Drivetime

DONALD Trump has been holding a news conference in the last few minutes at Trump Tower on New York's 5th Avenue a day after he was convicted of falsifying business records Former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney & Amber Phillips of The Washington Post give their reaction.

This week we learned from a report by the Environmental Protection Agency that Ireland is set to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile yesterday the government signed off on plans to introduce a new biogas strategy. Francie Gorman IFA President & Sadhbh O’Neill ,Senior climate advisor to Friends of the Earth Ireland debate.

More reaction from the Trump hush money trial verdict. Former CIA Director John Brennan joins Cormac to give his views.

It's thirty years since a Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. There were no survivors - all twenty-five passengers and four crew were killed in the crash. This weekend sixteen of the bereaved families have joined to form the Chinook Justice Campaign .

Ahead of the Irish women's Euro qualifier against Sweden tonight, concerns were raised following Captain Katie McCabe's late return from a post-season trip to Australia last week, but jut what is jet lag and how to you deal with it. Dr John Garvey, Consultant respiratory and sleep physician at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin[...]

Tents housing asylum seekers were cleared from the Grand Canal in Dublin this morning, the third such clearance in recent weeks. To discuss this Dr Fiona O'Reilly of Safetynet primary care and also by Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD.

The government signed off on plans to introduce a new biogas strategy, which will include a €40m grant scheme for biogas developers this week but with a damming EPA report this week. For more on this, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue.

With just over a week to go until the local elections Drivetime reporters have been travelling the country to ask you about the issues in your city or county council area. John Cooke is in Tipperary

New research from pension provider, Irish Life, suggests women need to work eight years longer than men to achieve the same pension pot at retirement - leaving more working women at risk of old age poverty. Director in Employer Solutions at Irish Life, Shane O'Farrell tells us more.

It was initially to be opened in 2022 but a new completion date of February next year has now been given by the builders BAM for the new Hospital to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee today. We hear Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan's view.

Multiple news outlets are reporting that US made munitions used in deadly Rafa attack. Christiaan Triebert is a reporter with the New York Times Visual Investigations team.

Candidates for the Midlands North West constituency discuss the issues that matter to you in next Friday's vote. From our Galway studio, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh, Sinn Fein MEP Chris McManus, Green Party Senator Pauline O'Reilly, Aontu leader Peadar Toibin, and Social Democrats candidate Rory Hearne.

Candidates for the Midlands North West constituency discuss the issues that matter to you in next Friday's vote. From our Galway studio, Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers, Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, Independent Ireland candidate Ciaran Mulooly, Independent candidate Peter Casey, and Independent candidate Saoirse McHugh.

The Palestinian flag was raised at Leinster House earlier today following a decision by the Government to formally recognise the state of Palestine after a Cabinet meeting this morning. Cormac speaks to Ophir Falk, Foreign policy adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan

With less than two weeks until the local elections on June 7th, Our reporters are travelling the country to ask you about the issues in your city or county council area. Farming, Floods and Controversial new Town Centre Enhancement work. John Cooke is on the local election trail in Roscommon.

There has also been controversy lately about the removal of the complex needs criteria when assessing resource needs in special schools. As preparation for a new school year begins will all children with special educational needs get a school place? Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education & Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton.

The cost of living crisis is obviously affecting college students but are they working long hours in part-time jobs and therefore losing out their college education? Have students got the balance wrong? To discuss this former lecturer at Munster Technological University, Tom O'Connor.

There has been widespread international condemnation of Isreal after dozens of people were killed yesterday following an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah. Sam Rose, Director of Planning with UNRWA in Gaza.

The Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler has today announced the allocation of an additional €10 million in funding for mental health services. The focus is in child and youth mental health including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services known as CAMHS and online safety for children. For more on this Minister[...]

With less than two weeks until the local elections on June 7th. Our reporters are travelling the country to ask you about the issues in your city or county council area. John Cooke was speaking to voters in Galway

Discrimination and stigma are major issues faced by people with the mental health condition psychosis according to a new survey. To discuss this Dr Karen O'Connor, Consultant Psychiatrist, & National Clinical Lead in Early Intervention in Psychosis in the HSE and Nicola Byrne CEO of Shine.

Budget 2025 has been a key focus at the National Economic Dialogue in Dublin Castle taking place today. Taoiseach Simon Harris who adressed the conference said that Cost-of-living measures "must once again be a focus" for Budget 2025. For more on this, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.

New initiatives aiming to make social work more accessible and diverse have been launched by Minister for Further and Higher Education Patrick O'Donovan. A shortage of social workers nationally remains a significant challenge to the sector but TUSLA has welcomed the move today. The minister joined Cormac to outline the new initiatives.

Drivetime's Barry Lenihan is in Co Cavan to hear from locals ahead the Local and European elections.

Judges at the International Court of Justice have ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on Rafah. Jonathan Turner, Chief Executive of UK Lawyers for Israel & Fionnuala Ni Aolain, Professor of Law and Former UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights discuss.

We are now almost into full wedding season mode. But what if you are sitting down to draw up your guest list... and you're coming under family pressure to invite ALL the cousins... but you don't want to. Jessica O'Sullivan, editor of wedding website One Fab Day shares her advice

Yesterday HSE’s Drugs.ie launched a survey to find out more about drug use trends in Ireland. It’s also part of a wider European Web Survey on Drug trends across Europe. HSE’s Emerging Drug Trends Manager Nicki Killeen tells us more.

Education Minister Norma Foley has said a total ban on sales of smartphones to primary school pupils could be considered if a voluntary agreement does not work. It comes as mobile phone networks confirmed they would back the Government’s guidelines. To discuss Minister for Education Norma Foley.

The White House has said that President Joe Biden opposes "unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state, after the decision yesterday by Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, to do so officially. To give the view of Irish- Americans by Brian O'Dwyer, who is Vice President of Irish American Democrats and is in New York.

Education Minister Norma Foley earlier in the programme and she said a total ban on smartphone sales to primary school pupils could be considered if a voluntary agreement does not work. For reaction to the Minister, Family psychotherapist Richard Hogan who has been dealing with the fallout of technology and our children since 2015.

Ireland, Norway and Spain have formally recognised the state of Palestine. Taoiseach Simon Harris said it had been the long-standing position of Ireland that "a two-state solution is the way to bring peace." We hear from Dr. Einat Wilf, a member of the Israeli Parliament from 2010 to 2013 and Minister for EU Affairs Jennifer[...]

For our first panel Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, Sinn Fein Senator Lynn Boylan, Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney, Independent Umar Al Qadri and Independent Ireland candidate Niall Boylan. They discuss the issues at stake in Europe and how they affect you in the Dublin area.

For our second panel Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty, Green Party MEP Ciaran Cuffe, Labour TD Aodhan O’Riordan, People before Profit TD Brid Smith and Independents 4 Change MEP Clare Daly. They discuss the issues at stake in Europe and how they affect you in the Dublin area.

The Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that the government will publish the full Housing Commission report this week. The report says the government's housing policy is plagued by "ineffective decision making" and "reactive policy making where risk aversion dominates." Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien joins Cormac.

Why do we get sick on day one of our holiday?They've got a name for it in Belgium- leisure sickness syndrome! Research conducted there has found one in four Belgians called in sick while on holiday. We discuss leisure sickness syndrome now with Dr Nicola Herron, Derry based GP.

Israel urges “nations of the civilised world” to refuse to implement any international criminal court arrest warrants issued against its leaders. Meanwhile food deliveries through Rafah’s crossing with Egypt has been suspended. For the latest on the humanitarian situation in Gaza Ricardo Pires, Communications manager with UNICEF.

A new report suggests that higher levels of maths anxiety in primary school might be discouraging female students here from pursuing STEM subjects. These findings come from the Arithmós Project, which aims to change how children learn maths. Tp discuss this is Dr Flavia H. Santos from the UCD School of Psychology

The new sea survival pool has opened in Greencastle, Donegal. Sea Survival is a key part of basic training that prepares fishers in the event of an accident at sea. The new training pool aims to re-create a realistic experience, with simulated wind, rain and waves. Our reporter Una Kelly went along and took part[...]

Its been reported that disposable vapes are to be banned in Ireland by the end of 2024. Junior minister at the department of Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth labelled disposable vapes a health emergency, saying they are an epidemic among teenagers and also causing environmental disaster, he joins Cormac in studio.

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defence chief, as well as three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. For some reaction to this, Jonathan Turner, Chief Executive of UK Lawyers for Israel

For the next three weeks Drivetime reporters will be travelling the country asking what the issues are in your city or county council area- as we get ready to vote in the local elections. For the first report John Cooke has been looking into the issue of refugee accommodation in County Clare.

The Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman has said that additional capacity will be available this week to accommodate asylum seekers. It comes as more than 100 tents are now pitched on the Grand Canal in Dublin to discuss this the Head of the UNHCR Irish office, Enda O'Neill.

The Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) has called on the Government to re-engage in talks about a State apology and a compensation package for survivors to include provisions for medical expenses. Finola Cassidy is spokesperson for the Irish Thalidomide Association was in studio.

World No1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been charged with assaulting a police officer after trying to navigate a traffic cordon outside Valhalla Golf Club early this morning. For the latest from Valhalla by RTE sports Greg Allen

Earlier this week, we spoke to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland who said several specialist nursing posts were not being filled because of the HSE recruitment embargo. Meanwhile, thousands of children are waiting months for special needs assessments and there are now huge waiting lists, Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte.

PSNI Jon Boutcher has ruled out the prospect of any future prosecutions relating to the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings. Earlier, the President Michael D Higgins told a memorial event to mark the 50th anniversary, how it was unacceptable that nobody has been held accountable for the massacre. Reporter Barry Lenihan was at the event, on[...]

New regulations allowing the use of electric scooters in public place will come into effect on Monday after being signed by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan. A public information campaign on e-scooters will roll out from next Monday. For more on this, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs, with the Road Safety Authority Sarah O'Connor

The Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the Thornton Hall site in north Dublin would be a "logical" location to provide large-scale tented accommodation for those seeking international protection. To discuss this Aubrey McCarthy, the founder of Tiglin.

The Israeli military has depicted Rafah as the last Hamas stronghold. According to the United Nations, around 600,000 Palestinians have been driven out of the city since the beginning of last week. To discuss the latest from Gaza Sam Rose, director of planning with UNRWA.

With record rents here in Ireland and more and more adult children being forced to live at home, is there ever a good time to charge children rent? Journalist Claire Ronan tells us more.

The Taoiseach said today that the agriculture sector was making ‘relative progress’ compared to others in terms of cutting emissions. He was speaking at an event to mark the publication of a report from Fine Gael’s National Agricultural, Food Rural Development Forum. To discuss this Martin Heydon, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture

A town in North Cork is holding a gathering of solidarity this evening to remember road victims killed on the N20 through the years - with renewed calls for a long-promised bypass. Reporter John Cooke was live from Charleville Town Centre who are with locals frustrated at the pace of much needed road safety.

Climate changing bringing us heavier summer rain the Environmental Protection Agency the report shows the overall quality of bathing water in Ireland is high but there are still problems with discharges from wastewater and sewage. For more on this, journalist with The Journal.ie Lauren Boland and the Director of Coastwatch &Swan Karin Dubsky.

The Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been shot. The shooting took place as he was meeting a small group of supporters after a government meeting in Handlova, Slovakia. Ian Willoughby is an Irish journalist with Radio Prague International.

Amsterdam is the latest tourism destination introducing measures in a bid to lower visitor numbers . In Italy, Venice recently introduced a visitor fee, while in Spain there have been a number of anti-tourist protests in Ibiza and the Canary Islands. Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor with the Irish Independent discusses.

A survey on abuse encountered by TDs and Senators has found that 94% of respondents experienced some form of threat, harassment, abuse or violence during the course of their work. Elizabeth Farries is Director of the UCD Centre for Digital Policy and was a co-author of the survey outlines the findings.

Children aged under 16 will be banned from using electric scooters in public spaces from next Monday under regulations signed into law by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan. Paul McAuliffe Fianna Fail TD & John Fullham, Public Engagement Manager Irish Wheelchair Association discuss and debate the new legislation.

A new study dubbed 'Game of Stones', has found financial incentives may help men living with obesity to lose weight and could be a future alternative to traditional weight-management programmes. Dr Margaret Steele - a postdoctoral researcher in University College Cork's School of Public Health gives her view.

Changes to the way Dublin's 'Portal' installation operates are in effect after Dublin City Council said there had been some inappropriate behaviour in front of the live video link between Dublin and New York. The portal is located between O'Connell St. & North Earl St.in the city centre our reporter Una Kelly is there the[...]

The Government has estimated that 27,000 Ukrainian refugees who benefit from temporary protection will receive reduced payments within three months following a Cabinet decision. For more on this, Fine Gael Senator John McGahon and CEO of the Irish Refugee Council Nick Henderson.

Almost 450,000 people have fled Rafah in the last week, the United Nations says, as the humanitarian situation worsens daily. Meanwhile, new Israeli operations in northern Gaza have displaced another 100,000 people. Nebal Farsakh of the Palestine Red Crescent Society talks about the latest situation in Rafah.

Pilates through Irish, trips to the Aran Islands and even X-Factor as Gaeilge! Just some of the activities run by school committees that were presented with a Gaelbhratach or Irish Flag, at a ceremony in Limerick today. John Cooke Reports.

Parliament in Georgia has voted through a divisive "foreign agent" law that has sparked weeks of mass street protests. Petre Tsiskarishvili, the former Georgian Minister for Agriculture and the political secretary of U.N.M. - The main opposition party in Georgia speaks to Cormac.

The Cabinet is set to approve a new enterprise support package tomorrow to help struggling retail and hospitality businesses. To discuss the new package I'm joined by Emer Higgins, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid West and Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail and by Labour Senator Marie Sherlock.

Novel research into Parkinson's Disease and how it can be diagnosed by scent will be presented on Wednesday evening in Maynooth University. Professor Perdita Barran who is is Chair of Mass Spectrometry in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Manchester, will explain the fascinating story of her research.

The UK goverment's Rwanda deportation policy should not apply in Northern Ireland because it undermines human rights protections guaranteed in the North, a court has ruled today. For reaction Colin Murray, Professor of Law & Democracy at the University of Newcastle and Stephen Farry, Alliance MP for North Down.

Time Magazine has just published its Health 100 list, which selected the top 100 individuals who are the most influential in the world of health right now and a behavioral scientist based in Dublin has made it into the final line-up. Dr. Dale Whelehan is CEO of 4 Day Week Global.

Proposed legislation to increase the legal age for buying cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21 has been welcomed today. For more on this Director General of the Tobacco Free Research Institute Ireland, Professor Luke Clancy and Director of Forest [Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco] Simon Clark.

With temperatures hitting up to 23 degrees in some parts - so get the shorts out - factor on the sunscreen - and get ready for a great weekend. Drivetime's John Cooke is one of many sun lovers getting in the mood for summer today with a trip to the sea in Lahinch.

The Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he believes the GAA needs to revisit the decision to put certain championship games behind a paywall, saying the organisation have gotten this wrong on the streaming service GAA GO. To discuss this Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard and Dr Declan Jordan, Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Sports,[...]

As people living in Gaza await a major military assault on the southern city of Rafah by the Israeli defense forces, aid agencies are warning that a ground assault would cause a humanitarian disaster in the region. We hear from Israel by one of Benjamin Netanyahu's predecessor's Ehud Olmert.

The housing market in this country is currently restraining the performance of Ireland's competitiveness, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council has warned today. For some reaction to this Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation.

The Land Development Agency the State’s affordable housing delivery body - today launched 57 homes in Hollystown Dublin 15. The scheme is jointly run by the LDA and Fingal County Council for more on this John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA.

It's been reported today that Ireland and Spain were prepared to recognise Palestinian statehood as early as 21 May. Rashid Khalidi is the founding co-director of the Center for Palestine Studies in Columbia University...and author of books including "The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine..."

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has asked HIQA to carry out a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the midwest region. Minister of State and Fianna Fail TD for Limerick Niall Collins , David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Health & Marie McMahon, Mid West Hospital Campaign Group give their reactions .

Adult film star Stormy Daniels is back on the stand in Donald Trumps New York hush money trial again today. Earlier in the week she told the jury she hated the former president and revealed details of their "brief" encounter in a hotel room. US based journalist Harriet Alexander has the latest.

Next month will mark 75 years since the publication of George Orwell's novel '1984' and to mark the occasion one Scottish sculptor is collecting one thousand nine hundred and eighty four copies of the book to be part of an exhibition which will be an interactive, “living” sculpture.

From the same breakfast and commute to work everyday, to our evening slump on the sofa in front of the telly – our daily routines may be driving us towards midlife boredom and maybe even crisis. so how do we go about challenging the comfort of our everyday routines? The Midlife Coach Alana Kirk tells[...]

To discuss the Dublin Taskforce and the ongoing situation around Mount Street I'm joined by Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithi de Roiste of Fianna Fail and by Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon.

At today's Oireachtas Transport Committee the Chief Executive of Dublin Bus warned that the private car is the "biggest barrier to faster and more reliable bus services". To discuss this Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at Trinity College Dublin.

A survey of the union's members published at its annual conference has found that 92% believe patient safety is at risk. Our reporter Una Kelly is at the conference in Croke Park and has been speaking to nurses.

Figures out today show that nationality has overtaken sexual orientation as a factor in hate based crimes in Ireland. The crime has increased over the past 2years & the Coalition Against Hate Crime group is calling on the Government to ensure the Hate Crime Bill is passed by the Oireachtas. Adam Long, Board Director at[...]

There are now over 80 tents pitched along the Grand Canal in Dublin this afternoon. The number has been rising since tents were removed from around the International Protection Office on Mount Street last week. To discuss this Aubrey McCarthy founder and chairman of Tiglin and Louisa Santoro the chief executive of Mendicity.

It's been reported this afternoon that the Israeli defense forces have taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. For the latest from Gaza Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA who is based in Rafah.

The June 7th elections will also include voting for the role of new Directly Elected Mayor in Limerick, where a series of events this week aims to raise voter awareness among students, the business sector and minority groups like the Traveller Community. John Cooke attended today's opening event in Kilmallock.

Sinn Fein has warned that sports clubs and local charities could lose thousands of euro ..in vital fundraising, if the government fails to address concerns in the new Gambling Bill. Minister James Browne and by Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty debate.

The Media Minister Catherine Martin has published three reports this afternoon which involved a forensic examination of RTÉ. For some reaction to the reports Social Democrats TD and Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Public Accounts Committee Catherine Murphy and Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists Seamus Dooley.

With James Elder, Spokesperson for UNICEF, and Gareth Browne, Journalist with The Economist based in the Middle East

Joined by Ms Justice Marie Baker, Chair of the Electoral Commission

Joined by London based Irish human rights lawyer & Defendant of Toomaj Salehi, Caoilfhionn Gallagher

Dr Paul Ryan, Cork based GP and Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) team member

Leinster take on Northampton tomorrow at a sold out Croke Park in the semi-final of the Investec Champions Cup. To discuss this former international rugby referee Nigel Owens and Marcus O Buachalla, Communications manager with Leinster Rugby.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that people's families and homes "should be out of bounds" after protesters held a demonstration outside his house yesterday evening. Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer and by Retired Garda Detective Inspector and author of the book 'Murder at Lordship' Pat Marry discuss.

The BBC in Northern Ireland has begun a legal process to establish whether a senior journalist was subjected to alleged police surveillance. Trevor Birney journalist and filmmaker discusses the investigation.

With Met Éireann forecasting plenty of sunshine this bank holiday weekend the HSE is reminding people to be 'SunSmart' and to protect your skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland to talk about this Selene Daly - Registered Advanced Nurse Practioner.

Irish-Palestinian man Zak Han-ia has been trapped in Gaza. He has finally left Rafah and crossed into Egypt and will return to Ireland tomorrow. Earlier, Zak spoke to the News at One where he described some of the trauma in Gaza. His wife Batoul Hania and their four sons escaped Gaza last November and she[...]

Hundreds of police wearing helmets moved into a central plaza of the University of California at Los Angeles this morning in a move to disperse a pro-Palestinian protest camp. Will Carless who is a reporter with USA Today was at the scene.

When feeling rundown and tired people tend to focus on getting a good 8-hours sleep as a kind of 'cure all'. But do our busy lives mean we overlook the recuperation benefits of just resting? To tell us more Anne Marie Boyhan, sleep expert at the Sleep Care Company.

The cost of rent for new tenancies are increasing twice as fast in areas outside of Dublin. To discuss this further, I'm joined by Pat Davitt, CEO of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Values and by Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit.