Newstalk Breakfast Highlights

What sort of person do you want to represent Ireland? Shane and Ciara discussed this morning.

The European Commission is set to propose merging Common Agricultural Policy funding with other funds, in a radical overhaul of how farmers receive financial supports from the European Union budget. We get reaction from Francie Gorman President of Irish Farmers Association and Vice President of COPA  European Farmers Organisation. 

A Cork City Councillor has claimed Ireland is becoming “a cold place for Catholics and Christians” after Cork city councillors voted to consider a renaming process for Bishop Lucey Park. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Terry Shannon, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Cork City council and South–East area.

The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that urgent action and strengthened policy levers are required to incentivise increased tree planting to ensure Ireland’s forestry sector does not become a source of greenhouse gas emissions. We heard from their Chair Marie Donnelly.

A 9.8% rise in non-domestic water charges is coming this October, raising concerns across the business community. One of those concerned is Michael Magner, National President of the Irish Hotels Federation who explained why to Ciara.

The 2025 Emmy nominations will be announced later this evening, so who deserves to get the nomination? All to chat with Scott Bryan, TV Critic and Broadcaster. 

87 per cent of Irish adults who are eligible for the pension auto-enrolment scheme are happy to use it once it’s rolled out, according to new research from financial advisors Ask Acorn. However, they are also warning that people should be fully aware of what they’re signing up for. All to chat with Robert Whelan, Financial advisor with Rockwell Financial Management.

Ibec is urging the Government to adopt a measured and strategic approach in Budget 2026, warning that global economic uncertainty and over-reliance on volatile corporate tax receipts pose risks to Ireland’s competitiveness. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Gerard Brady, Head of National Policy and Chief economist at Ibec. 

President Donald Trump has announced plans to supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine through NATO and has warned of 'very severe' sanctions against Russia should it fail to reach a peace agreement within 50 days.  We discuss further with Ian Bond, Former British diplomat in Moscow, and now the Deputy Director of the Centre for European Reform. 

Sinn Féin is due to bring forward a motion tonight in the Dáil calling for improved services for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Sarah Jane Allen has spent more than €15,000 on endometriosis services outside of Ireland. Sarah explain her condition and it's impact to Shane this morning.