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
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Feb 26, 2026 • 4min
What are the causes behind the high rate of C-sections here?
During an Oireachtas Health Committee yesterday, Dr Cliona Murphy from the National Women and Infants Programme said that Ireland’s high caesarean section rate is partly linked to more older mothers and obesity rates. All to discuss with Professor Jennifer Donnelly, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Rotunda Hospital.
Feb 26, 2026 • 10min
How does school absence affect later educational outcomes?
School absence leads to lower educational qualifications and poorer wellbeing in early adulthood. That’s the top lines from a new ESRI report today For more on these findings and reaction, Anton spoke to Emer Smyth, Research Professor with the ESRI and also Paul Crone, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals.
Feb 26, 2026 • 7min
A new wide ranging survey on our attitudes to funerals
Almost all of us believe families should have the right to deliver a eulogy at their funeral. While one in eight of us would consider not having any service at all after they die. That’s according to a new wide ranging survey on our attitudes to funerals published this morning by RIP.ie. To discuss these interesting findings was Head of RIP.ie Richie Kelly.
Feb 26, 2026 • 3min
Scrapping business class could halve aviation emissions
Flying is one of the biggest carbon criminals on the planet, so by flying more efficiently and scrapping business class, will this make fly better for the environment? One person who thinks so is Milan Klöwer NERC Independent Research Fellow at University of Oxford.
Feb 26, 2026 • 8min
Did You See?
It’s time for "Did You See”. Where we take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Lucinda Creighton CEO and Founder of Vulcan Former Minister for European Affairs.
Feb 26, 2026 • 5min
"IFA 5” still protesting within the Bord Bia headquarters
Five farmers remain within the Bord Bia headquarters since the start of February, calling for the removal of Chair Larry Murrin over the importation of Brazilian beef into Ireland. One of the members of the “IFA 5” is Richard Moeran, Cavan farmer spoke to Anton this morning.
Feb 26, 2026 • 5min
Demand for cultural spaces in big developments
Dublin City Council is set to resurrect its right to demand cultural spaces in big developments. This comes after the Department of Housing published new guidelines that appeared to have axed this council policy but now its back on the table. Anton discuss this further with Maria Flemming the Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts.
Feb 26, 2026 • 7min
The AGSI to meet with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly
Today, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors will meet with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to address a number of industrial issues within the force. Speaking to Anton ahead of the meeting was President of the AGSI Declan Higgins.
Feb 25, 2026 • 7min
President Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address
President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history overnight. We got reaction to the speech with Amy Tarkanian, Former Nevada Republican State Chairwoman and Republican Strategist.
Feb 25, 2026 • 3min
Is Ireland facing a pension time bomb?
Ireland faces a looming "pensions timebomb", with the ratio of workers to over-65s set to more than halve by 2065 without policy reform. That was the warning from officials at the Department of Finance in their appearance before the Oireachtas housing committee yesterday. To discuss this further Anton spoke to Dr Emma Howard, Economist and Lecturer at TU Dublin.
