The Hard Shoulder

Earlier today, the Minister for Children Norma Foley presented plans to Cabinet to buy buildings that will provide childcare facilities. This is part of a new plan to create State-led early learning centres.Each building will deliver more than 100 places, with up to 800 places available by early 2027.This is all part of the Government’s promise to deliver €200 a month childcare within its five-year term.But, will it solve the childcare issues of funding and staff retention?To discuss, Ciara is joined by Elaine Dunne, Chair of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Noel Mulderrig, Co-Owner of Kidz Haven Creche, Shannon, Co. Clare.

With so much conflicting information online and a variety of new products constantly gaining popularity, when it comes to skincare, are any of these trends having a positive impact on our skin?Joining Ciara to discuss is The Skin Nerd, Jennifer Rock owner of an online skin consultation service and her own skincare brand, skingredients.Image: Shark

After much speculation, Brooklyn Beckham last night addressed the rumors of an ongoing feud among his family, accusing his parents of attempting to ruin his relationship with his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham, attacking them in the media and claiming they have always been controlling.But, is there any way back for the Beckhams, despite Brooklyn saying he does not want to "reconcile" with them?Joining Ciara to discuss is Entertainment Journalist, Olivia Fahy and Michelle Brown, who specialises in family mediation and divorce.

New research has shown that almost half of Irish people are unsure whether their home insurance covers winter emergencies such as flooding, but what exactly should you be looking for when you insure your house, and are you overpaying?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist and presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

With all the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s push to seize Greenland, there have been some who suggest that heading to the White House on St Patrick’s Day might present a difficult decision for the Taoiseach. That’s despite Micheál Martin dismissing any concern that the annual trip is in jeopardy.In fact, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary told the show last week that it might be a good thing for Ireland…So, should the ceremony be skipped?Joining Ciara to discuss is Emma DeSouza, Irish Writer and Political Commentator and Dan Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States.

Natasha Smith was found dead on Friday afternoon while sleeping rough on Pearse Street in Dublin.To talk about Natasha and the wider homelessness crisis, Ciara is joined by Co-Founder of charity Tiglin, Senator Aubrey McCarthy.

One year ago tomorrow, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.And what a year it has been…Actor Richard Schiff joins Ciara to reflect on what has happened so far.Image: Reuters

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss screens impacting children developmentally, and if that impact is based on the type of screen they’re using…

US President Donald Trump has threatened to hit European countries with a wave of increasing tariffs unless he is allowed to buy Greenland.An empty threat? Or one that European countries need to be ready for? Shona Murray, European Correspondent for Euronews and Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and columnist at The Currency join Ciara to discuss.Also joining later to give their reactions is Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Louise Kelly, Deloitte Ireland’s Global Trade Strategy and Resilience Lead.

Children as young as 16 are seeking cosmetic procedures like fillers and botox.Cosmetic clinics say they're receiving multiple weekly enquiries from under 18s for treatments they hope will make them look like they're favourite online influencers and celebs.But what do young women think of the changing face of girlhood?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.