Ireland’s long-awaited Covid inquiry is finally underway, and already it is raising difficult questions. This week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin faced extensive questioning from the inquiry panel about the Government’s handling of the pandemic, but unlike the public inquiries seen in the UK and elsewhere, the interviews are being conducted behind closed doors. No transcripts will be published and the inquiry team has repeatedly stated that its role is not to “point fingers” or assign blame.

Ireland’s long-awaited Covid inquiry is finally underway, and already it is raising difficult questions. This week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin faced extensive questioning from the inquiry panel about the Government’s handling of the pandemic, but unlike the public inquiries seen in the UK and elsewhere, the interviews are being conducted behind closed doors. No transcripts will be published and the inquiry team has repeatedly stated that its role is not to “point fingers” or assign blame.

Birth rates across Europe and the wider Western world are falling at an unprecedented rate, with many countries now well below the level needed to maintain their populations. Some demographers warn that if current trends continue indefinitely, human populations could shrink dramatically over the coming centuries, raising serious questions about the future of society itself.

On this episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by podcaster and commentator Elaine Mullally to discuss a growing trend among modern parents, tracking their children’s every move through smartphone apps.

On this episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by social commentator, podcaster and restaurateur Paul Treyvaud for a no-holds-barred discussion on the Government’s latest plans to tackle money laundering through luxury retailers.

Should Welfare Payments Come With Spending Restrictions?

In this episode, Niall opens the phone lines to discuss a proposal that has divided opinion in several countries around the world. Australia and parts of the United States have already introduced welfare payment cards that restrict how benefits can be spent, while politicians in the UK have also debated introducing similar measures.

In this episode, Niall speaks to school teacher and Aontú representative Eric Nelligan about the growing debate over the Irish language in education. Eric questions whether Irish should remain a compulsory subject throughout secondary school and whether it is fair that students who sit certain State examinations through Irish can receive additional CAO points. Supporters of the current system argue that Irish is a fundamental part of Ireland’s culture, identity and heritage, and that removing compulsory Irish would further accelerate the decline of the language. Critics, however, believe students should have the freedom to choose the subjects that best suit their interests and future careers, rather than being forced to study a language many will rarely use outside the classroom.

Did Political Correctness Cost Baby Preston His Life? In this powerful and deeply emotional discussion, Niall speaks with journalist John McGuirk from The Statement about the shocking murder of 13 month old Preston Davey at the hands of his adoptive parents, Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley.

This week Niall is joined by his former producer and long-time friend AJ Walsh for a lively and no-holds-barred look back at the stories that got everyone talking. They discuss the horrific Preston Davey case and the questions being asked following the convictions. They also look at the growing debate around trust in the media as the BBC faces major cuts in an effort to save hundreds of millions of pounds, with programmes and jobs on the chopping block.