The Hard Shoulder

Coimisiún na Meán’s Investigations Team has today commenced a formal investigation into the provider of the X online platform, under the EU Digital Services Act.So, what does this mean? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is the Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, John Evans.

Dementia in dogs is a very real issue that many pet owners face, but how can you spot it, and how can you treat it?To chat about this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Pete Wedderburn, AKA Pete the Vet.

Studies have shown that going to a museum or gallery can have major health benefits. In light of this, some are saying that people need to sometimes skip the gym, and have a cultural workout instead.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Cultural Art Therapist with the National Gallery of Ireland, Andrea Clare Plunkett.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss why the incoming social media ban for under 16s in Australia, and how they plan to implement it…

Over half of 18 to 30 year olds have never tested for STIs. That’s according to a new survey from the HSE.It shows that 7 in 10 find testing stressful, because of the possible implications of having an infection, and are also nervous of the home kits not being discreet.Dr. Derek Freedman is a Specialist Consultant in Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Farmers have today been highlighting concerns around compulsory purchase orders for the development of greenways, as many travelled from across Ireland to protest outside Leinster House today. It was as the Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee met to hear contributions on the issue.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Paul O’Brien, Chair of the Irish Farmers' Association Infrastructure Project Team, John Joe Fitzgerald, National Vice-President of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association and Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare & member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

Disney has dropped the trailer for Toy Story 5, and it is accompanied with the tagline ‘The Age of Toys Is Over’. The film will focus on a tablet that has been bought by the family, thus scaring the toys into thinking that they will soon be obsolete!So, is the age of toys truly over in the real world?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Michael White Founder of Ro Óg, a company which makes handcrafted toys and Clinical Psychologist Anne Keogh.Image: Disney

New emails released have suggested further details to the relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.To chat about this amid ongoing pressure on the US Government to release the Epstein files, Ciara Doherty is joined by Adrian Walker of the Boston Globe.

According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of childminders that responded are considering closing their service ahead of new regulations being introduced in September 2027.To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by the Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Children, Deputy Claire Kerrane, Chief Executive of Childminding Ireland, Bernadette Orbinski Burke and Childminder Leigh Ann Gilmore.

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 Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Universal’s newest theme park in Orlando: ‘Epic Universe’.