The Hard Shoulder

Another Government spending controversy was discussed on the show yesterday - with a €120,000 x-ray scanner for the National Gallery being left unused since its purchase in 2017.Today, Kieran is joined by Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications Media and Sport and Fine Gael TD for Limerick County to discuss why he thinks it will actually be put into use soon…

Dublin's tallest building, a 25-storey residential tower, has been given the green light.Developer Johnny Ronan has secured planning permission for the apartment block on North Wall Quay in the docklands; 550 apartments are planned across three blocks as part of the Waterfront South Central scheme, which will include a restaurant and viewing terrace at the top of the tallest building.Is high-rise the present and future of building?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer with An Taisce and Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor with the Irish Times.

Is the Mental Health Bill fit for purpose?To discuss, Kieran is joined by two people who aren’t so sure: Dr Lorcan Martin, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist and President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and Patricia Casey, Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mater Hospital and Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin.

Dublin is experiencing a surge in Irish speakers, yet opportunities to use the language in everyday life remain scarce.There has been an explosion of new learners around the world thanks to Duolingo, and there are around 45,000 fluent teenagers in the capital city.But, how many people in Ireland have the opportunity to speak Irish outside the classroom?Daithí de Buitléir is Programme Manager with Gaeilge365, a new language innovation programme for Dublin's local authorities. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Author and Actress Claudia Carroll joined Kieran this week to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show, Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD, proposed the introduction of ‘surrender bins’ for knives to tackle violence in Dublin.Would it work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pat Marry, former Detective, Inspector and Author.

Labour TD Ciaran Ahern has said that there is definitely a case to be made for refresher courses for drivers every time a licence is up for renewal.So, are they needed?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ciaran Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West and Richard O’Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County.

The families of those killed in the Creeslough disaster plan to challenge “every aspect” of the plan to redevelop the site.An application was submitted to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new structure that would include a forecourt, shop, post office and space for a memorial garden.Shauna Gallagher is sister to Jessica who was killed in the explosion. Jessica was above the shop when the explosion happened. She joins Kieran to discuss.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the discovery that a scanner bought for over €120,000 for the National Gallery has never been used raises "serious control issues".The scanner, which has been lying idle since it was purchased, is the latest spending controversy to arise within state-funded organisations.There still has not been a suitable lead-lined room found for the special X-ray machine eight years on.Gabija Gataveckaite, Political Correspondent with The Irish Independent joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week Dublin's 3 arena played host to the Premier League Darts final.Last month a 7 million euro darts bar opened on Dawson street.So, what's behind the sports rising popularity - and profits? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports