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 20, 2026 • 5min
Is the HPAT no longer fit for purpose?
For any student thinking of doing medicine in college, the HPAT is an essential for prospective doctors but is it actually fit for purpose or just performative cruelty? One person who thinks so is Dr Matthew Sadlier, Associate professor at UCD and a Consultant Psychiatrist.
Feb 20, 2026 • 5min
A number of towns are struggling to put on St Patrick’s Day parades
A number of towns are struggling to put on St Patrick’s Day parades this year. Rising insurance costs, a shortage of volunteers and a lack support from businesses are some of the factors leading to these challenges. It has raised the question of the financial support given to these types of events in cities compared to towns. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie visited Ashbourne in Co Meath where there will be no parade this year.
Feb 20, 2026 • 8min
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor released from custody
In the UK, former prince Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been released from custody following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. King Charles III has said the “law must take its course”. Anton spoke to Jennie Bond, TV presenter and Former BBC royal correspondent.
Feb 19, 2026 • 5min
Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly on the North Kerry CAMHS review
More than 200 children being treated by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in north Kerry were at risk of potential harm, according to an independent review. The review found that some children were prescribed as many as seven different drugs. While non-medical treatments were almost entirely absent at a child and adolescent health service. For more on this Anton spoke to Sinn Féin TD for Kerry Pa Daly.
Feb 19, 2026 • 6min
Just three companies accounted for nearly half of Ireland’s tax receipts
Just three companies accounted for nearly half of Ireland’s tax receipts, according to the latest research from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. Anton discussed the findings with Niall Conroy a Senior Economist at the IFAC.
Feb 19, 2026 • 11min
CCPC calls on Government to open up taxi market
The Irish taxi market should be opened up to facilitate ride-hailing platforms, such as Uber or Bolt. That’s the call from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, whose Chair Brian McHugh joined Anton this morning. Also to discuss further was David Mitchell, Spokesperson for the All-Ireland Taxi Representatives Association.
Feb 19, 2026 • 4min
Epstein investigation update
The Metropolitan Police is carrying out "initial inquiries" into allegations relating to close protection officers formerly assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. We get the latest on this with Vincent McAviney London Based Journalist.
Feb 19, 2026 • 7min
Former Irish Ambassador to the EU on Donald Trump’s Board of Peace
Dozens of world leaders and national delegations will meet in Washington DC today for the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, as major European allies declined to join the group and criticised the organisation’s murky funding and political mandate. Bobby McDonnagh Former Irish Ambassador to the EU and the UK joined Anton to discuss further.
Feb 19, 2026 • 9min
French government is urging people to cut back on meat consumption
The French government is urging people to cut back on their meat consumption to reduce emissions as part of new guidelines aimed at improving public health and cutting emissions. But is this a good idea? Anton discusses this further with Ciara Brennan, Owner of Happy Food at Home and Alice Doyle, Deputy President, Irish Farmers’ Association.
Feb 19, 2026 • 6min
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 Ronan McGreevey, Journalist with The Irish Times.
