Mar 25/2021
- Dr Javid Abdelmoneim, who is in Ireland to accept the award, joins the programme to tell Cormac about his two months spent working with MSF in Gaza.
- Concerns for the future of the Ocean View home in Camp come with new figures showing how almost 80 nursing homes have closed since 2018. Drivetime Reporter Barry Lenihan has the latest.
- Drivetime's John Cooke has been following this tragic story for some time now and has the latest. We also get reaction from Melanie Cleary, mother of Eve Cleary, and Sinn Fein's Health spokesperson David Cullinane.
- The Garda Commissioner has said that the decision to stand down the Garda National Public Order Unit before disturbances last July was not the right decision in hindsight. President of the Garda Representative Association, Mark O'Meara joins the programme.
- A letter writer to the Irish Times today described how a train journey from Dublin to Mayo left her irritated. She describes hearing younger people, speaking in accents that were "low and creaky with a tendency towards a rising intonation, making sentences sound like questions" To discuss this Feargal Murphy, Lecturer in Linguistics in UCD.
- Hassan Nasrallah has given his first public address after pager and walkie-talkie blasts killed at least 37 people and wounded around 3,000 more across Lebanon. To discuss the attacks former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert.
- Now further detail emerged today in relation to the bike shelter at Leinster House. Internal records from the Oireachtas reveal how concerns over dust and parking spaces delayed the bike shelter for many months. To tell us more the Irish Times' political correspondent Cormac McQuinn.
- With Garda recruitment numbers falling short of government targets, age restrictions have gone from 35 to 50 - and training allowances are increasing for a second time this year - from 305 euro to 354 per week from next month. Drivetime's John Cooke has been meeting some of them - to ask about the appeal[...]
- There has been a huge rise in teens addicted to the semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC. To discuss this Dr. Bernard Kenny, Director of Addiction Management at the Irish College of GPs and Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for drugs.
- A report from the Immigrant Council of Ireland launched today shows anti-immigrant violence stood in the way of electoral success for many migrant candidates in June's local elections.To discuss this ICI's Political Participation Coordinator Teresa Buczkowska and City Dublin Councillor with the Green Party Feljin Jose.
- Italian football icon Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci has died aged 59. "Schillaci, six foot two, eyes of blue, Mick McCarthy's after you", was the chant from Irish fans, but it was his goal in the quarterfinals of Italia '90 that broke our hearts. We hear from Ireland's keeper on the day Packie Bonner
- Gardaí say they have seized 42 Ghost encrypted devices as part of the international investigation, which infiltrated an encrypted messaging platform for criminals. Assistant Commissioner for Organised & Serious Crime with An Garda Síochana Justin Kelly & investigations Editor with the Sunday World & Presenter of Crime-World podcast, Nicola Tallant
- A leading organisation that works with rough sleepers and those overcoming addition fears a new state-of-the art treatment facility may not be able to open fully due to a lack of funds. Reporter Barry Lenihan tells us more.
- Exploding walkie-talkies have killed nine people and injured at least 300 people across Lebanon, the country's health ministry said this afternoon. This follows yesterday's deadly pager explosions, which killed 12 people and injured over 2,500. We hear from Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations.
- A total of 52,000 homes will need to be built per year over 25 years according to the Central Bank. It said that if the Government wanted to reduce the homes deficit over a shorter, 10 year period, then nearly 70,000 homes would need to be built every year. Conor O'Connell, director of housing and[...]
- Meta today announced that Instagram is to put users under the age of 18 into teen accounts which will allow parents more control over their activities. Users under the age of 16 will also need a parent’s permission to change the new restrictions. Cormac speaks to Tara Hopkins who is Global Director, Public Policy at[...]
- Instagram has announced the roll out of new teen accounts which the platform said will include built-in protections for younger users. Users under 16 will need a parent’s permission to change any of the built-in protections. Professor of Cyberpsychology Mary Aiken
- The family of four year old girl with epilepsy is appealing for help as they struggle to pay €1,000 a week for medicine that’s stopped her life threatening seizures. Clodagh Walsh’s parents say they’re emotionally and financially drained as they await news on whether a potentially life-saving drug can be publicly funded here. Reporter John[...]
- New research shows touching wood is not just for good luck, it can also have a calming effect. Wood beats stroking marble or steel and is akin to petting a cat or dog. Professor Kathy Willis from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford - and author of 'Good Nature - The new[...]
- Fady Abed, 23-year old displaced Palestinian in Gaza, a communications officer with MedGlobal, an international medical aid organization operating in Gaza. With his dentistry training interrupted by the war, Dr. Abed uses his skills in photography & videography to document and support humanitarian efforts and the ongoing polio vaccination campaign.
- Minister Stephen Donnelly on the inquiry into the death of Aoife Johnston; GP shortages; scoliosis; and online safety. Also reaction by Social Democrat TD & Spokesperson for Health, Róisín Shortall.
- The Georgina Downey, daughter of a late-stage Dementia patient, George Downey, is urgently appealing for help to move her father to a more appropriate place. RTÉ's Barry Lenihan reports.
- The 63-year-old broadcaster previously admitted three charges of "making" indecent photographs after he was sent 41 illegal images by convicted paedophile Alex Williams. Cormac and Sarah are joined by Channel 5 News Correspondent Julian Druker with the latest.
- The joint collaboration, between several organisations, want to ensure a safer online experience for children and young people. Teacher and assistant principal at Temple Carrig Secondary School in Greystones, Eoghan Cleary discusses the issue.
- The Minister of state for Disability Anne Rabbitte has told a court how she “feared for her safety” and felt “under attack” when a bag of cow dung was flung at her at a public meeting in Gort, Co Galway, in January of last year. RTÉ Reporter John Cooke joins Cormac with the latest.
- The world's longest running live TV chat show returns to our screens tonight, Cormac is joined by RTÉ reporter Barry Lenihan who's down at the Late Late Show studio.
- Cormac speaks to Sinn Fein TD for Laois Offaly and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee-Brian Stanley and to Fianna Fail TD for Limerick City- Willie O'Dea about the critical findings from The Comptroller and Auditor General on University of Limerick's purchase.
- This afternoon the family of murdered County Derry GAA official Sean Brown has been told that the British government will not establish a public inquiry into the killing. Cormac speaks to Sean's Grandson- Daman Browne about the news.
- Research from Queens University Belfast shows laughter therapy may be just as good as drops for treating dry eyes. Professor Nathan Congdon, Chair of Global Eye Health at Queen's University Belfast is co-investigator and co-author of the study and he tells us more.
- The family of Aoife Johnston demands immediate publication of a major report into her death at University Hospital Limerick . Drivetime’s John Cooke has been following this tragic story for some time and he joined Cormac.
- This afternoon Sinn Féin launched their childcare plan which they say would cap the cost of childcare at €10 per day for parents.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed that three of its staff were killed today in the Donetsk region. In Gaza UNRWA said six of its staff were killed in an Israeli air strike overnight. For reaction to these attacks on humanitarian relief groups UNRWA spokesman in Gaza, Sam Rose and Head of[...]
- Major social media and online platforms are being asked to make a stand and join the fight against academic dishonesty. Gráinne Mooney - Senior Communications Manager at Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
- The British government is to establish a full statutory public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. His family have campaigned for decades for an inquiry into suspected state collusion in his killing. Michael Finucane, son of Pat Finucane speaks to Sarah.
- Fears are growing over the future of a Kerry nursing home after the HSE was forced to take control of the facility amid concerns about the governance and finances of the centre. Reporter Barry Lenihan tells us more.
- The legendary sports commentator George Hamilton has announced that he has left RTÉ Sport after 40 years of voicing some of the most iconic moments in Irish sport. He joined Sarah and Cormac to talk to us about his big decision and the next chapter.
- Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary met today with Junior Transport Minister James Lawless when the two discussed the ongoing saga of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. Afterward the Ryanair boss branded the meeting “unproductive” and again criticised the government for its handling of the issue. Junior Transport Minister James Lawless speaks to Cormac
- Thousands of additional homes could be made available if the government changed the planning laws to allow people build small homes in their gardens. To discuss this Conor O'Connell, Director of Housing and Planning with Construction Industry Federation and Sean O'Neill McPartlin, director of housing policy, Progress Ireland.
- The Government has said that it will accept the European Court of Justice’s decision to uphold its 2016 finding that Apple underpaid taxes to the tune of 13 billion euro. Niall Collins-Minister of State Department of Further and Higher Education and TD for Limerick County and Richard Boyd-Barrett-PBP/Solidarity TD for Dun Laoghaire
- Israeli airstrikes on al-Mawasi “humanitarian zone” in the Gaza Strip early today have killed at least 19 people and injured a further 60, according to witnesses and medical officials. The death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered, UNRWA spokesperson in Gaza Sam Rose joined Cormac.
- The Taoiseach has been asked to intervene to keep much needed student accommodation available for those attending the Atlantic Technological University in Sligo amid fears that almost 500 bed spaces will now house International Protection Applicants instead. Reporter John Cooke tells us more.
- Today, across a wide range of industries, a growing number of workers are discovering that their productivity is being monitored more and more by their bosses.
- Tomorrow marks the 23rd anniversary of the attack and this year's Law Society human rights lecture will focus on the legacy of September 11th. Giving the lecture is Fionnula Ní Aoláin, Professor of Law, Public Policy and Society at the University of Minnesota Law School and Professor of Law at the Queens University, Belfast.
- Kenny Cunningham tells RTÉ's Drivetime programme that Heimir Hallgrimsson got it wrong this week in allowing John O'Shea and Paddy McCarthy to take leading roles with the preparation of the Ireland team.
- Economist Jim Power outlines the increasing financial challenges facing those working in the restaurant and hospitality sector.
- Could a lack of funding at third level be putting the very concept of universities at risk? Fianna Fail Senator Malcolm Byrne and Sinn Féin's Mairéad Farrell debate
- GAA coach Chris Joyce outlines his personal story of dealing with gambling and drink addiction and how he managed to overcome them.
- Kenny Cunningham tells RTÉ's Drivetime programme that Heimir Hallgrimsson got it wrong this week in allowing John O'Shea and Paddy McCarthy to take leading roles with the preparation of the Ireland team.
- Ireland host England in an international soccer match in Dublin for just the second time since a friendly game between the countries had to be abandoned in 1995 following violence from English supporters. Gardai are to shortly intensify special security arrangements for the fixture. Barry Lenihan gives us a sense of what to expect .
- We hear from Jim O'Callaghan of Fianna Fáil and Róisín Shortall of the Social Democrats on the redress scheme for school abuse survivors and getting religious orders to contribute.
- The Home Care Coalition which is made up of twenty-five leading charities, not-for-profits and campaigners, launched its pre budget submission this morning. One member of the coalition is older people charity ALONE CEO, Sean Moynihan joined Cormac.
- Gaza polio vaccination update and the lingering impact of that disease on Irish people from previous outbreaks. We hear from Adele Khodr, UNICEF'S Regional Director for the Middle East & North Africa and Fran Brennan CEO of Polio Survivors Ireland talks about the impact of this disease.
- Calls for greater understanding and specialists to help people who have uncontrollable urges to pull, pick or scratch their hair and skin, due to stress. The condition is known as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviour. Caroline Harbison, Treasurer of BFRB UK & Ireland tells us more. For more information you can visit bfrbukireland.com
- Material deprivation is a direct measure of poverty derived from the lack of items and activities deemed to be necessary for an acceptable standard of living. To discuss this Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance and Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Social Protection, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire.
- The mother of a man with an intellectual disability who was a resident in the Brothers of Charity Lota facility has expressed her fear - that if abuse in these institutions is going to be investigated- the voice of children with disabilities must also be heard. Margaret Best 77 year-old mother of Kenneth Best 55,[...]
- Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalgoue is on an agri-food trade mission to China and South Korea. This is the Minister's second visit to each country within 18 months and follows the reopening of both markets to Irish beef. Sarah speaks to the minister from Seoul in South Korea.
- A Commissioner for Future Generations has been in place in Wales since 2016 and has been widely accepted as being a success. The Welsh Commissioner Derek Walker is in Dublin today meeting Irish politicians to discuss how our government are preparing for the next generation, and how a similar role would work here. He joins[...]
- You may be suffering from "Dead Butt Syndrome" or "Gluteal Amnesia", if your lower back is very stiff and sore after a long day in an office chair or car or van seat. Dr Kenneth Monaghan is a Clinical Musculosletal Specialist Physiotherapist, and Lecturer in Health Science and Physiology at the Atlantic Technological University
- You, Me and Palliative Care’, That's the theme for this year's Palliative Care Week taking place from September 8th to 14th to raise awareness of the benefits of hospice and palliative care. Drivetime's John Cooke spent the afternoon in the company of a very talented gentleman called Brendan O'Byrne to find out more
- An Irish survivor of the Grenfell Fire says there'll be no justice for the 72 people who lost their lives until criminal charges are brought against those responsible. Willie Thompson was speaking after a major inquiry found how all of the deaths in London in 2017. Reporter Barry Lenihan from London.
- A Protest is taking place in County Tipperary this evening as locals fight to keep almost one hundred asylum seekers in their community 5 years after they moved in. They're facing eviction and relocation to Co. Offaly - as soon as tomorrow, John Cooke reports from Barrisokane.
- Business group IBEC has called for the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to be lifted to reflect our continued population growth and demands for international connectivity. Ryanair CEO To discuss this Fianna Fail's Minister of State in the Department of Transport James Lawless, but first Danny McCoy, chief executive of IBEC.
- Today the charity Extern Problem Gambling launched the EmpowerHER project - the first of its kind- which aims to provide a free and confidential environment where women can seek support for harmful gambling. To tell us more about the issue of female gambling addiction and the new initiative Project Lead of the new programme, Claire[...]
- Tens of thousands of people continue to rally across Israel today following the recovery of the bodies of six hostages from Gaza. Alon-Lee Green from Standing Together a grassroots movement of Jews and Arabs in Israel, working for Peace and Equality, joined Cormac from Tel Aviv.
- Sinn Féin today published their housing plan should they be elected to run the country for the next five years. To disucss this with Sarah Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson & TD for Donegal Pearse Doherty and Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery, and Reform and TD for Dublin Central-Paschal Donohue.
- The use of drug seizures as a means towards curbing drug supply may not be an effective way to reduce harm or protect society according to Dr Ian Marder, assistant professor in criminology, Maynooth University School of Law & Criminology we also hear from Tony Gallagher, former Garda Inspector & risk security & event manager[...]
- The campaign to inoculate children in Gaza against polio is now underway... Children in the territory began receiving vaccines on Saturday, and the large-scale rollout and planned pause in fighting agreed to by Israel and the WHO began yesterday. For the latest I'm joined by UNICEF's spokesperson in the region Jonathan Crickx.
- As we heard earlier on in the programme the sales for Electric Vehicles are in a slump with sales so far this year down a quarter on last year. So why the sluggish sales when EVs are supposed to be the future of car travel? We hear from the head of the Zero Emissions Vehicles[...]
- Bus Eireann says almost 700 children are without access to a school bus nationwide - despite paying for tickets earlier this year. Protests are taking place in some parts of the country - with one community claiming the lack of suitable school transport represents an attack on rural Ireland. Our reporter Barry Lenihan tells us[...]
- The World Health Organization said today it has delivered 1.2m doses of the polio vaccine to Gaza. The initiative follows the reporting of the first case of the childhood disease in the territory in a quarter of a century. Sam Rose is UNRWA spokesperson.
- The Taoiseach has written to the Attorney General to seek clarity on whether Ireland can review current and future trade agreements between this country and Israel. . Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher & People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett discuss.
- Workers in the UK could soon have the right to request a four day working week. So could it work here? And would it benefit businesses as well as workers? Leisha Redmond McGrath is a Chartered Work and Coaching Psychologist who has been looking at this for Drivetime
- A new report shows that there were 2,107 fish kills in Irish rivers and lakes from 1969-2022, and that agriculture was responsible for almost a quarter of those incidents. Dr Ronan Matson is the lead author on the report and the Director of the Eastern River Basin District .
- Yesterday on the programme, we spoke about issues around hill walking and the increase in walking festivals but just what are the rules when it comes to walking across public and private lands. Helen Lawless is the Access & Conservation Officer with Mountaineering Ireland
- When it comes to dining out we all know how expensive it can be. But when it comes to a traditional three course meal, have our eating habits of late changed? TV chef and culinary lecturer at South East Technological University, Edward Hayden.
- Sinn Féin today published plans to give 100,000 more students a school bus place. To discuss this, Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson on Education Sorcha Clarke and also Fergal Barton, Chair of the school transport committee for Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC),
- A life changing car accident put a University of Limerick student on the path to a future career that is now helping to change lives. Kirsty O'Connor from County Tipperary graduated from UL’s Faculty of Education and Health Sciences she joined Cormac.
- Yehuda Shaul the co-founder of Ofek: The Israeli Center for Public Affairs and also one of the co-founders of 'Breaking the Silence', a group made up of former Israeli soldiers dedicated to exposing what they see as the realities of Israeli treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories.
- International visitors to Dublin should have to pay a tourist tax on their hotel stays. The revenue generated by this tax could be used to re-invest in the city, according to Darragh Moriarty, Labour Councillor on Dublin City Council. We also hear from Michael Magner, president of the Irish Hotels Federation.
- Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has called for alcohol limits in airports to tackle a rise in disorderly behaviour on flights. Travel journalist Simon Calder tells us more.
- Goverments across the globe are are grappling with how to deal with online misinformation and misoygnistic, violent and racist content on social media sites. Cormac speaks with Australia's e safety commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
- Parents of children with additional needs say they're becoming increasingly worried on the eve of the new school year due to a lack of post-primary school places. It comes with teachers and principals also anxious due to a shortage in therapeutic and clinical supports in schools for young people with complex needs. Barry Lenihan reports.
- The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union says it cannot support the proposed plans of a blanket-approach phone ban across second-level schools in Ireland announced by Minister for Education, Norma Foley. Jack McGinn is Uachtarán of the ISSU and he joined Cormac.
- At least nine Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank, in what Israel says is a "counter-terrorism operation". Since the October 7th Hamas Attacks The West bank has seen a surge in violence with more than 600 Palestinians have been killed, largely in Israeli Military Raids. Peter Power, Ireland Executive director with UNICEF.
- There has has been a powerful reaction to the documentary "Stolen" broadcast on RTE 1 last night. The programme focused on the six decade period when many mothers were incarcerated in mother and baby institutions. We hear from one of the participants in the show, Noelle Brown.
- Russia has targeted Ukraine with another wave of deadly strikes, a day after one of its biggest air attacks of the war. At least seven people were killed and dozens wounded as missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions. For the latest on these strikes, Kira Rudik who is a[...]
- Parents of students at St Killian's Special School in Cork say their children with intellectual disabilities are regressing as therapeutic interventions were withdrawn from the school four years ago. To tell us more reporter Barry Lenihan.
- MedGlobal's co-founder Dr. John Kahler is a pediatrician who visited Gaza multiple times this year, and is overseeing MedGlobals efforts to participate in the WHO/UNICEF-led Polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.
- It's lunchbox season again, a task dreaded by many parents and a meal left uneaten by many children. Registered dietician Isabelle Fagan says we don't need to stress about the lunchbox.
- Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Taoiseach Simon Harris to provide full answers to reports that aircraft carrying weaponry from the United States to Israel has flown through Irish airspace. Jennifer Carroll McNeill is the Minister for Europe and she joined Cormac to tell us more.
- The first day of search concluding in Co Louth for body of murdered British intelligence officer Robert Niarac, kidnapped and shot by the IRA almost 50 years ago. It's the first search for Captain Niarac since his abduction and murder while working undercover in 1977. Conor McAuley, RTE's Northern Correspondent.
- There have been another 24 hours of relentless military operations from air, sea and land on the Gaza strip, with new evacuation orders issued yesterday to people in Deir Al Balah, middle Gaza. For the latest nuseirat in the Middle Gaza area now by UNRWA spokesperson Louise Wateridge.
- Rents rose by more than 7% in the second quarter this year compared with last year. Availability on the rental market remains tight and with a new college year set to begin what will the outlook be like for students. To discuss this USI Vice President for Campaigns, Nathan Murphy and owner of Liberty Blue[...]
- Another Fine Gael departure today. Another well-known media personality selected to run for Fianna Fail. It all means an early general election is ever more likely this evening - with intense speculation surrounding a November 15th polling date. Reporter Barry Lenihan tells us more.
- This afternoon the government announced the publication of the Autism Innovation Strategy which they say responds to a clear commitment in the Programme for Government to action on autism. To discuss the strategy, Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte.
- As leaving cert students throughout the country get their results Gemma Lawlor, a Guidance Counsellor at Tyndall College in Carlow reflects on what the results tell us.
- New stats from the Irish College of GPs shows the country's population has risen by over three percent from 2022 to 2023, the number of GPs nationally only went up by 0.6%. Steve McMahon from the Irish Patients Association, Dr Gary Stack, Medical Director of South Doc & Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail senator discuss.
- Cormac is joined by Ibrahim Nash’at Filmmaker and director of "Hollywoodgate , a new documentary looking at life in Afghanistan under the Taliban since the US withdrawal.
- New research from the UK shows more than half of Britons - around 54% - would like to meet new people, but a third of them admit they have no idea how to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Behavioural Psychologist at Change ABLE.ie - Padraig Walsh has some tips
- Underinvestment in the building industry could cost jobs according to the CIF (Construction Industry Federation). Connor O Connell & Connect trade Union Brian Nolan of of the CFI outline their concerns
Highlights from the daily news programme with Sarah McInerney and Cormac ‘ hEadhra. Featuring all the latest stories, interviews and special reports. Listen live Monday to Friday at 4.30pm on RT’ Radio 1.
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All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are directy attributed to RT’ and RT’ Radio 1 or their podcast platform partner. If you believe your copyrighted work is in use without your permission, you can follow our process outlined here. See terms of use.