Newstalk Breakfast
Newstalk
Presented by Anton Savage, a seasoned broadcaster and communications expert, this show has everything you need – and want – to know first thing each morning, brought to you with insight, intelligence and wit. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 20, 2026 • 7min
Should SUVs face additional charges in cities?
Owners of SUVs could face charges to drive in London, after the mayor and transport authorities said they were reviewing the increased danger posed by larger, heavier cars. So should we be doing the same in Ireland? All to discus with Ciaran Cuffe Co-Chair of the the European Green Party.
Mar 20, 2026 • 4min
Electricity and gas bills could rise by €800
A surge in the price of domestic electricity and gas supplies is now on the cards after huge damage was done to key energy infrastructure across the Middle East in the past two days. Joining Anton with the details is Charlie Weston, Personal Finances Editor with the Independent.
Mar 20, 2026 • 4min
Will a tourist tax be coming to Dublin?
A tourist tax of up to €5 a night could be charged at Dublin hotels. Anton gets reaction to this with Janet Horner Green Party Councillor for Dublin North Inner City.
Mar 20, 2026 • 4min
Replacing Holy Communions and Confirmations with “milestone” ceremonies
More and more parents are opting for non-religious “milestone” or “Age of Reason” ceremonies for their kids. Joining Anton this morning was Niamh Davis, Humanist celebrant who’s daughter is having a “milestone ceremony.
Mar 20, 2026 • 3min
INTO call for statutory paid reproductive health leave
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation has issued a call for the introduction of statutory paid reproductive health leave, which would see workers have protected time off when experiencing early pregnancy loss, undergoing fertility treatment, or accessing surrogacy. For more on this Anton was joined by Maeve McCafferty, Equality Officer with the INTO.
Mar 20, 2026 • 6min
Is an adjacent footpath the responsibility of a property owner?
A Fine Gael Councillor has called on Limerick City and County Council to consider drafting a byelaw, which would make all property owners responsible for footpaths adjacent to their premises. Anton was joined on the show by the Councillor in question, Stephen Keary, Limerick Fine Gael Councillor.
Mar 20, 2026 • 5min
An update from on the ground at the EU Summit in Brussels
EU leaders have refrained from committing to secure the Strait of Hormuz, even under pressure from US President Donald Trump to assist in safeguarding the strategic waterway. Joining us with the latest from Brussels is Newstalk Reporter Eamonn Torsney.
Mar 19, 2026 • 7min
Calls for an increase to the government’s help to buy scheme
The Government’s Help to Buy scheme should be increased to reflect current market conditions and the cost of delivering new homes. That’s the call from Seamus McGrath Fianna Fail TD for Cork South–Central who spoke to Anton this morning.
Mar 19, 2026 • 5min
A mother whose daughter has been hospitalised with meningitis in the UK
On March 15th, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced two people had died during an outbreak of meningitis in Kent, near London. UK health officials said there were 20 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, all of which are believed to be linked to a nightclub called Club Chemistry. Speaking to Anton this morning was Khali Goodwin, mother of Keeleigh Goodwin, who has been hospitalised with Meningitis.
Mar 19, 2026 • 7min
What sort of influence can Europe have as the conflict continues to escalate?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will join other EU Leaders today at a European Council meeting in Brussels, to address the situation in Middle East. But what sort of influence can Europe have as the conflict continues to escalate? All to discuss with Cathal Berry former Independent TD and former member of the Defence Forces.
