In The News

Last week, Israeli authorities alleged that some employees of UNRWA, the Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, were involved in the October 7th Hamas attacks.In response, several countries pulled their funding for the UN agency, jeopardising the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the desperate citizens of Gaza.UNRWA, which was founded in 1949 and employs more than 30,000 people, works with Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank and other Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon and Syria. So what will be the impact of these financial cuts for Palestinians on the ground?Mark Weiss in Jerusalem talks to Sorcha Pollak about UNWRA, hostage negotiations and the risk of a wider war. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Coventry City midfielder Kasey Palmer both paused their respective games last Saturday after they were subjected to racist gestures and shouts from the stands. Maignan and his team walked off the pitched before coming back and resuming the match. Football’s racism problem was again in the headlines.In what seemed like a hardline solution, Gianni Infantino, the head of Fifa, the sports governing body, called for match forfeits after racist incidents.Sports writer and Second Captains podcaster and Irish Times soccer columnist Ken Early explains why this idea is simply unworkable, for reasons that extend beyond the stands. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toy Show: the musical lost €2.2m – that much was well known before Grant Thornton delivered its report on RTÉ’s 2022 ill-advised foray into live theatre. What was not known until now was precisely how the RTÉ board allowed the broadcaster to risk public money on such a gamble. Irish Times journalist Jack Power explains the sequence of events as revealed in the lengthy report, while culture columnist Hugh Linehan assesses its findings and whether it is now time for those still on the RTÉ board who failed in their duties to take responsibility. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The case against actor Alec Baldwin in the death by gunshot of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a film set in 2021 collapsed. But why has he been indicted again - same charge, same tragic event? New York Times reporter Julia Jacobs teases out the legal issues and explores what might happen next for the actor.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On March 8th, voters will be asked to change the Constitution in two referendums: one concerns care and the removal of the reference to the role of women in the home; while the other seeks to expand the concept of the family.Irish Times political correspondent Jennifer Bray gives a quick, clear explainer on what it all means and why now. Why, after been kicked to touch by several governments, the controversial clauses from another era are finally being addressed.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Ian Bailey, the prime suspect in the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, died in West Cork from a suspected heart attack.Despite decades of accusations and legal battles, Bailey maintained his innocence and was never charged for the murder of the French filmmaker.But the family of Toscan du Plantier have always believed he did it - and never stopped pushing for the State to prosecute him.Gardaí now say a cold case review of the investigation into the death of Toscan du Plantier will continue. But why are the authorities continuing this expensive and time-consuming investigation now that the prime suspect is dead?Could new evidence and modern technology finally help crack this case? And what resolution, if any, is possible?Sorcha Pollak speaks with Irish Times Southern Correspondent Barry Roche, who has been covering the case since the late 1990s.Produced by Declan Conlon and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Landlord Marc Godart is being taken to court by Dublin City Council for allegedly breaking planning laws and breaching fire safety regulations in the running of his rental property empire. Former tenants and a former employee of Mr Godart spoke to The Irish Times' Naomi O'Leary about what they say were negative experiences with the controversial landlord. Plus: Colm Keena on Mr Godart's day in court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s no secret that Cork GAA is in a financial hole. Rebuilding Páirc Uí Chaoimh went way over budget with a final cost – for the amateur organisation – topping €100 million. Little wonder it is casting around for sources of revenue. Selling the naming rights to the stadium seemed the most straightforward way to bring in much-needed cash – until it wasn’t. As soon as it leaked at the start of the week that the county board was considering doing a deal with supermarket chain SuperValu to change the name of the 45,000 seater stadium to SuperValu Páirc controversy raged. Tánaiste Micheál’s Martin’s tweet likely stalled the move: he reminded the county board in advance of its Tuesday meeting to ratify the deal, that “Pádraig Uí Chaoimh was a key figure in the formation of the GAA at club and national level. Govt allocated €30m towards the development of the stadium and never sought naming rights”. The names of GAA stadiums throughout the country have been changed to reflect commercial sponsorship deals, but as Irish Times sportswriter Malachy Clerkin explains, this is different and is just one symptom of the many problems in Cork GAA. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For months all the polling and analysis has said Donald Trump is a huge favourite to win the Republican nomination for the US presidency. His win at the Iowa caucus this week made it official. Keith Duggan is The Irish Times' new Washington Correspondent. He was in Iowa to talk to voters and watch the other candidates try to win support in Trump's shadow. He talks to Bernice Harrison about where their hopes are now after being left in Trump's wake, and whether legal woes or awkward issues such as abortion can prevent Trump's procession to the nomination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Christmas Eve, a shooting in a popular Dublin restaurant that resulted in the deaths of two men shocked the country. In a badly planned attack, Tristan Sherry entered the packed Browne’s Stakehouse on Blanchardstown’s main street and fired at a table where Jason Hennessy snr was sitting. Both men where involved in criminality and were known to the Garda. Immediately after the shooting, Sherry was wrestled to the ground and fatally attacked; Hennessy died some days later in hospital. Sherry’s funeral took place on Tuesday in Finglas on Dublin’s northside, Hennessy’s is expected later in the week. Irish Times crime and security editor Conor Lally explains why the funerals didn’t happen sooner, who are the key people involved in the shocking events of December 24th and explores the very real possibility – a certainty, he says – of more deaths in retaliation. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Army Ranger Wing (ARW), the most elite and secretive unit of the Defence Forces, is to undertake its largest restructuring in its 43-year history. The most visible change will be a new name: Ireland Special Operations Force or IRL-SOF for short. But as Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher explains, there will also be dramatic changes to its command-and-control structure, making it a central part of military decision-making and, as a result, more likely to be deployed on missions in Ireland and abroad. The changes mirror those in other western militaries which have increased the size of their special operations forces while also granting them more autonomy and status. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Oscar Pistorius murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013, he was one of the most famous athletes in the world. A double amputee and an Olympian – he was dubbed “Bladerunner” – his trial made global headlines. He was released from prison in South Africa earlier this month having served over half his sentence. At his 2014 trial he claimed that in the early hours of St Valentine’s Day, he had fired his gun thinking there was intruder in his home. The facts, however, proved he murdered the 29-year-old Steenkamp, a model and TV personality who had only been dating Pistorius for four months. Her death added to South Africa’s staggeringly high rates of femicide and the levels of gender-based violence in the country have continued to climb. Bill Corcoran, who covered the former athlete’s trial in 2014 for The Irish Times, explains the reaction in South Africa to his release on parole. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The asking price for a house in Ireland has risen by around four per cent in the past year. It's bad news for those who can't afford to buy their first home. And housing affordability and availability are serious issues for wider society. But there is a positive side for homeowners whose assets continues to increase in value.That dichotomy is at the heart of a debate that may play a major role in the next general election. Last month, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the average price of a home in Dublin should be €300,000 - that's €130,000 lower than the average Dublin house price, as it stands. Such a fall in value would help many while making homeowners poorer on paper.Is it possible to reduce house prices by so much - and is it a good idea? Bernice Harrison talks to Irish Times columnist Cliff Taylor. Together they listen to some ideas about how to tackle the housing affordability issue from Lorcan Sirr, TU Dublin lecturer and housing policy analyst, and Conall Mac Coille, chief economist with Bank of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Israel will appear before the International Court of Justice, to reject South Africa’s allegation that it is committing genocide in Gaza. South Africa is calling for Israel to end the military operation in Gaza that has left 20,000 people dead, and millions more displaced and hungry. South Africa says the actions of the Israeli military are in breach of the 1948 Genocide Convention, an accusation that Israel vehemently denies. In this episode, Shane Darcy, a law professor at the University of Galway and deputy director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights joins Sorcha Pollak to discuss what the court will have to consider in this case.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twelve months ago, Ukraine was optimistic about reclaiming more land after successes against the Russian army. However, the front line is still roughly where it was a year ago and Russia’s grip on the Ukrainian land it still occupies has barely loosened. Meanwhile, political pressure on the military and financial aid being provided by the US and European countries is mounting. Will the West continue to support Ukraine as uncertainty grows over the course of the war? Dan McLaughlin reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last November, after Josef Puska was sentenced to life for the murder of Aisling Murphy, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that the State needed more spaces in prisons.“If people want dangerous people locked up for a long time, we’re going to need more room in our prisons,” the Taoiseach said. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee later confirmed plans for 600 additional spaces across four prison estates.But, not everyone agrees that building more prison cells is the answer.The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has repeatedly called for a reduction in the number of people being jailed, noting that nearly three quarters of committals in 2022 were for 12 months or less. “We need to see a shift to people getting more community service,” IPRT director Saoirse Brady told today’s podcast. “I don’t think that we require extra spaces. It’s actually stated Government policy since August 2022 that we would reduce the number of people going to prison for 12 months or less.”Irish Times Crime and Security Editor Conor Lally also joins the podcast to discuss the pros and cons of building more spaces for inmates in Irish prisons.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imelda Keenan was just 22 when she went missing from Waterford. Originally from Laois but living and studying in Waterford, she was reported missing on January 3rd, 1994. Her glasses were still in her apartment as was a pile of carefully wrapped Christmas presents under the tree – two of the many details that, to this day, puzzle her family. They are convinced that the young woman, a much-loved daughter and sister to her eight siblings, is dead. Last week on the 30th anniversary of the day she was reported missing the family held a vigil to remember her but also in the hopes that public attention might jog someone’s memory about what might have happened. For decades the case has been classified as a missing persons case but the family, as her niece Gina Kerry explains to In the News, want it upgraded to murder. Imelda, they say, would never have voluntarily gone missing. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Department of Justice is to introduce a new process for stripping citizenship from Irish citizens, three years after the previous system was struck down by the Supreme Court.The system will allow the State to revoke the citizenship of Islamic terrorist Ali Charaf Damache, something it has been trying to do since 2018. A convicted terrorist, Algerian-born Damache is in jail in the US where his Irish citizenship helped earn him a shorter sentence through a plea bargain. About 40 other revocation cases are also pending for a range of other issues, for example where an applicant has been later found to have given false information. Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher explains how Irish citizenship can be revoked, how rare the move is, on what grounds it might happen and how the planned new system will change the process. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former RTE broadcaster Ryan Tubridy kicked off his new job, presenting Virgin Radio UK’s midmorning show, on Tuesday. The London-based commercial radio station is very different from the national broadcaster and this new iteration of The Ryan Tubridy show, where he is more DJ than chat show presenter, is different from his former slot on RTÉ Radio 1; at three hours it’s certainly longer. He was let go from RTÉ in June amid the payments controversy that in 2023 engulfed the broadcaster and in which he was centrally involved. On the new show there is more music and less talk, but as Irish Times radio reviewer Mick Heaney notes on today’s In the News podcast, Tubridy has brought his familiar-to-Irish ears obsessions with him across the water. But will English listeners find references to the Beatles, walks, books, Connemara and pint of Guinness quite so charming? Can he do a Terry Wogan and become a beloved Irish broadcaster in the UK - or are those days over? Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking to feel happier and healthier in life, but don’t know where to start? Clinical Psychologist Dr Trudy Meehan joins Conor Pope to talk about the practical tools we can all start using to bring meaningful change into our lives. Positive Health: 100+ Research-based Positive Psychology and Lifestyle Medicine Tools to Enhance Your Wellbeing is available now. This episode was originally published in January 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, a prestigious Dublin school knowingly employed a former SS officer, Louis Feutren, as a French teacher. Now, former students of St Conleth's College allege that Feutren subjected them to physical and psychological abuse. The school has expressed 'regret' - but is that enough?Guests: Uki Goñi, who attended St Conleth's, and reporter Ronan McGreevyThis episode was originally published in October 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chuck Feeney, the Irish-American philanthropist, died in October this year at the age of 92. Two months after his death in San Francisco, he was laid to rest in Dublin's Glasnevin Cemetery. During his lifetime he quietly gave away almost all of his $8 billion fortune. Through his foundation Atlantic Philanthropies he funded massive life-changing education, health and science projects in Ireland, the US and around the world; as a proud Irish-American he helped fund the peace process leading to the Belfast Agreement. He wanted anonymity; he never wanted to be thanked or acknowledged or for his name to be on any of the buildings or institutions his money built. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. This episode was originally published in October 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In late July, four relatives attended a family lunch at the home of Erin Patterson, a 48 year-old mother of two from Leongatha in Australia. Within days of the lunch, three of the guests were dead, with a fourth left fighting for his life in hospital. A beef wellington that was served for lunch on the day is suspected to have contained poisonous death cap mushrooms. But why were they in there? Australian police must now decipher whether it was simply a tragic accident or if there is something more sinister at play? John Ferguson of The Australian explains the details of the case.This episode was originally published in August 2023. In November, Erin Patterson was charged by Australian Police with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. Her trial will take place in 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) unearthed an underground “banking” network offering an international money transfer system to Irish criminals. It allowed Irish drug gangs to move cash to continental Europe at low risk and without trace. The first step in this process was to bring the ill-gotten money to a local Chinese restaurant.Irish Times Crime Editor Conor Lally interviewed the head of Cab, who told him about the newly uncovered methods of hiding the proceeds of crime - and about how Instagram and reality TV are influencing the way criminals spend their money. This episode was originally published in November 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this Summer, a Netflix documentary, all about the hidden world of freediving, catapulted the sport in front of a global audience. The Deepest Breath, tells the story of Alessia Zecchini, a champion freediver from Italy and Stephen Keenan, an expert safety diver from Glasnevin in Dublin. It follows them as they rise separately through the ranks of the sport, before their lives eventually become intertwined. The film was directed by Irish filmmaker Laura McGann and gives an incredible insight into the world of freediving: which sees divers reach depths of more than 100 meters, without any equipment and with one single breath. In this episode, McGann explains how extraordinary archive footage and the generosity of Stephen’s father Peter helped shape the documentary. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. This episode was originally published in September 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Late Late Toy Show is Ireland's most popular TV show every year by a distance, but Toy Show: The Musical was a complete flop, losing €2.2 million in its first year. How did it go so badly wrong? And what does the story tell us about the organisation RTÉ has become and where it is going? Bernice Harrison asks Hugh Linehan. This episode was originally broadcast in July 2023. A forthcoming report by auditors Grant Thornton into the controversial Toy Show: The Musical is expected in early 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To call Taylor Swift simply a pop singer is to miss the point. She’s a one woman global phenomenon; the 34 year-old is the first musician ever to become a billionaire solely based on her songs and performances. And yet it’s her relatability that her fans love so much. When her Eras Tour hits town – any town – its economic impact is so powerful that a new word has been coined: Swiftenomics. In 2024 she’ll be bringing it to Ireland, to Croke Park. So how did it happen for the pop queen who started out as a teenager singing country. Music journalist Zara Hedderman explains just why Time magazine named Taylor Swift its person of the year and how she has become, what it calls, “the main character of the world”. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you spent far too much time this year watching Robbie Williams sitting on a bed in his underpants unpicking his life, or tried to do the Beckham’s loved-up dance in the kitchen, you’re not alone: celebrity documentaries made big news this year with Netflix leading the way. They included Pamela, a Love Story (Anderson), Arnold (Schwarzenegger), and Sly (Stallone) all on Netlix as well as documentaries on other streamers such as the Michael J Fox film, Still, on Apple TV+. But as they are made in co-operation with their starry subjects, are these films worthwhile looks behind the scenes or simply PR-driven vehicles? Patrick Freyne who writes a weekly Irish Times column on TV gives his take. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Liam Byrne, the alleged leader of the Kinahan cartel’s Irish operations, was extradited from Spain to the UK to stand trial and face charges related to the alleged supply of firearms to other crime gangs.The 43-year-old, who was arrested while eating in a restaurant with his family in Mallorca in early June, had been living openly in Dubai for a couple of years before travelling to Europe for a holiday. Britain’s gun-related allegations are the first gangland charges Byrne has faced after a 20-year run that saw him rise to the top of Ireland’s drugs trade.If he is charged, what sentence could he face? What does Byrne’s extradition tell us about the state of play in Ireland’s fight against organised crime? And, will other members of the Kinahan gang be next?On today’s podcast, Irish Times security and crime editor Conor Lally reflects on the life of Liam Byrne and what lies ahead for organised crime in this country.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday night, a fire destroyed most of a disused hotel in Co Galway that was set to begin housing up to 70 asylum seekers from Thursday, December 21st.Minister for Integration, Roderic O’Gorman said the blaze, which gardaí believe was started deliberately, was a “deeply sinister” act designed to intimidate international protection applicants.The fire at Ross Lake House hotel in Rosscahill, a remote area between Moycullen and Oughterard, is the latest in a growing list of incidents where buildings – particularly hotels – set aside to house asylum seekers, have been vandalised.Presented by Sorcha Pollak with guests Crime and Security Correspondent, Conor Gallager, and Polical Correspondent, Cormac McQuinn.Produced by John Casey and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, May 27th 2023 champion cyclist Gabriele Glodenyte was out on her bike for a morning spin in north county Dublin with her boyfriend Seán Landers.Gabriele was 24 years-old, a vibrant young woman who shone at everything she did.But what started as a typical, carefree day for Gabby and Seán ended in tragedy.Gabriele was killed instantly when an oncoming driver crashed his car.Seán (25) came upon the scene moments later. He recalls finding first her mangled bicycle on the road and then her fatally injured body.As the terrible shock has given way to deep grief, Seán wants to tell the story of that dreadful day in hopes, he says, that motorists will realise just how vulnerable cyclists are.In his 10 years’ cycling, he says it has become increasingly dangerous for cyclists with drivers behaving more aggressively.More than 1,600 cyclists have suffered serious crash injuries on Irish roads over the last seven years.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As lead negotiator on climate finance for the EU at Cop28, Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan was at the table in Dubai when the final agreement was written. The agreement “calls on parties to contribute to transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems”, a historic, if belated, first explicit reference to leaving fossil fuels behind in a Cop text. Critics such as former president Mary Robinson were quick to point out that “transitioning away” is weaker than the alternative “phased out”. Mr Ryan says the difference is minor. “Our advisors, legal advisors and others said it was equally strong, and sufficiently strong, compared to phasing out,” he says, arguing the Cop28 agreement, while imperfect, represents an important step-change. He talks to Bernice Harrison about the rejection of the first draft, how consensus was reached (”fossil fuel lobbyists did not want this text. They fought against it tooth and nail”) and the loopholes that allow continued expansion of fossil fuel production - and defends Ireland’s own record on climate action. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, new figures revealed more than 800 primary school teaching posts across the country were lying empty, with the problem most acute in the Greater Dublin Area. Nearly 90 per cent of Irish schools say they’re experiencing recruitment issues, while many secondary schools have warned they’re being forced to drop or limit access to key subjects such as maths, Irish, biology, home economics, woodwork/construction studies and chemistry.So, where are all our teachers gone and what can be done to attract people back into the profession? And what does this shortage say about how a career in teaching is perceived these days? Irish Times education editor Carl O’Brien discusses the ongoing teacher shortage and measures being taking to tackle this problem.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Israeli Defence Forces deny targeting civilians in Gaza and insist they take all practical measures to protect non-combatants in a war where their enemy, Hamas, hides among the civilian population. But Israeli intelligence sources told journalist Yuval Abraham that the tactics now being used in Gaza are much looser than they were in previous conflicts and are contributing to a huge number of civilian deaths, often in inexplicable circumstances. Yuval talks to Sorcha Pollak about how concepts like "power targets" and AI technology are defining the war in Gaza and increasing the danger for civilians.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent closure order issued by the County Council to a registered puppy farm in north Cork saw veterinary inspectors seize dogs worth over €80,000 from the premises. Dog breeding is big business in Ireland.And while the majority of dog breeding establishments here are legitimate enterprises, the sheer demand for puppies means standards can vary hugely from one business to the next. Conor Dowling is today’s guest on In the News, and he is the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector at the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA). He has seen the absolute worse effects of puppy farming and feels that the current rules around mass dog breeding here have led to a ‘confused picture’ and would like to see ‘a total revamp of the legislation that’s currently in place’.  Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish billionaire John Magnier has been steadily accumulating huge tracts of land in south Tipperary. He's entitled to do so. But local farmers say they are being priced out of buying the land they desperately need to stay afloat in a difficult business environment. Ronan McGreevy reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Boris Johnson appeared in front of Britain’s Covid inquiry for the first time. In its six months, the inquiry has already heard damning evidence about the chaos in Downing Street and specifically Johnson’s failure to understand the enormity of the crisis. Irish Times London correspondent Mark Paul was in the room with the former prime minister, as he faced tough questions on Partygate, missing WhatsApp messages and his decision to 'let Covid rip'. Presented by Bernice Harrison, produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government received an early Christmas gift this week with the latest exchequer data pointing to another surge in corporation tax as well as increases in income tax and VAT.The figures show total tax receipts for the 11 months to the end of November amounted to €82 billion, which was €4.5 billion (5.8 per cent) more than the same period last year. This puts the Government on course to at least meet or exceed a projected budget surplus of €8.8 billion for 2023 and comes against a backdrop of slowing global growth and tighter financial conditions as a result of the European Central Bank’s interest rate hikes, which had been expected to limit the Government’s tax revenue.Cliff Taylor explains why November is a key month for tax receipts and why these latest figures will calm jitters. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In July 2022 a very public scandal erupted in the normally relatively closed world of Irish dancing. An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), the oldest and largest governing body for competitive Irish dancing, was informed of allegations that at least 12 Irish dancing teachers in Ireland and overseas were involved in the “fixing” of competitions. And that was the tip of a very grubby iceberg as further allegations emerged – including stories of “unwanted behaviours”, tales of sexual impropriety among the adults and a lack of trust among dancers, parents and teachers. Now 44 individuals are facing disciplinary hearings as the global organisation tries to rebuild trust in the highly competitive world of Irish dancing. Irish Times reporter Shauna Bowers spoke to North Carolina-based Sandra Connick who has taken over as chair of CLRG. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again the State has run out of places to put asylum seekers. Those newly arriving face the prospect of sleeping rough as temperatures fall and with tensions high after recent riots. Nick Henderson of the Irish Refugee Council explains how we got here, how the system could never keep up with the pace of arrivals and why help from the Defence Forces may be needed to handle the crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US commentator Tucker Carlson interviewed MAGA figurehead Steve Bannon about Irish society and politics in the wake of the Dublin riots. The men agreed Ireland is a ‘powder keg’ ready to explode thanks to a sinister globalist conspiracy. Then comedian Russell Brand tackled the subject on his online show, touching on the same themes and coming down heavily on Ireland’s proposed new hate speech laws. The three alternative media stars also focussed on the role and influence of MMA fighter Conor McGregor in recent events. Could McGregor become a political leader - or perhaps a political influencer like them? On today’s In the News podcast Irish Times writer and Inside Politics host Hugh Linehan separates the kernels of truth from the misinformation and explains why it all matters. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ridley Scott’s Napoleon is a “breathless rollick” says Irish Times chief film correspondent Donald Clarke; Joaquin Phoenix makes the character his own and Vanessa Kirby is a terrific Josephine. But since its release, historians have been carping from the aisles pointing out the inaccuracies in the sprawling blockbuster. Among other things they point out that Napoleon didn’t fire on the pyramids; he wasn’t at Marie Antoinette’s execution and he did not, when general, participate in cavalry charges. But so what? Does it matter? How faithful does an historical biopic be to the facts? Clarke, who has interviewed the veteran British film director many times, including most recently to discuss Napoleon, gives his take. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COP28, the UN’s annual climate change summit kicks off today in Dubai. This year the COP President is Sultan Al Jaber, who is both the UAE’s special envoy on Climate Change and the CEO of the State’s oil and gas company Adnoc. Campaigners have likened his appointment to a tobacco CEO chairing a forum on cancer cures. So how damaging is this to the credibility of COP and how can this conflict of interest be reconciled? Sorcha Pollak speaks to Patrick Galey, journalist and senior fossil fuels investigator for Global Witness. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week's stabbing attack on primary school children and subsequent riot have left Dublin city shaken. One child and her after-school carer are still in a serious condition, as is the man who is suspected of attacking them. Street violence has left immigrants and city-centre workers fearful. And the political fallout is serious - especially for Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. Conor Gallagher and Pat Leahy report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When musician and therapist Ailie Blunnie first caught Covid in 2021, she expected to recover quickly. Yet, more than two years later, the once active 38-year-old has never returned to full health and lives with symptoms of long covid, including chronic fatigue and exhaustion. In this episode, Blunnie talks to Sorcha Pollak about how she manages this debilitating illness. We also hear from long covid specialist Dr Jack Lambert, who says the State funding of long Covid services needs to be allocated differently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RTÉ’s TV advertisements have been good fun with new Late Late host Patrick Kielty getting advice from some very opinionated children on how he should present The Late Late Toy Show. The bottom line – don’t mess up. The station bosses will be hoping the same thing when the razzamatazz kicks off tonight. There’s a lot at stake – not least the fact that the annual toyfest is a cash-cow for the cash-poor station. Irish Times media columnist Laura Slattery explains why the seasonal show is now such a key programme for the station. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The streets of Dublin city centre were ablaze on Thursday night, with at least one Garda vehicle, a double-decker bus and a Luas tram set alight and several shops looted.In the wake of the stabbing attack on several schoolchildren on Parnell Square, a major riot broke out on O’Connell Street, the city centre’s main thoroughfare, and surrounding streets.Large numbers of gardaí were mobilised in an attempt to restore order, clashing with large groups of rioters. The shops broken into and looted include Arnotts and Footlocker.Crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher and reporter Jack Power covered the stabbing attack and witnessed the riot. They talk to In the News producer Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Javier Milei will be sworn in as president of Argentina next month. But just why is this political outsider called "The Madman" - and what can Argentinians expect from his administration? Tom Hennigan reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last weekend, millionaire businessman and former Dunnes Stores chief executive Ben Dunne died suddenly in Dubai. He was 74 years of age,In 1992, Dunne made headlines again when he was arrested in his Florida hotel room for cocaine possession. Shortly afterwards, back in Ireland, Dunne’s siblings moved against him to wrest control of Dunnes Stores from him. It was this intense family feud that led to journalists exposing Ireland’s deeply entrenched political and financial corruption in the 1980s and 1990s.Had it not been for Dunne’s cocaine-fuelled psychosis in Florida, would the revelations of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey’s secret financial dealings ever have happened?On today’s podcast, columnist Fintan O’Toole reflects on Dunne’s eventful life and the extraordinary impact he had on Ireland.Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Declan Conlon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Documentary maker and journalist Brian Carroll was in court for the sentencing hearing of Molly Martens and her father Thomas for the killing of Molly’s husband Jason Corbett.For two weeks the strategy of their defence team was to paint the brutal killing that took place in the bedroom of the couple’s home in August 2015 as an act of self-defence.In episode two we hear how the Limerick man’s family, including his two children, finally had their day in court to tell the world about their loving father and what their lives were like with their manipulative stepmother. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.