The Hard Shoulder

Would you let Instagram access your camera roll and all the data that comes with it to give you story suggestions and other features? Or is that too much of a privacy concern?For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this and more.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley, who waited for three years for surgery for his scoliosis which he finally received in 2020 and Catriona Phelan, mum of 11-year-old Brianna Phelan Somers was born with myelomeningocele spina bifida and scoliosis and had her treatment abroad.

Due to budget constraints, the Government failed to pay members of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) last year due to greater-than-expected recruitment.Recruitment to the Reserves has increased in the number of years, with demand set to increase.What is the role of the reserves, and how important is it to invest in them?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Declan Power, Security Analyst and Declan Ganley, Businessman and Entrepreneur.

U2's statement online condemning the war in Gaza has been roundly criticized, with some claiming its performative and fake. But, other artists who say similar things have been widely praised – so what is the formula behind releasing the right statement?Joining Kieran to discuss is John O’Brennan, a Professor of European Politics in Maynooth University.

It’s in our clothing; it’s in our cooking utensils and it’s in our food packaging: microplastics. How worried should we be about its effect on our health?Dr Brendan O Shea, Kildare based GP joins Kieran to discuss.

‘It’s been like 10 minutes.’ That was tennis star Emma Raducanu asking the umpire for a crying child to be ejected at the Cincinnati Open match against Aryna Sabalenka. But, should babies even be at sporting events where players need concentration?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

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 Cancún in Mexico!

Taylor Swift has announced that she will be releasing a 12th album! While we don’t have a release date, we do have an album name which is ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.The album name was revealed this morning on a clip which was teasing her upcoming appearance on the American podcast, New Heights, which is hosted by her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother.There's no doubt that Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most successful superstars, but how does she do it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Presenter of Taking Stock on Newstalk, Susan HayesCulleton, Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan and Taylor Swift superfan Emily Bresnahan.

The Irish Pharmacy Union had warned against buying medicine online, claiming that it runs the risk of being harmful or fake. This comes as weight-loss drugs being bought online becomes more popular.Joining Kieran to discuss is Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist, health advocate, and owner of Milltown TotalHealth pharmacy who hosts ‘A WonderCare Podcast’.

A new DART station, located between Shankill in South Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow began operating on Sunday, the first new station in 15 years.Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran went to Woodbrook Station, to get commuters' reactions, and ask how much they rely on public transport.She joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.