Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Over the past 5 years the number of children identified as victims of child trafficking has increased from 0 in 2020 to 10 in 2024…Recent legislative changes have led to better methods of victim identification, but can more be done to protect against trafficking?Liam Herrick is Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and joins Kieran to discuss.

It's been around 8 years since the launch of Sláintecare, and as reforms have been introduced gradually to remove private practice from public hospitals - the overall goal of Sláintecare.The changes, however, may be leading to the ever-increasing cost of health insurance.Joining Kieran to discuss is Tony O'Brien, former Director General of the HSE and Sunday Independent Columnist.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie, to discuss tips and tricks to support your kids if they are experiencing bullying, and ways to spot it.

A flotilla heading to Gaza that had departed Barcelona was forced back to port after a storm hit parts of Spain overnight.They were due to set sail this afternoon, and Kieran caught up with one of those on board, Comedian Tadhg Hickey, just before they set off again.

It’s being argued that the tricolour has been erected across Irish communities as part of an anti-immigration campaign. What is the solution to this?Over how to tackle this issue, Kieran is joined by Labour Cllr for Dublin South Central, Darragh Moriarty.

Episode 1 of ‘The Traitors: Ireland’ is in the books, with twists and turns all over the place.Many fans of the UK series have been waiting for this Irish version to come on air – is it worth the wait?Kieran is joined by 98FM Producer Russell Alford!Image: RTÉ

With the next Presidential Election looming, questions remain on who exactly will be on the ballot. Fianna Fáil seem to be in two camps, with backing for both MEP Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin - with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern not ruling himself out. There are also questions about who Sinn Féin’s pick will be, and if Catherine Connolly could get their support.Joining Kieran with the latest updates is Political Correspondent for the Irish Daily Mail, Sarah McGuinness.

If you are someone who loves a loyalty card, then should you ask yourself: is the company I’m loyal to as loyal to me?Joining Kieran with her tips and tricks for getting the best subscription deals is Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner…

Speaking on the Hard Shoulder last week on the issue of shoplifting, former Garda Inspector and Risk Assessor Tony Gallagher called on the Government to explore the privatisation of the prisons service, as capacity continues to impact sentencing among other issues…So, is he right? Could the privatisation of prisons help alleviate the current problems around prison capacity?Joining Kieran to discuss is John McGuirk, Editor of Gript.ie and Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Ruth Scott, Broadcaster and Humanist Celebrant to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Twenty years ago today, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. To remember the day, Kieran is joined by Jean Whitfield and Michael Leyden, who were in the city at the time on their honeymoon.

Beans beans, good for your heart, beans beans… you know the rest!Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss butter beans!

Off The Ball's Cameron Hill joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.

With the Irish version of the TV series ‘The Traitors’ revealed to be filming in Slane Castle in County Meath, what more can we expect in the future from the venue?Joining Kieran to discuss all is son of the late Lord Henry Mount Charles, and Custodian of Slane Castle, Alex Coyningham.

Ireland will be looking to continue their winning ways against Spain on Sunday in the Women's Rugby World Cup, following a comprehensive win against Japan last weekend.Joining Kieran to look ahead to the fixture is Fiona Hayes, former Ireland international and two-time 6 nations winner, as well Aoife McDermott, former Ireland International.

With more movement on the Irish Presidential race today, the question remains on who will come out on top for Fianna Fáil, with MEP Billy Kelleher putting his name in the hat, and Minister James Lawless officially backing Jim Gavin, who is yet to actually announce if he is running. Also, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has not ruled out running yet…Joining Kieran to break this down and more is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

The Electric Picnic music festival kicks off today and across the weekend in Stradbally, County Laois - featuring big artists like Chappell Roan, Hozier and Kneecap.Will you be attending, will you be vicariously living it through social media, or will you be ignoring it from home?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie is there, and has been talking to attendees, he joins Kieran to share what he’s heard. Psychologist Niamh Delmar also joins to discuss the fear of missing out, or FOMO.

Some small rural schools across Ireland are being excluded from the school meals scheme. To shed some light on the situation and why it’s happening, Kieran is joined by a concerned parent from Kerry, Michael Coady, Principal of St James National School in Stradbally, Co Waterford, Rebecca Miller and Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of food supplier Carambola, Colm O’Brien.

Kieran is joined in the Kennedy Summer School by Sharon Clancy, singer and actress, to discuss her journey to becoming a jazz musician, and her upcoming debut jazz album!

As the first round of the CAO offers have been made to thousands of students across the country, what follows for many is a scramble for student accommodation as shortage drives prices…Joining Kieran to discuss all of this is Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless.