Newstalk Breakfast

Sending and receiving letters has gone out of style in the digital age. But during the festive season, are people sending out Christmas cards? Newstalk’s own Ellen Kenny took to the streets of Dublin to find out: 

Today, the Minister for Health will introduce the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill, introducing a ban on the sale of disposable vapes.  The Government also plans on developing legislation preventing the sale of any nicotine product to people under 18. Speaking to Sean this morning was  Professor John Crowne, Consultant oncologist at St Vincent's Hospital Group. 

Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said he did not anticipate a vote on the Mercosur trade deal until January.  Adding that the agreement offers substantial benefits for Irish farmers and the broader economy. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning was Dennis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.

A review into Fianna Fáil's presidential campaign has found that “nothing further was done” by party bosses after Jim Gavin told them he had no recollection of an issue with a former tenant, before he was selected as their presidential candidate.  The review, and Micheál Martin’s future as leader of the party, was discussed by parliamentary members last night.  We discuss all this with Mary Regan, Irish Independent Political Editor.

Ukraine’s top peace negotiator said Monday that U.S. and Ukrainian officials had achieved “real progress” in the second round of peace talks in Berlin aimed at ending Russia’s war. We heard from Patrick Bury, Defence Expert at the University of Bath and former NATO analyst. 

Today, the Oireachtas will consider a petition calling on the expansion of voting rights to Irish people living abroad.  A referendum to offer voting rights to Irish citizens living outside the Republic was postponed way back in 2019, but should it be reconsidered?  All to discuss with Emma DeSouza, Writer, Political Commentator and member of VotingRights.ie. 

Housing Minister James Browne will update Cabinet today about the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which would provide up to 140,000 euros to help people turn spaces above shops into homes.    Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Claire McManus, Director of JFOC Architects and Housing Spokesperson for the Royal Institute of Architects.

The long-awaited review of Fianna Fáil's presidential election campaign was submitted to the party leader Micheál Martin last night. Under the review's terms of reference Mr Martin will share its findings with the members of the parliamentary party after he has considered the report. With more on this Sean was joined by Malcom Byrne, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Fianna Fail TD for Wicklow-Wexford. 

The government has launched a survey asking responders if they prefer mixed or single-sex schools. While the results have yet to be published. Ireland, which has had a long history of single-sex schooling is bound to yield interesting results.   We discuss further with Barbara Ennis, Principal of Alexandra College and Simon Lewis Primary School Principal and podcaster.   

The European Commission is expected to reverse the effective ban on the sale of engine-combustion cars. This change is due to take place from 2035 after pressure from automakers across the EU.  We discuss further with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent.