The Explainer

All episodes.

445 episodes · showing the newest 200

What will the EPC summit mean for Dublin this week?

Nov 10, 2026 22 min

Almost 50 European leaders are coming to Dublin for the European Political Community summit, followed by a separate meeting of EU leaders on Friday. The gatherings will bring major road closures and public transport disruption, alongside what gardaí say will be the largest policing and security operation in the history of the State. So what exactly is the EPC, what should people in Dublin expect, and what does it take to secure an event of this scale? The Journal reporters Andrew Walsh and Niall O’Connor join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do the midterm results mean for Trump’s America?

Nov 4, 2026 24 min

Democrats made gains right across the United States in the midterm elections. It leaves Republicans facing a major defeat and Donald Trump facing two more years in the White House with less control. What drove the backlash, how much can Democrats now constrain his presidency, and what does the result mean for the race to succeed him in 2028? The Journal political columnist and University of Galway law lecturer Larry Donnelly joins us to examine the results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Texas turn blue?

Nov 4, 2026 10 min

Texas has delivered one of the biggest surprises of the US midterm elections. James Talarico is the first Democrat to win a Senate election in the state since 1988, while Gina Hinojosa defeated longtime Republican governor Greg Abbott. How did Democrats finally manage to turn Texas blue? And did Donald Trump's backing of Ken Paxton cost Republicans the Senate seat? Hannah McCarthy, who has been reporting from Texas for The Journal, joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does it make sense to ditch your traditional bank for Revolut?

Oct 28, 2026 18 min

Recent Revolut outages left customers struggling to access their money, raising questions for anyone thinking of making it their main bank. Digital banks offer better apps and lower fees, but what are the trade-offs when it comes to cash, customer service and getting help when something goes wrong? The Journal’s Valerie Flynn joins us to examine whether it makes sense to leave your traditional bank. Should you keep one on standby? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What could the US midterms mean for Trump’s final two years?

Oct 22, 2026 20 min

Americans vote in the midterm elections on 3 November, with every seat in the House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate up for grabs. Republicans currently control both chambers, but Democrats are mounting a big challenge to Donald Trump, with his approval ratings under pressure. What is driving the shift? Which races could decide control of Congress? And what would a Democratic victory actually mean for the final two years of Trump’s presidency? The Journal political columnist and University of Galway law lecturer Larry Donnelly joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is on strike tomorrow and what can we expect?

Oct 13, 2026 7 min

Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers are expected to strike tomorrow in a dispute over pay. Schools will close, non-urgent hospital services will be cancelled, and courts, council offices and OPW sites will shut their doors. Union leaders rejected the government’s offer of last-minute talks at the Workplace Relations Commission this week, so the strike looks set to go ahead. So how did we get here, who’s likely to be impacted, and will the strike action have the desired outcome in relation to pay? Laura Byrne speaks to our reporter Sophie Finn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Budget 2027 actually make you better off?

Oct 7, 2026 27 min

Budget 2027 has something for almost everyone: income tax changes, a welfare increase, a higher fuel allowance, a bigger renter’s credit, an expanded Help to Buy scheme and lower childcare costs. But how much of it will actually make a difference to people’s pockets? Dr Emma Howard, economist at TU Dublin, joins us to examine who gains most from the budget, whether the measures are reaching those under the greatest pressure, and why some of the government’s biggest interventions may do little to tackle the underlying problems in housing, energy and childcare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Drumcree back in the headlines, and what happens next?

Sep 30, 2026 20 min

For almost 30 years, the violent confrontations that once defined the Drumcree marching dispute had disappeared from the streets of Portadown. But a procedural error by the Parades Commission and a series of court challenges have reopened the dispute, with protesters blocking a heavily restricted Orange Order parade from passing along the Garvaghy Road. So how did Drumcree become one of Northern Ireland’s most contentious flashpoints, why has the dispute returned now, and how might the current standoff end? The Journal's reporter Diarmuid Pepper joins us after spending several days reporting on the ground. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are new mothers struggling to get mental health care?

