The Hard Shoulder

The Government has announced the publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, but what exactly are the commitments being made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton.

Under-16s in England will be banned from buying energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster Energy – thus fulfilling one of Labour’s election promises.Shops, cafes, restaurants and websites will be prohibited from selling energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16.Is it time to consider doing the same here?Donal O’Shea is a Consultant Endocrinologist and the HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joins Kieran to discuss.

A suggestion has been made to remove the option to pay for parking using the Payzone app on residential streets near Croke Park. If this does happen - what does that mean for travelling fans?Former GAA President, Liam O’Neill, and Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County, Richard O’Donoghue, join Kieran to discuss.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his travel tips for the city of Marrakesh in Morocco!

According to a national survey by CyberSafeKids, there has been a huge uptick in the usage of AI chatbots by children in the country - without any safeguards.Should children be using AI at all?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tech Editor for The Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler.

Last week, a discussion was held on the show on what the Government should consider ahead of budget 2026 when it comes to health, but what about childcare?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tanya Ward, CEO of The Children's Rights Alliance and Louise Bayliss from SPARK.

Former RTÉ Broadcaster joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Gardaí have said today that they believe a missing boy in North Co. Dublin, who has not been seen for over three years, has died.The child is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate. He would now be seven years old.Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan, who is at the scene in Donabate, for the latest updates, and is also joined by Children’s Rapporteur Caoilfhionn Gallagher and David Hall, CEO of the Lifeline Ambulance Service to discuss.

As reports continue around clothing banks overflowing - is there any way to shift the public’s focus from fast fashion to more sustainable clothing?Freelance Broadcaster Meghann Scully and Sustainable Fashion Educator, Miriam Keegan, join Kieran to discuss…

Following the latest clampdown on dodgy boxes, where 15 retail outlets that help provide the service were targeted across nine counties, the question remains: can you really stop dodgy boxes?Joining Kieran to discuss is Kieron Sharp, Chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), and Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk & Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent.