The Claire Byrne Show
Newstalk
Claire Byrne explores the big stories through the lens of real life.This podcast brings context, consequences and clarity to the issues shaping Ireland today.Covering politics and current affairs alongside the human stories behind them, Claire asks the questions people are thinking, but don’t always hear answered.From housing and health to work, family life, well-being and culture, you’ll hear smart, engaging discussion and moments of light relief - connecting the dots between what’s happening and what it means for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 30, 2026 • 10min
High-stakes art heist takes place in Milan
Another high-stakes art heist has taken place in Europe. Following on from the well-publicised Louvre heist last October, four masked men have stolen famous paintings worth millions from a museum in Italy.Lawyer, CEO and Founder of Art Recovery International, Chris Marinello joined Claire Byrne on the show with the details.
Mar 30, 2026 • 18min
Homeowners to get €14,000 tax-free to rent modular units in back gardens
Would 14 grand be enough of an incentive to convince you to rent a modular home in your back garden? It is being reported that Government is examining plans to allow homeowners to earn €14,000 tax-free by renting out a newly built modular unit in their back gardens. But is this a solution to the housing crisis? Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, and Deputy Eoin O’Broin, the Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Housing joined Claire Byrne on the show.
Mar 27, 2026 • 8min
What has been trending online this week?
Olivia Fahy, Entertainment journalist joined Claire in studio to chat about what has been trending online this week.
Mar 27, 2026 • 17min
The Debrief
Welcome to The Debrief, where we take a look back on the week and also a little look ahead to the weekend. This week Claire was joined by Acting Political Editor with The Irish Examiner, Paul Hosford, News Reporter with the Press Association, Grainne Ni Aodha and Public Policy Advisor, Oisin Coghlan.
Mar 27, 2026 • 16min
“Portrait of a Confused Father” a film by Gunnar Hall Jenson
Gunnar Hall Jenson a filmmaker from Norway, who set out to make a movie about his son wanting to document his life from birth up to the age of 21. Gunnar Hall Jensen was 3 weeks from the end of filming, when his son Jonathan was killed. While investigation into Jonathan’s death is continuing, the film, called ‘Portrait of A Confused Father’, is complete, and has been shown at the World Culture Festival. Gunnar spoke to Claire this morning.
Mar 27, 2026 • 6min
Does your chocolate taste different recently?
Easter is fast approaching and chocolate eggs fill the shelves in the shops. But online and offline chatter suggests all is not as it seems when it comes to its taste. Cocoa butter is the expensive ingredient and it is being replaced by cheaper alternatives? All to chat about with Tara GartlanOwner of Tara Gartlan Chocolate and Pastry Chef.
Mar 27, 2026 • 11min
The continued overspending by the Department of Education
There are reports this morning that the Department of Education is projected to have an overspend this year of over €600m, which will need other Departments to cover these costs from their own allocations, meaning there may now be reduced spending elsewhere to compensate. To discuss further with Claire was Political Editor with the Irish Daily Mail, Craig Hughes and Labour TD and Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Eoghan Kenny.
Mar 27, 2026 • 11min
How the school run can be a daily hazard for some?
The school drop off quick, routine but for some a daily hazard, Here to tell Claire about her own experience was Melanie Finn Journalist with the Independent.
Mar 27, 2026 • 10min
Is proportional representation the best system?
The Electoral Commission has been charged with looking at everything related to voting in Ireland and this week a bill was introduced in the Seanad to cap the number of TDs. But what about the way we vote? Is proportional representation the best system or should we try something a bit different? All to discuss with Newstalk's Political Correspondent and host of the Let Me Explain podcast, Seán Defoe.
Mar 27, 2026 • 11min
Son of Johnny Cash and June CarterJohn Carter Cash
Not everyone gets to be so proud of their parents that they can create a show based on their lives. But that is the case for the son of Johnny Cash and June Carter, John Carter Cash. The Ballad of Johnny and June is on in the Bord Gais from March 31st and runs until the 11th of April and John told Claire all about his inspiration for the show.