Sep 23, 2026 15 min

Women can develop serious mental health difficulties at any point in the year after giving birth. But new reporting from The Journal Investigates has found that five of Ireland’s six specialist perinatal mental health hubs have stopped accepting new referrals after six months postpartum, while women outside major cities can face major barriers to accessing care. So why are services tightening access as demand rises, what happens to women who fall through the gaps, and will promised reforms make a difference? The Journal Investigates reporter Conor O’Carroll joins us. This episode was created with support from the News Reporting Scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are artists walking away from Ed Sheeran’s tour?

Sep 16, 2026 22 min

Music and politics have always shared a stage, but the fallout from Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s United States tour has made clear how that can be an uneasy relationship. Zara Hedderman, music and arts journalist and author of the Bad Arts newsletter, joins us to examine who gets to decide what can be said on stage, and what happens when artists stand together and say no. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did the AfD become so powerful in Germany?

Sep 8, 2026 19 min

The far-right Alternative for Germany party won almost 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, more than doubling its support and delivering its strongest ever result in a German state election. The result has shaken Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU and brought the AfD closer than ever to taking power at state level. Who is voting for the party, why is it particularly strong in eastern Germany, and what could its rise mean for the country as a whole? Deutsche Welle political correspondent and AfD specialist Matthew Moore joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An mbeidh an Ghaeilge mar mír mhargántaíochta in Éirinn Aontaithe?

Sep 6, 2026 24 min

The Journal is releasing a six-part series of The Explainer podcast through Irish, focusing on some of the biggest stories affecting the language and the Gaeltacht areas. In this final episode, journalist Laura Ní Aoidhne joins us to break down new cross-border surveys, exploring whether attitudes toward the Irish language are truly warming North and South and what role the language might play in a united Ireland. De réir taighde uile-Éireann a foilsíodh ag Foras na Gaeilge i mbliana, tá dearchtaí ag athrú i leith na Gaeilge ó thuaidh agus ó dheas, agus tá tuairimí ag éirí níos dearfaí i leith na teanga ná mar a bhí. Nochtaítear é sin freisin nuair a foilsíodh The Northern Ireland Life and Times survey i mí Mheitheamh. Chomh maith leis sin, de réir taighde a bhí coimisiúnaithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge, beidh an Ghaeilge mar chuid lárnach d’Éirinn nua aontaithe. Ach an bhfuil codarsnacht ann idir na tuairimí faoin nGaeilge ó thuaidh agus ó dheas? Cad atá ráite sna tuarascálacha ar fad a fhoilsíodh i mbliana? Agus an bhfuil muid níos cóngaraí d’Éirinn Aontaithe ná riamh? Tá Laura Ní Aoidhne, iriseoir le The Irish News agus aisteoir ar Ros na Rún, ar The Explainer chun iniúch a dhéanamh ar na ceisteanna agus na tuarascálacha seo ar fad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who’s after 14,000 hectares of Ireland’s coast?

Sep 4, 2026 11 min

More than 14,000 hectares of Ireland’s coastline are covered by applications to commercially harvest seaweed, with four companies seeking to take almost 51,000 wet tonnes a year if their licences are approved. At the same time, the maritime regulator is investigating claims of potentially unauthorised harvesting in protected areas, while traditional harvesters and environmental campaigners are raising concerns about the industry’s rapid commercialisation. So who gets access to Ireland’s seaweed, how do historical harvesting rights fit into the licensing system, and can the regulator keep up? The Journal Investigates reporter Conor O’Carroll joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cén fáth go bhfuil nasc láidir idir Ghaeilge agus spórt in Éirinn?

