The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has presented new legislation to Cabinet that will allow gardaí to use controversial technology to gain access to encrypted messages on services such as WhatsApp.Some politicians and groups are concerned about the potential abuse of the technology against members of the public.Pat Leahy, former Assistant Garda Commissioner and Olga Cronin, Surveillance and Human Rights Senior Policy Officer, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, debate the issue.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Journalist Aimee Donnellan, author of 'Off The Scales', joins The Last Word to talk about how the weight loss drug Ozempic was developed and why she says it’s the biggest pharmaceutical discovery in decades.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

World leaders have gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting which is taking place against the backdrop of escalating US-EU tensions over Greenland. Many political leaders took the opportunity to hit out at Donald Trump's foreign policy ahead of the US president's arrival in Davos on Wednesday.Paris based journalist Lara Marlowe, Cal Thomas, US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Monday, Brooklyn Beckham launched an attack on his parents, David and Victoria, claiming that he has been “controlled by a family that value public promotion above all else”.Rumours have swirled about a fallout within the family since Brooklyn married his wife, Nicola Peltz-Beckham, in 2022. Brooklyn claims that Victoria “cancelled making Nicola’s dress at the eleventh hour” and that his parents “repeatedly pressured and attempted” to bribe him into signing away the rights to his name.What level of damage has this statement done to the so-called “Brand Beckham”, how should David and Victoria react to the situation, and can the family’s relationship be mended following these allegations?Broadcaster Fionnuala Jones and Eoghan Tomás McDermott, MD with the Communications Clinic, speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

As Trump doubles down on this treat to impose tariffs on eight European countries if he is not allowed to buy Greenland, EU leaders are due to meet on Thursday to consider all retaliatory options open to them.Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews, Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist with the Institute of Economic and European Affairs and Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent with the Irish Times, discuss the implications of the threatened tariffs and the options that are open to Europe.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

If you're looking to plan a trip to Mexico during 2026, Kaitlin Murphy from TheTravelExpert.ie has all the best tips and tricks to get the most out of your holiday.She speaks to Will O'Callaghan on Monday's The Last Word, hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Doctors who carry out aesthetic treatments like Botox and lip filler say that they are increasingly dealing with the fallout of botched procedures that have been done by unregulated injectors and that some of these patients are as young as 15.Dr Caitríona Kieran, aesthetic practitioner, joins The Last Word to discuss the rise in black market cosmetic treatments and calls for better regulations to protect young people.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

In order to qualify for the World Cup in the Summer, Ireland has to win two away games in March and April. The World Cup will take place in Mexico, Canada and America.Barry Heneghan, Independent TD for Dublin Bay North and Sheila Gilheany, chief executive, Alcohol Action Ireland debate whether pubs should be granted licenses to extend hours during the World Cup, if Ireland qualifies.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

Sadhbh O’Neill, a climate and environmental researcher known for her work with The Irish Times, dives into the alarming findings that 2025 was the third hottest year on record. She highlights Ireland's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and the staggering energy demands of data centres. Sadhbh critiques the conflict between renewable energy policies and corporate power dynamics. Additionally, she urges action on district heating systems, warning that without urgent political will, extreme weather events will only worsen.

Andy O'Donoghue, a savvy technology journalist, dives into the cutting-edge world of cycling safety gear. He unveils the Garmin Varia radar tail light and its impressive alerts, perfect for keeping cyclers safe. Smart helmets packed with indicators and fall-detection features steal the spotlight, while cheaper alternatives like the Wahoo Tracker offer excellent functionality. O'Donoghue also discusses powerful electronic bike horns and innovative solutions for e-scooter safety. With tips on visibility gear for pedestrians, he makes cycling safer for everyone!