Newstalk Breakfast

Later this morning, an independent review into the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic will take place, inviting experts to examine how the Government prepared for, planned, and managed the pandemic. To discuss how this might go, I am joined by Nat O'Connor, assistant professor of social policy at UCD and Covid-19 Evaluation Panel member.

Increases in the minimum wage have no impact on job losses, according to the latest research from the ESRI. Dr Paul Redmond, Associate Research Professor at ESRI joined Anton Savage to discuss.

France's foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following "the extremely serious incidents" targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon that killed three Indonesian nationals, raising urgent questions about the safety of Irish troops stationed at Camp Shamrock. Cathal Berry, Former army ranger joined Anton Savage to discuss.

As Easter holidays start parents may find themselves in need of extra support when it comes to looking after the kids. And who better to mind our children than their grandparents. Should they ever be paid for their selfless dedication? Anne Atkins, English novelist, writer and broadcaster joined us on Newstalk Breakfast to discuss.

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 Eamon Ryan Former Environment Minister and Green Party leader.

The Mayor of the County of Cork is urging the government to make sure that period products are made available at all secondary schools, with councillors adding that it's "crazy" that the matter is still under discussion. Anton Savage was joined by Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork, and Independent Councillor to discuss. 

Stepping away from houses in favour of ‘green cities’ comprised of four-story-high apartments could be Ireland’s best solution to the housing crisis. That’s according to Dublin-based JFOC architects, who have presented the idea as an alternative suburban community plan. If apartments hold the promise of fostering community, can we pivot or are some dreams more stubborn than others?  Claire McManus, director of JFOC, joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

The provision of four new on-street public toilets for Dublin city centre was announced last June, but the most recent updates state they are still in the "concept stage". Donna Cooney, Green Party councillor for Clontarf, joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

Iranian officials have reiterated that they have not been in negotiations with the US, while Donald Trump has reportedly told aides he would be willing to end his military campaign even if the Strait of Hormuz largely remained closed. Irish journalist based in Tel Aviv, Paul Kearns joined Anton Savage on the show with the latest. 

“If we want more Troy Parrotts, more Kelly Harringtons, we need to create and protect spaces for young sportspeople to hone their skills.” That’s the view of Social Democrat TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon, who joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.