Newstalk Breakfast

Just one in eight children in Ireland cycle to school regularly. That’s according to new research published this morning, which also found that almost half of parents cited safety concerns, primarily a lack of protected bike lanes, as the reason for this.  So what can be done to improve the experience of cyclists who share the roads with vehicles? And how can we make these journeys safer for schoolchildren?  All to discuss with Una Morrison, Spokesperson for the Irish Cycling Campaign.

A number of Influencers on social media are claiming that chemicals in sunscreen are dangerous. Some viral clips have gone so far as to claim “the sun does not cause skin cancer”. To discuss this further was Professor Anne-Marie Tobin HSE National Clinical Lead for Dermatology. 

Chimneys, flues, hot ashes and soot were the top cause of fire recorded last year, according to new data compiled by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, in the Department of Housing. We discuss further with Ben Woodhouse Chief Fire Officer with Carlow County Council. 

Protests erupted over the weekend in Israel, with more than thirty people arrested for “disruption of order.” Families of hostages held in Gaza took to the streets to demand a deal be made by the Israeli government for their release. The protests come days after the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. We get the latest on the situation with Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The Gallagher brothers are landing in Dublin this weekend as Oasis’ reunion comes to Croke Park for two nights! The band have already performed sell out shows around the UK and to tell us what’s in store for Dublin is Brendan O’Neill, Chief Political Writer at Spiked and writer for the Spectator, who saw Oasis at Wembley.

From today, crowds will gather in the Kingdom as the Rose of Tralee gets underway. Speaking to Shane was the festival’s front man, Dáithí O’Sé.

Donald Trump has said he believes Vladimir Putin is ready to make a deal on the war in Ukraine as the two leaders prepare for their summit in Alaska  today.  We heard fromLisa Yasko, Ukranian Member of Parliament and member of President Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party. 

The presidential election race has been thrown into uncertainty by the shock announcement by former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness that she was dropping out for health reasons. All to discuss with Paul Hosford  Acting Political Editor of the Irish Examiner.

On October 7th, Sharone Lifschitz’ parents were kidnapped from Israel by members of Hamas. Her mother was released two weeks later, but her father’s body was returned to Israel last February. Now, she is urging the Israeli Government not to annex Gaza as they will be risking the lives of all remaining hostages.  Ciara spoke to Sharone began by asking her about the shocking events of the day her parents were kidnapped. 

Fossil fuels were Ireland's primary energy source last year, accounting for 81% of primary energy supply, according to an analysis of global energy data by KPMG. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast to discuss further was Clare O’Connor, Friends of the Earth Programme Coordinator.