Aug 29, 2026 34 min

The Journal is releasing a six-part series of The Explainer through Irish, focusing on some of the biggest stories affecting the language and the Gaeltacht areas. This week, commentator Cárthach Bán Breathnach joins us to explore the deep relationship between sport and the Irish language, and how Irish commentary found its place on our screens and airwaves. Ní haon breág é go bhfuil muintir na hÉireann gafa leis an spórt. Cloistear go minic go háirithe faoi TG4 agus an beart atá déanta acu gach cineál spóirt a chur chun cinn, ón rugbaí reigiúnach go hiománaíocht go sport na mban. Ach céard é an caidreamh atá ann idir an spórt agus an Ghaeilge, agus cén fáth go cloistear tráchtaireacht Gaeilge ar na haerthonnta go minic? Chun na ceisteanna seo a phlé, tá an tráchtaire Cárthach Bán Breathnach le The Journal faoin spórt agus an chaoi ina mbíonn an Ghaeilge fite fuaite leis an spórt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the new series of Traitors live up to the hype?

Aug 27, 2026 16 min

Last autumn, RTÉ’s unscripted hit took the country by storm, drawing over 800,000 viewers, turning retired prison officers into household names, and proving that psychological deceit makes for irresistible television. Now, twenty-four new players are stepping into Slane Castle under the watchful eye of Siobhán McSweeney for season two of The Traitors Ireland. But what happens when a new cast arrives having studied every trick in the book? Assistant News Editor Lauren Boland joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An bhfuil oideachas trí Ghaeilge i mbaol?

Aug 19, 2026 22 min

This summer, The Journal is releasing a six-part series of The Explainer podcast through Irish, focusing on some of the biggest stories affecting the language and the Gaeltacht areas. This week, we look at the state of Irish language education in Ireland, including calls to reform the school curriculum to focus on spoken Irish, the lack of government plans for new all-Irish schools, and the rising number of students securing exemptions from the subject. Déantar gearáin go minic faoi chaighdeán an oideachais Ghaeilge in Éirinn. Iarrtar ar an rialtas an Ghaeilge mar ábhar a athrú as éadan sna scoileanna agus níos mó béime a chur ar an labhairt seachas próslitríocht, filíocht agus an gramadach le haidhm go mbeadh níos mó daoine níos cumasaí ó thaobh na labhartha de. Bíonn brúghrúpaí ag iarraidh go mbeadh tuilleadh gaelscoileanna agus gaelcholáistí tógtha thar timpeall na tíre, ach níl plean ag an rialtas aon scoil lán-Ghaeilge a thógáil laistigh de chúig bliana. Chomh maith leis sin, tugadh le fios i mbliana go bhfuil 60,000 dalta in Éirinn díolúine ón nGaeilge ar scoil, agus mura dtagann feabhas ar ráta na ndíolúintí, beidh 20% de dhaltaí in Éirinn díolúine ón nGaeilge faoi 2030. Labhair muid leis an Léachtóir Emeritus Pádraig Ó Duibhir ón ionad taighde SEALBHÚ in Ollscoil Bhaile Átha Cliath faoi stad an ghaeloideachas in Éirinn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can dangerous driving for social media likes be stopped?

Aug 18, 2026 19 min

Five teenage boys were killed when the BMW they were travelling in was driven the wrong way on the M9 in Kildare and collided with a car carrying three women and a seven-year-old boy. It came just over a week after a similar wrong-way crash on the M50 injured nine people. Videos have meanwhile spread on social media of teenagers in stolen cars driving at speed. What is behind this behaviour, why are gardaí so limited in how they can respond, and what would it take to stop it? Our own News Correspondent Niall O’Connor joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez be the next US president?

Aug 13, 2026 21 min

The US midterm elections are still months away, but attention is already turning to the 2028 presidential race. Speculation about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has grown after the New York congresswoman said she was not ruling out a run and topped an early poll of Democratic voters in New Hampshire. Could AOC win the Democratic nomination, would she stand a chance in a general election, or would a run for the Senate make more sense? University of Galway law lecturer and The Journal political columnist Larry Donnelly joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did 72,000 people cross into Ceuta?

