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
Feb 16, 2026 • 13min
SNA cuts in schools across Ireland in next school year
Schools across Ireland have been told they’re going to lose some special needs assistants for the next school year. This is obviously leading to growing concerns from parents and schools. We get reaction from Andy Pike the Head of the Education Division in Forsa and Michelle Cotterill is principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys National School in Glenageary.
Feb 16, 2026 • 7min
Travel: Camping and hiking in bad weather it can be done!
Since the start of the year, there’s been nothing but rain, leaving us stuck indoors almost every day. But are we really stuck? Or are we choosing to not go outside? To discuss this, I’m now joined by Outdoors Content Creator and Advocate, Nollaig Butler.
Feb 16, 2026 • 12min
The ‘Purple House Madrid to Bilbao Cycle’ with Nicolas Roche
Nicolas Roche, Former Professional Cyclist and Event Ambassador is doing a charity cycle in Spain soon. The ‘Purple House Madrid to Bilbao Cycle’ takes places on 7th–13th June 2026. Nicolas explained to Claire why he is doing the cycle and how people can get involved.
Feb 16, 2026 • 14min
Does AI influence extend into the running of the country?
We all know artificial intelligence is seeping into our daily lives, but does its influence extend into the running of the country? Our reporter Jessica Woodlock has been looking into the role A.I could be playing behind the scenes in government communications and she joined Claire to discuss.
Feb 16, 2026 • 13min
Gardaí seized almost 20,000 vehicles without insurance
Almost 20,000 vehicles were seized for being driven without insurance in 2025. That’s according to a report from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland. Claire discussed the report findings with Sean Canney, Minister of State for Transport.
Feb 13, 2026 • 26min
The Debrief looks back on the stories of the week
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 Independent Economist, David W. Higgins, Political Correspondent for The Irish Examiner, Louise Burne, and Freelance Broadcaster, Meghann Scully.
Feb 13, 2026 • 14min
A proposal for a population cap in Switzerland
Switzerland will vote this summer on a proposal from the right-wing conservative Swiss People’s party to limit the country’s population to 10 million. What effect could this have? All to discuss with Henrique Schneider is Secretary General of the Party.
Feb 13, 2026 • 11min
Irish born, former Italian international Ian McKinley
My next guest was a rising rugby star whose career seemed like it would be shattered by a freak accident that left him blind in one eye. But in fact, it was the start of quite an extraordinary journey and nine caps for Italy. Irish born, former Italian international Ian McKinley joined Claire in studio.
Feb 13, 2026 • 11min
Getting that spark back in your relationship!
Now if you are in a long-term relationship, the spark might not have died but the likelihood is that its not burning as brightly as it once did. And romance and sex might be a distant memory. If so Carmel Wynne’s new book 'Get Real' might be just what you need. Carmel joined Claire on the show to chat about her book.
Feb 13, 2026 • 11min
A mother pleas for the return of personal items from her young son's grave
Daragh McNally was 11 when he died just over six years ago. This week, Daragh’s mother Colleen took to social media after she discovery that precious, personal items had been stolen from Daragh’s grave in County Louth. Colleen McNally shared with Claire what happened.
