The Hard Shoulder

Disabled people in Ireland rely on disability allowance, but strict means testing mean these payments are often revoked.Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, Disability Journalist and advocate, joins Kieran to discuss her own experience, after she was taken off disability allowance for earning €80 over the weekly threshold…

With the news that the previous government's €2 billion retrofitting grant is under review, why is the grant not being taken up by more people? Is it too difficult to avail of, and is it actually saving people any money?Joining Kieran to discuss is former President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, Carole Pollard.

Basketball Ireland say that they are assessing their next steps after being drawn alongside Israel in the group stages of the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers.They say they’re extremely alarmed by the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and have spoken to governing body FIBA Europe in order to address some matters. They say that they are also liaising with the players, Sport Ireland and the Government.The women’s team have previously expressed their unhappiness with being forced to make a decision on whether or not to play against Israel, and did refuse to shake hands with Israeli players during a game last year.To discuss, Kieran is joined by former Basketball Ireland player Rebecca O’ Keefe and Social Democrats TD & Spokesperson on Sport, Sinéad Gibney…

Some mortgage providers have seen an uptick in the number of people taking out four person mortgages.As it becomes harder and harder to buy a home in Ireland, is taking out such a mortgage wise?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Hall, CEO of Icare Housing.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you can make your bed properly!

A recent investigation from The Journal has found that hundreds of cameras from the Chinese company Hikvision are installed in “hospital wards, university campuses and council offices” around the country. The problem? The products are banned for government use in the UK, USA and Australia.For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this, and whether or not we should be concerned.

The Central Statistics Office has released its report on how Ireland compared to other EU countries on price levels of food, beverages, and tobacco in 2024. Ireland ranked most expensive of all 36 European countries for non-alcoholic drinks, with prices 40% higher than the EU27 average. Food prices were 12% above the average, making Ireland’s groceries the second most expensive in the Eurozone.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Irish Examiner Consumer Columnist, Catriona Redmond, Michelin-starred Chef and owner of Kombu JP McMahon and Head of Social Justice and Policy at St Vincent de Paul, Louise Bayliss.

From putting garlic in your sock for athlete’s foot to taking rescue remedies for nerves, do any natural remedies actually have healing benefits, or are they just wives’ tales?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pharmacist, Health Advocate, and host of the ‘Wonder Care Podcast’, Sheena Mitchell.

Thousands of people have been protesting in Kyiv, urging the President to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure.It marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of war.The government move has been seen by some as proof that Ukraine is not ready to join the EU.Independent MEP Michael McNamara and Anatoliy Prymakov, Director at Ukrainian Action in Ireland, join Kieran to discuss.

The ESB is hiking the prices on EV charging by up to 15%, which means a significant increase for those who drive electric vehicles.Adrian Weckler is Technology Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, and he joins Kieran to discuss.