Podcasts

The National Transport Authority has proposed a more consistent policy allowing pets on Transport for Ireland services. Under the proposals, small dogs, cats and other small animals could travel in suitable carriers, while larger dogs could travel on a lead and muzzled. More than 2,500 people responded to the consultation, with the vast majority supporting greater access for pets, although concerns were also raised about hygiene, allergies, safety and passenger comfort.

Niall is joined by Eric Nelligan to break down Budget 2027, looking at the winners, the losers and whether the Government has actually done enough to tackle the rising cost of living.
They examine the changes to income tax, welfare, childcare, housing supports and energy costs, and ask whether the measures announced will make a noticeable difference to households once rising everyday expenses are taken into account

Niall talks to business owner and podcaster Paul Treyvaud about the Government’s expected decision to increase the minimum wage by 79 cent to €14.94 an hour from January, and the continuing debate over plans for a €16 living wage.

Niall talks to journalist Laura Perrins about Budget 2027 and asks whether it will actually make any meaningful difference to households struggling with the relentless rise in the cost of living. Every year we hear about tax cuts, credits, welfare increases and new Government supports, yet for many people the bills keep rising faster than the help arriving. Electricity, heating, groceries, rent, mortgages, insurance and childcare continue to swallow more of our income.

Niall talks to Cormac Lucey, economics commentator with The Sunday Times Ireland, about growing concern that Ireland is becoming increasingly unaffordable for its own young people. New figures from the National Youth Council make for stark reading. Some 68% of young adults say they are considering leaving Ireland in search of a better quality of life, while 90% believe secure, well-paid work is becoming harder to find and 89% say the housing crisis is hitting young people disproportionately hard.

Niall talks to callers about the death penalty following the disturbing case of Christa Pike, who is reportedly critically ill in hospital after an attempt by the state of Tennessee to execute her went badly wrong.

Niall talks to Podcaster Nick Delahanty about the growing debate surrounding artificial intelligence and whether the technology is advancing faster than society can safely handle.AI promises enormous benefits, from breakthroughs in medicine and education to major changes in business, productivity and everyday life

Niall talks to housing campaigner Peter Dooley about a proposal from Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne to put a constitutional right to housing before the Irish people. Hearne is bringing forward a Bill using wording proposed by the Housing Commission, arguing that putting a right to housing into the Constitution would place a legal responsibility on the State to ensure people have access to adequate housing. He has said this could require stronger measures to prevent homelessness and evictions.