Newstalk Breakfast

Epizode

• What does The Odyssey’s release mean for cinema? 17.07.2026 5min

  Christopher Nolan’s movie ‘The Odyssey’ is released today. The film, based on the Greek epic, has received great reviews across the board and is expected to be movie lovers’ highlight of the year Joining Jonathan now to discuss how it was made, and how important it will be is Bethany Minelle, an Arts and Entertainment Reporter with Sky.
• Is an outright ban on e-scooters our only option left? 17.07.2026 10min

  E-scooter risks have dominated conversation this week, after Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “leaning towards” a complete ban. Also withTánaiste Simon Harris said that he would keep an “open mind” on an outright ban on e-scooters. But is an outright ban our only option left?  To discuss further with Jonathan was Shane O’Donoghue, Editor of Completecar.ie and Sadhbh O’Neill.
• SIPTU reacts to Aer Lingus job cuts 17.07.2026 4min

  Yesterday Aer Lingus announced that up to five hundred jobs could be cut at the airline. Speaking to Jonathan with reaction to this news was Terry Gill is the SIPTU Organiser for the Aviation Sector at Dublin Airport.
• Did You See? 17.07.2026 9min

  We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Chris Luke, Columnist, Host of The Irish Medical Lives Podcast and Retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine.
• How long is too long to spend on the dole? 17.07.2026 5min

  According to figures released by the Department of Social Proetction to Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín. There are nearly 6500 people on Jobseeker’s Allowance for a decade or more. This has cost an estimated €800m to the Irish taxpayer. How long is too long to spend on the dole? We get reaction to these figures with Peadar Tóibín.
• Burnham to be officially announced as Labour leader 17.07.2026 4min

  Andy Burnham is set to be crowned Labour leader after securing backing from the majority of the party’s MPs and trade unions. The former Greater Manchester Mayor expected to become Prime Minister next week. Speaking to Jonathan was Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times.   
• Airlines face rising costs and a turbulent future 17.07.2026 5min

  Aer Lingus has said that up to 500 jobs could be cut at the airline due to a planned 6% reduction in its flight capacity. Speaking to Jonathan this morning was Global aviation and tourism adviser Anita Mendiratta.
• Donald Trump claims significant election interference 17.07.2026 6min

  U.S. President Donald Trump in a prime time address last night in which he announced the release of unclassified files claiming significant election interference by China in the 2020 election Speaking to Jonathan with reaction was David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief of The Guardian.
• Why are more women leaving the handbag at home? 16.07.2026 3min

  New research suggest that Gen Z women are leaving the handbags at home for nights out. Instead putting their phones and IDs in their bras. We get reaction from Cathy O’Connor, a stylist and the founder of Women Unbranded.
• IBEC's Economic Outlook on the future of AI in work 16.07.2026 4min

  IBEC's Economic Outlook reports that the impact of AI on the labour market is still not clear. But early signs show significant effects on trade and investment. It also suggests domestic demand growth of 3.3% for 2026, while inflation is expected to land around 3.5% for the year. Joe Lynam discusses this further with Gerard Brady, Chief Economist and Head of National Policy of IBEC. 
• Should we widen raw milk’s availability? 16.07.2026 3min

  More and more people are drinking raw milk, claiming it contains health benefits not found in typical milk. Raw milk, which is unpasteurised, does carry health risks.Joining Jonathan to explain why we should widen raw milk’s availability is Barry Heneghan, TD for Dublin Bay North. Barry.
• The latest on the crisis in the Middle East 16.07.2026 5min

  The US and Iran are continuing a fifth day of strikes, with Washington saying its latest attacks are aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.We get the latest on the Middle East with the Middle East Correspondent for Sky News, Adam Parsons.
• The unfinished business as the Dáil goes into recess 16.07.2026 6min

  As the Dáil goes into recess, there are plenty of issues that will generate some controversy throughout the summer and beyond. To discuss with Jonathan was Pat Leahy, Political Editor of The Irish Times.
• We get an update on Ireland’s hot spell 16.07.2026 3min

  A spell of hot weather is continuing across Ireland, with temperatures expected to climb into the high twenties. There is also heat warning in place for much of the country Speaking to Jonathan with an update on what we can expect was Alan O Reilly of Carlow Weather.
• Crackdown on dodgy box resellers ramps up 16.07.2026 6min

  The Federation Against Copyright Theft and Sky have issued legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers. They are warning they could face court action or referral to Gardaí if they continue selling illegal streaming subscriptions. We get the latest on this crack down with FACT Investigation Manager Nick Sumner. 
• Should VAT for sunscreen to be removed? 16.07.2026 5min

  The political party Aontú are calling for VAT for sunscreen to be removed. Calling it an essential and not a luxury. Jonathan discusses this further with Consultant Dermatologist at Institute of Dermatologists, Clinical Professor at UCD. 
• Did You See? 16.07.2026 6min

  We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Ralph Riegel the Southern Correspondent at the Irish Independent. 
• Is Ireland prepared if this heat becomes a regular event 16.07.2026 5min

  Temperatures could reach up to 30 degrees in parts of Ireland today amidst the current yellow heat warning. Is Ireland is prepared if this heat becomes a more regular event. Jonathan asked Keith Leonard the Head of National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.
• It is a Spain v Argentina final! 16.07.2026 7min

  England and Argentina went head to head with Argentina last night. Argentina booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 92nd minute winner.Enda Brady, a UK-based journalist spoke to Jonathan on the reaction to England loss.
• Sugar in space! 15.07.2026 6min

  Astronomers have discovered a new type of sugar drifting through deep space. A discovery that could reveal new clues about how life began on Earth. To explain the new discovery was Astronomer and Science Writer, Dr David Whitehouse.