Newstalk Breakfast

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.