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
Dec 24, 2025 • 7min
Are you planning on travelling today? We have all the updates
It’s Christmas Eve, which means many people will be packing up and travelling to see family and friends for the Christmas break. But what details do you need to know before you go? Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager, Iarnród Éireann and Graeme McQueen, DAA Media Relations Manager joined Jonathan Healy on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Dec 24, 2025 • 3min
We're not in for a White Christmas
If you were dreaming of a White Christmas this year, I’m sorry to say you’ll be disappointed. For our festive forecast, Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly joined Shane Coleman on the show to see what the weather has in store.
Dec 24, 2025 • 4min
Russell Brand charged with further counts of rape and sexual assault
Comedian and actor Russell Brand has had two further charges of rape and sexual assault brought against him. Brand already has five previous counts of sexual offences, pertaining to the period between 1999 and 2005. Enda Brady, International TV Anchor with TRT World, joined us on Newstalk Breakfast to give us an update…
Dec 23, 2025 • 7min
How to have a good Christmas dinner without the hassle
There’s no question about the kind of food you cook on Christmas Day – but what should you do with all the leftovers after you’ve cooked enough to last to New Year’s Day? Shane Coleman was joined on the show by JP McMahon, the chef, restaurateur, and author from Galway, who brought us some tips, tricks, and trimmings.
Dec 23, 2025 • 6min
Family of Sophie Toscan du Plantier still hope a cold case review could provide answers
The family of Sophie Toscan du Plantier will mark the 29th anniversary of her death with a private ceremony this Christmas as a garda cold-case review into the killing nears completion. Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with The Irish Independent and author of a Dream of Death about the tragic case spoke to Shane Coleman on the show this morning.
Dec 23, 2025 • 7min
Is the UK going to re-join the EU?
Last week we heard that the UK is going to re-join the study abroad ‘Erasmus’ programme in 2027 but now they might be going a step further. Their Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that he would support re-joining the EU customs union in order to grow their economy. Adam Boulton, a political commentator, columnist with the I paper, and presenter on Times Radio joined us on Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Dec 23, 2025 • 8min
Concerned government set to miss its social housing targets
Just 30 per cent of the Government's target for new social homes was met in the first nine months of this year. That’s according to new figures from the Department of Housing. Eoin O’Broin TD and Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Housing joined Shane Coleman on the show.
Dec 23, 2025 • 7min
How alcohol can take over the entire Christmas season
“The best parts of Christmas in Ireland have nothing to do with alcohol - but we forget that.” That’s according to Colleen Frawley, Irish-American writer and child health policy advocate. Shane Coleman caught up with Colleen and asked what her experience was of Christmas in Ireland...
Dec 23, 2025 • 5min
Judges to consider community service for crimes
Judges will be obliged to consider community service for crimes that would normally warrant a two-year jail sentence, according to reports in the Irish Daily Mail this morning. These new plans from the Department of Justice are aimed at reducing prison overcrowding. Michael Fitzmaurice, Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-Galway, joined us on Newstalk Breakfast to discuss.
Dec 23, 2025 • 5min
Are dyslexic students being denied the right to learn Irish through exemption?
In the 2024 to 2025 academic year, over 73,000 students in primary and secondary schools were exempt from learning Irish, according to the Irish Times. But are students with dyslexia being ‘denied’ the right to learn Gaeilge through this exemption? Rosie Bissett, CEO of Dyslexia Ireland joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.
