Highlights From Newstalk Breakfast

On December 6, 1922, the first anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the Irish Free State formally came into existence. Today marks the centenary, but what is its legacy, and has it been a success? John Bruton, Former Taoiseach spoke to Ciara this morning.

The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive has said it expects there will be enough emergency accommodation beds in the capital to meet demand, as temperatures are forecast to drop to -6 degrees this week. But is this good enough? And will it be enough to meet demand should cold spells continue into the coming months? To discuss we heard from the Founder of the Peter McVerry Trust and Social Campaigner, Fr. Peter McVerry.

Price pressures will remain unless housing supply increases significantly - that’s according to a report today published by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland. Brian Hayes, Chief Executive of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland outlines the key findings.

Ireland’s gas consumption will have to half by 2030 if we are to meet our climate targets. That’s according to a new analysis from UCC and Friends of the Earth which has been examining Ireland’s energy needs and our reliance on fossil fuels. Speaking to Ciara this morning was Hannah Daly Professor in Sustainable Energy at the School of Engineering at University College Cork.

Prince Harry speaks of the "leaking and... planting of stories" as part of a "dirty game" in a new trailer for the Harry and Meghan series on Netflix, due to be released this Thursday. Former BBC Royal Correspondent, Jennie Bond spoke to Ciara about her reaction.

Last week on the show we discussed the ongoing teacher shortages and recruitment difficulties, and a number of people got in touch with us about their difficulties registering with the Teaching Council. Kevin Feeney is an English teacher who had to wait 3 years to register with the Teaching Council and Kevin spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.

If you’re out and about this festive season watch out for digital pick-pocketers, who are reportedly targeting those on nights out. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined us with the details.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been tasked with exploring options around the future of road tolling, which could include a multi-point tolling system. Newstalk Breakfast spoke to Economist with the ESRI, Barra Roantree, and Independent Limerick TD, Richard O'Donoghue.

Workers with five or more years of PRSI contributions will be entitled to 60pc of their gross weekly salary capped at €450 per week. Michael Taft, Economic Researcher for SIPTU joined Ciara to discuss further.

A protest has taken place in Bantry in West Cork over the weekend by families of children with learning disabilities, over the uncertainty of a support facility. Those who attend the CoAction Child and Family centre may have to be relocated over plans to turn the building into a residential unit for people using a separate CoAction house. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has met with parents who are concerned about the future of the centre.

Met Éireann have issued a winter weather advisory for the whole country, which will be in place until next Sunday. Ciara spoke to the Head of forecasting at Met Eireann, Evelyn Cusack.

The owner of a Dublin city cafe is speaking out in an ‘act of desperation, about the ‘relentless’ drug dealing taking place outside his Dublin café. Stephen Kennedy, owner of Copper & Straw Cafe spoke to Jonathan this morning.

“Government needs to get serious about its commitment to the Well-being Framework” that’s according to Social Justice Ireland as they publish the findings of their new report today. Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland spoke to Jonathan this morning.

Over-sharing, over-indulging these are some of the disasters that can take place at work Christmas do! How can companies prepare their staff ahead of the party? CEO of HR Consultancy Firm, HR Buddy, Damien McCarthy joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

Ireland is aging faster than anywhere else in Europe, placing growing pressure on the health service and posing challenges for planning its future, according to a new report from the Department of Health. Evelyn Mahon, Professor Emeritus with the school of sociology and social policy at Trinity College Dublin spoke to Ciara on the show.

Plans for a State remediation scheme to fix construction defects in between 62,500 and 100,000 homes, mostly built in the Celtic Tiger era, are set to be submitted to Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien within weeks. Pat Montague - Spokesperson for the Construction Defects Alliance spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about this morning And Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Fein Housing Spokesperson spoke to Shane.

In November, the German Government introduced a €200 culture pass voucher to be given to all young adults when they turn 18. The initiative is designed to encourage young adults to experience live culture, drop their stay-at-home pandemic habits, and give a financial boost to the arts scene. Should Ireland introduce a similar scheme? Jo Mangan, Director of the Performance Corporation spoke to Ciara this morning.

Starting pay well below minimum wages is turning people off apprenticeships and may lead to greater staff shortages in building related sectors – according the Connect Trade Union. Assistant General Secretary of the Connect Trade Union, Brian Nolan

Intel is seeking to save staffing costs at its Leixlip plant by offering three months’ unpaid leave to manufacturing workers. Elaine Burke, Editor of Silicon Republic joined Shane Coleman with the details.

Post-mortem examinations are to be carried out today on the bodies of two men found in Co Monaghan. Stephen Breen, Crime Editor with The Irish Sun joined us on Newstalk Breakfast with the latest.