The Hard Shoulder

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Shane to discuss an ongoing trial in the United States over social media addiction, and how apps can be maliciously designed to keep you on them.

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, joins Ciara to discuss the new General Scheme of the Critical Infrastructure Bill, the current concerns around energy prices and the war in Iran.

Many listeners will be aware of the case that we covered concerning Caitlyn, who was sexually assaulted by another UCD student. Following the assault, images were shared among the student body and faculty. Yesterday on the show Ciara spoke to doctors within the healthcare system who had expressed their concerns over UCDs handling of the case.Today the UCD student body came out at a public protest to join those concerns…Joining Shane to discuss is Matt Mion, SU Vice President and Education Officer with UCD’s Student Union.Image: University Observer

A decade ago, a survey found that Irish parents will spend more than €5,400 on children’s birthday parties and gifts by the time their child gets to sixth class, due to inflation over the last 10 years it is safe to assume that figure has risen exponentially.So, what are the average costs facing parents today and is there a way to have a kid's party on a budget?Joining Ciara to discuss is Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of the ‘Better with Money’ podcast to discuss…

Fuel prices could go over €2 a litre at petrol stations according to the Irish Road Hauliers Association, but is it price gauging? Taking advantage of global uncertainty, or is it completely up to the world markets and the situation in the Middle East?Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Shane to discuss.

“Truly exceptional and has to be seen to be believed” was how Mr Justice Brian Cregan described the behaviour of the mother and sister of imprisoned schoolteacher Enoch Burke in contempt of court proceedings against the pair. Martina and Ammi Burke were both sentenced to two weeks each for their behaviour at a hearing last month.Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, joins Ciara with the latest.

We are currently in an energy crisis, so how can we ensure we increase sources of renewable energy in order to become more self-sufficient?Joining Shane to discuss is local Councillor, Noel Thomas and Oisín Coghlan, Policy advisor to the Environmental Pillar.

The US-Israeli air war against Iran has expanded with no end in sight, with Israel attacking Lebanon in response to strikes by Hezbollah, and Iran firing missiles and drones at Gulf states and a British air base as far away as Cyprus.Joining Ciara to discuss the impact this has on civilians and the current situation in Iran is Seyed Hossein Mousavian, former Iranian Ambassador to Germany & former Spokesperson of Iran Nuclear Dossier.Image: Reuters

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, as part of his 12 best cities in the world, Fionn joined Ciara and Shane to give the ultimate guide to Paris!

A deaf couple, both in employment, are facing a €10,000 bill for hearing aids which they were penalised for working and "moving away" from the disability allowance. James Reardon and Ruth McSkane, who have three young children, say they struggle to raise the €10,000 required every five to seven years for new hearing aids…Joining Shane to discuss this is Danielle McLaughlin, Director of Advocacy and Communication with national deaf and hard of hearing charity, Chime.