Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

Two men and a woman have died in separate road crashes in counties Limerick, Monaghan and Tipperary. Recently, we discussed the decision not to disband the RSA, but are we doing enough for road safety?  We discussed further with Leo Leighio, Vice President of the Irish Road Victims Association. 

EU leaders struck a deal to provide Ukraine a €90 billion loan to plug its looming budget shortfalls, but failed to agree on using frozen Russian assets to come up with the funds. We discuss this further with Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine correspondent for Radio France Internationale and France24.

Season 5 of Emily in Paris is out today, and this rendition takes her story to the eternal city of Rome.  Here to explain why this show is so beloved is Dee Molumby, Pop culture expert.   

AIB has released new data today detailing the most common scams of 2025, with 57% of all payment fraud reported originated from text message fraud.   With last-minute parcels and packages arriving now with Christmas a week away today, it is an especially risky time to fall victim to a financial scam . With advice on how to avoid scams is Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor Irish Independent. 

The owners of St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre in Dublin are making a renewed bid to redevelop the landmark shopping centre.  The revised plan once again includes removing the existing facade of the shopping centre and adding office space.  Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Dr Carole Pollard, Former president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland & Co- Editor of the book Irish Cities in Crisis.  

Housing output will remain below underlying demand, while average rent levels are set to rise again in 2026.  That’s the warning from the Economic and Social Research Institute in its quarterly economic commentary.  We discuss this further with Dr. Conor O’Toole, Associate Research Professor at ESRI.   

A British baker has caused a stir in Mexico after claiming on a podcast that the country lacks a real “bread culture.” The remark sparked outrage and places him alongside other British chefs who’ve upset food purists abroad, from Jamie Oliver’s chorizo paella to Nigella Lawson’s creamy carbonara.   Sarah Madden reports on the question of cooking and cultural appropriation:  

There has been huge backlash against the Government’s u-turn on disbanding the Road Safety Authority, with road safety groups arguing that the organisation is still not fit for purpose.  Muireann O’Dea, spokesperson for the “Love 30 campaign for lower speed limits” gave her reaction to this.

An Garda Síochána will commence a Taser Pilot for Frontline Uniform Gardaí from today. It’s something we have debated many times on this show, but the ICCL say it is a dangerous step for community policing. For more on this Ciara spoke to Joe O’Brien, Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

CareDoc employees will begin a 24-hour strike today due to a dispute over HSE funding not being paid to workers.  Caredoc provides GP out-of-hours services in the southeast of the country, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and south Tipperary. We heard from   Ger McNally, SIPTU Health Organiser.

Up and down the country right now families and homes are facing up to a rampant dose of flu. Leaving many bedridden and unable to participate in normal life.  But what's the correct attitude to have if you do come down with the flu?  Esther McCarthy, Weekend Magazine Columnist with The Irish Examiner has been writing on this and chatted to Shane this morning.

Ireland’s energy emissions are down 16% since 2018, even as the population has grown, but a new SEAI report warns progress is far too slow. To meet 2030 climate targets, emissions cuts must now more than double, with transport and energy infrastructure under particular pressure. All to discuss with Margie McCarth, Director of Research and Policy Insights at SEAI.

Later today, Minister for Children Norma Foley will launch the Action Plan on Childcare.  Phase one of the plan includes increases to the income limit for the National Childcare Scheme, and a consultation aimed at reducing the cost of childcare to 200 euro per child per month in the lifetime of this Government.We speak to Elaine Dunne, Chair of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers ahead of the launch.

The terrorist attack on Bondi Beach which targeted a Hannukah event, has killed at least 15 people. It highlights the rise in antisemitism globally, and raises concerns for the safety of the Jewish community in Ireland. We get reaction to this terrorist attack from  Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder  and also Rabbi Levi Wolff of Central Sydney Synagogue.  

A review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign has found that “nothing further was done” by party bosses after Jim Gavin told them he had no recollection of an issue with a former tenant, before he was selected as their presidential candidate.  Parliamentary party members met yesterday to discuss these findings and shared their grievances with leader Micheál Martin. We discuss further with Seamus McGrath Fianna Fail TD for Cork South–Central  Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin.  

Today, the Minister for Health will introduce the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill, introducing a ban on the sale of disposable vapes.  The Government also plans on developing legislation preventing the sale of any nicotine product to people under 18. Speaking to Sean this morning was  Professor John Crowne, Consultant oncologist at St Vincent's Hospital Group. 

Sending and receiving letters has gone out of style in the digital age. But during the festive season, are people sending out Christmas cards? Newstalk’s own Ellen Kenny took to the streets of Dublin to find out: 

Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said he did not anticipate a vote on the Mercosur trade deal until January.  Adding that the agreement offers substantial benefits for Irish farmers and the broader economy. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Dennis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.

A review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign has found that “nothing further was done” by party bosses after Jim Gavin told them he had no recollection of an issue with a former tenant, before he was selected as their presidential candidate.  The review, and Micheál Martin’s future as leader of the party, was discussed by parliamentary members last night.  We discuss all this with Mary Regan, Irish Independent Political Editor.

Housing Minister James Browne will update Cabinet today about the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which would provide up to 140,000 euros to help people turn spaces above shops into homes.    Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Claire McManus, Director of JFOC Architects and Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects.