The Last Word with Matt Cooper

The new electric vehicle charging strategy launched by Minister Eamon Ryan this week was a “missed opportunity” to address concerns about e-scooter use, according to Irish accessibility groups. Matt was joined by Lorna Fitzpatrick from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland and Aisling Dunne, public policy officer with Bolt to discuss.

Jack Horgan Jones and Orla Ryan joined Matt to look at the other stories making headlines this week including the decision to continue serving pints in the Aviva, and the price of a hot chocolate and éclair in Bewley's on Grafton Street. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Electric vehicle charging stations could become more readily available for drivers as a new national strategy aims to have one situated every 60km. However, is this target achievable, and will it put pressure on the national grid? Aoife O’Grady, Head of ZEVI, and motoring journalist Geraldine Herbert joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Following Wednesday’s discussion on pass/fail rates for garda fitness tests, Conor Lally of The Irish Times and Damien McCarthy from the Garda Representative Association joined us to discuss how morale within the gardaí is at an all time low. So, what can be done in order to entice more people to join the force? Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Are you finding that you’re picking up injuries while exercising? Dr. Brian Higgins from Galway Primary Care joined us to explain why that may happen, what injuries are most common and why sometimes less is more when building up your fitness. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

On our weekly Environment slot, John Gibbons gave his views on Green Party leader Eamon Ryan's suggestion that there should be a nationwide cull of deer in order to restore biodiversity in Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It’s expected that almost 70,000 Ukrainian refugees could come to Ireland in 2023. Matt is joined by Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities Joe O’Brien to discuss how to manage the continued influx of refugees. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

One-sixth of garda applicants failed the basic fitness tests they must complete before becoming members of the force last year. Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan says the tests are too demanding and result in recruits being excluded from the process. Deputy O’Callaghan and President of the Garda Representative Association Brendan O’Connor joined Matt to discuss whether the tests should be made easier. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Credit card users often have little understanding of how they work and the interest they pay according to a survey commissioned by the Irish League of Credit Unions. Charlie Weston joined Matt to discuss what hidden charges people should be aware of when using a credit card. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Brit Award nominations were released this week and no women have been included in the shortlist for best artist. Dee Reddy and Dave Hanratty joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this along with the other biggest music stories of the week. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.