as they enter school. Speaking to Jonathan to discuss further Dr Patricia Byrne, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

Government Ministers must use St Patrick’s Day visits to the US to highlight the dangerous impact of authoritarian shifts in the Trump administration  That’s the call from Karol Balfe CEO of Action Aid Ireland.

Learner drivers should only be allowed four consecutive learner permits if they do not pass their driving test. That’s the suggestion the Department of Transport has made in the incoming briefing given to the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien. We discuss this further with Geraldine Herbert Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent. 

Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould has said he's "entirely innocent" after being questioned by Gardaí investigating an alleged business fraud over a decade ago.  But does the party have questions to answer relating to this?  Jonathan asked Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor of the Irish Examiner.

Some Irish supermarkets are charging almost double the price for some staple groceries in the Republic than in the same companies’ stores in the North.  So found a new survey in The Sunday Times. We get reaction to this with Sinead Ryan Consumer Journalist with The Irish Independent and Host of the Home Show on Newstalk. 

Israel is set to cut off electricity in Gaza as negotiations with Hamas over the fragile ceasefire become more chaotic. We get the latest on the situation with Alistair Bunkall, Sky News Middle East Correspondent.  

“You can tell a lot about a society by the names it gives its babies.” So says Mary Kenny, Journalist, Writer and Columnist with the Irish Independent who spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.

European Union countries have given the green light to plans to boost the bloc's defences as a bulwark against Russia. We discuss this move further with Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast, Sean Bell. 

Leaving cert grade inflation what is the solution? Will one year just have to be disadvantaged? All to discuss with Ciara and Shane.

SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded during a test flight, months after a previous failed launch attempt - with multiple flights having to be grounded in Florida due to debris  Here to tell us more is Dr Niamh Shaw, Scientist, Engineer and Communicator specialising in space exploration. 

50% percent of respondents believe tax breaks for developers are needed to boost rental supply, while more than 45% now believe rent pressure zones need to be abolished.  That’s according to a new survey published this morning by property portal MyHome. So is the tide turning on this issue? We ask Carol Tallon, CEO of Property District and author of Irish Property Buyers Handbook annual. 

Ireland needs to address its persistently low breastfeeding rates.   That’s the call from La Leche League a voluntary organisation that promotes the benefits of breastfeeding, whose annual conference takes place today.  Joining Shane this morning on the show was Lynn Carroll, La Leche League Leader.  

Leaving cert results will be lower this year, as inflated grades are set to drop for the first time in five years. Ciara discussed this further with Education Editor of the Irish Times Carl O'Brien.   

It’s an area of Australia that thousands of Irish flock to for its laidback atmosphere and beachy lifestyle, but now a cyclone threatens to hit the Gold Coast with blasts of winds expected to be about 130 kilometres per hour. We get the latest on the situation there with Brianna Parkins,  ABC reporter and Columnist with The Irish Times.

European Union leaders have rallied around Ukraine and agreed to boost the bloc's defences.  So after a watershed moment in European security last night, Irish military spending may start to increase.  Here to tell us where and when to start is Declan Power, former Irish Army soldier, Defence Analyst and Writer.   

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said she has met with the Irish Pharmacy Union in an attempt to resolve the delay in rolling out a national plan to make Hormone Replacement Therapy free to all women. We discuss this issue with Sheena Mitchell, Owner of Milltown Total Health Pharmacy and Host of the WonderCare Podcast.

Suspects for over 40,000 crimes carried out in 2024 are currently out on bail, according to figures obtained by Sinn Féin yesterday.  So does the system need reform? We discuss with Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP.