The Hard Shoulder

Negotiations on the procurement of Ireland's first military radar programme are set to get underway this summer.The system could cost hundreds of millions of euros.Mark Mellett is the former Defence Forces Chief of Staff, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Following the publication of the Grace Report earlier this month, many questions have been raised about the level of care that people in our system have been receiving, and whether it is in fact fit for purpose…Joining Kieran to discuss is Tracey Carroll, mum of Willow, to discuss what she believes needs to change in the system.

With the great weather and summer months ahead, one of the downsides is the insects coming in through open windows and doors. Whether it is that one fly that keeps buzzing around your room as you are about to fall asleep, or the fear of being stung by wasps, Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin joins Kieran to discuss the best ways to get rid of insects without the fly swatter!

The 3 Arena is closing its bars during the David Gray concert this weekend, following a rowdy crowd at his last show in the venue. But, should it be down to personal responsibility? Should concert goers just show respect to fellow revelers and the artist?Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss, and share what he’s heard.

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou M is slamming the Taoiseach's plans to appoint a new Housing Tsar, claiming the role is an expensive job share, and that the Government lacks new ideas.Seán Defoe, Newstalk's Political Correspondent, joins Kieran to discuss.

As the 2025 camogie season is about to kick off, it raises the question of how to encourage and support young women to stay in sport. Young girls are significantly more likely to quit team sports during exam years compared to their male peers, but why is that, and how can we support our young girls to stay in sport?Joining Kieran to discuss is Donegal GAA player Abigail Temple Asokuh and Anna Geary, Broadcaster, former Cork Captain and Presenter of the docu-series ‘Why Girls Quit Sport’...

Former Mayo footballer David Brady joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

New proposed asylum legislation would see the processing time for asylum seekers reduced from 18 months to just three months if passed.The Minister for Justice is seeking approval to progress legislation to address processing times. It would also restrict hearings and see the introduction of a new state body with responsibility for appeals. Officers will be given new powers to issue deportations without sign off from the Minister also.Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, joins Kieran to discuss.

The BBC does not have a “toxic culture” but there is a “minority of people who behave unacceptably and whose behaviour is not addressed”, that is according to an independent review published which comes in the wake of the scandal of disgraced former Newsreader Huw Edwards.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Alley Einstein, UK Journalist.

Spain and Portugal are still getting over the very sudden power outage that caused havoc across the countries yesterday.Power lines, phone coverage, water connections, trains, traffic lights - you name it, it all stopped at the same time putting the both countries to a standstill yesterday…Simon Hunter is a Spain-based journalist, and he joins Kieran to give the latest updates.Image: Reuters