The Hard Shoulder

There has been a steady decline in part time weekend jobs, with a shift away from teenagers getting their first job at an early age. The decline of the ‘Saturday job’ means young people are no longer ready for work in the modern work environment.Henry McKean has been out asking the public about work, and joins Ciara to discuss.

As the next phase of Dublin's traffic plan is implemented this year, wider cycle lanes will be introduced - resulting in improvements for cyclists and a reduction in road space for cars. What impact will this have on traffic in the city?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Brian Caulfield, Trinity College Dublin Professor in Transportation and Damien O’Tuama, National Cycling Coordinator for the Irish Cycling Campaign.

From July, Ireland will host the EU Presidency. It’s reported that this will cost the state over 293 million euro. So, what exactly is the return on investment?  Joining Ciara to discuss the relevance of the EU presidency, the logistics of hosting it in Ireland and the massive security operation around was Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews and Conor Gallagher Crime and Security Correspondent with the Irish Times. …

As sober socialising may be the goal for many in this month, as ‘Dry January’ takes hold, some couples are also opting for ‘Dry Weddings’. But what is the best way to cater for your guests at a dry wedding? Should you give them notice in advance?Joining Ciara Doherty with advice was Sarah Kenny, Wedding expert and owner of The Irish Wedding Blog

This week on Kids Clinic, Ciara Doherty, psychotherapist and author Iseult White.   and going to be discussing night terrors and how to deal with them not only for your children but for yourself too.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government's view was that it "never accepted the legitimacy of the Maduro regime", but has said he wants a peaceful transition to a democratic regime.  It’s as Nicolas Maduro appeared in court today after his weekend capture by US forces. He pleaded not guilty to charges. Joining Ciara Doherty with the latest and to discuss the implications of his ousting as president was Harriet Alexander  senior features reporter for The Times and The Sunday Times, based in New York, Dr Valesca Lima Assistant Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government and researcher in Latin America  and Jerry McDermott is the owner of McDermott Realty Associates and former Sheriff of Norfolk County.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has started his 4 day official visit to China, his first since 2012 Earlier he met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and our reporter Emily Keegan is accompanying the Taoiseach on this visit she joined us from Beijing for the latest on the trip and what is on the agenda.

Ruben Amorim has been sacked after just 14 months in charge at Manchester United.  It follows Sunday’s draw at Leeds United, which leaves them 5th in the Premier League table. Why has he gone, and what now for the club? Sports journalist Daniel Hussey joined Ciara Doherty  to discuss

Cold conditions are expected to continue overnight, with further weather warnings issued around the country. There were a large number of schools closed today across the North West region in particular, and there are some concerns that closures may continue.  Ciara Doherty was joined by a Meteorologist with Met Eireann, Liz Walsh, and Independent Councillor for Donegal County Council, Niamh Kennedy.

According to business group IBAL, coffee cups are the most commonly found litter and questions whether reusable cup schemes are working. To discuss the issue Ciara Doherty was joined by Colin O’Byrne, of VOICE Ireland, and Will Monaghan, owner of One Society on Gardner St.