Aug 6, 2026 20 min

More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta last week, overwhelming the small Spanish territory on the North African coast. Dozens died, while thousands remain, and questions are mounting about the online rumours that fuelled the rush and Morocco’s role in the breakdown of border controls. How did it happen, why does Spain have territory in Africa, and what does the crisis mean for Europe’s borders? We're joined by Eoghan Gilmartin a freelance journalist based in Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cén fáth go mbíonn muid fós ag streachailt leis an síneadh fada?

Aug 4, 2026 22 min

This summer, The Journal is releasing a six-part series of The Explainer podcast through Irish, focusing on some of the biggest stories affecting the language and the Gaeltacht areas. This week, we look at why so many people in Ireland still can't use the síneadh fada in their own names, from banking systems to booking forms, and whether a new bill could change that. Cé go bhfuil cosaint ann don síneadh fada in Éirinn faoin Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 agus 2021, cloistear scéalta go minic faoi chomhlachtaí príobháideacha agus eagraíochtaí poiblí sa stát nach bhfuil in ann sínte fada a úsáid in a gcuid córais teicniúla. Ní haon ionadh é go mbíonn frustrachas ar dhaoine in Éirinn a bhfuil síneadh fada acu ina n-ainm féin nuair nach féidir leo an fada sin a úsáid i gcóras áirithintí éagsúla. Ach cén fáth go bhfuil caidreamh aisteach againn leis an síneadh fada in Éirinn? Agus cén fáth go bhfuil drogall ar chomhlachtaí Éireannacha cosúil le Banc na hÉireann agus Aer Lingus a gcuid bogearraí a uasdhathú chun déileáil leis an síneadh fada? Agus an ndéanfaidh bille nua atá á mholadh ag an Teachta Dála Shinn Féin Aengus Ó Snódaigh aon difríocht don scéal seo? Tá Gráinne Ní Aodha ón Press Association linn ar The Explainer chun an scéal seo a mhíniú dúinn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could nature itself help stop Ireland's wildfires?

Jul 29, 2026 25 min

Wildfires have burned across Tipperary, Wicklow, Cork and Kerry over the past fortnight, during one of the driest spells in years. Almost none start naturally. But how far a fire spreads depends on what's growing on the land, and how wet or dry the ground is. More than half the land burned here over the past decade overlapped protected nature sites, according to analysis by The Journal Investigates. So why is our landscape so flammable, and would native woodland and rewetted peatland reduce the risk? Ecologist and environmental campaigner Pádraic Fogarty joins us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cad atá i ndán don Ghaeilge mura bhfuil tithíocht ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht?

Jul 25, 2026 29 min

This summer, The Journal is releasing a six-part series of The Explainer podcast through Irish, focusing on some of the biggest stories affecting the language and the Gaeltacht areas. This week, we are examining the issue of housing in Gaeltacht areas. An tseachtain seo, táimid ag déanamh imscudú ar cheist na tithíochta sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. Is cearta daonna í an tithíocht, ach tá gearchéim tithíocht ag réabadh in Éirinn le blianta fada anuas. Ar mionléibheal, cloistear go minic conas nach féidir le daoine sna ceantair Ghaeltachta in Éirinn teach a cheannach nó a chur ar cíos, toisc go bhfuil ganntanas tithíochta sna Gaeltachtaí. Tá rud éigin b’fhéidir níos práinní ag tarlú áfach: mura bhfuil tithíocht sa Ghaeltacht, an mhairfidh an teanga do na glúnta atá le teacht? I Meán Fomhair seo caite, chuaigh breis is 20,000 duine chun sráide i mBÁC chun airde a tharraignt ar fhadhb na tithíochta agus cearta teanga. An bhfuil mórán athraithe ó shin ar aghaidh? Céard iad na fadhbanna is mó a bhaineann leis an tithíocht sna ceantair ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar theanga phobail fós? Chun an scéal sin a phlé linn, tá Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, iriseoir le Seachtain san Irish Independent ar The Explainer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is Andy Burnham?

Jul 22, 2026 26 min

Britain has a new prime minister (again): Andy Burnham, the "King of the North", its seventh in ten years and the first to take office openly Catholic. What kind of leader is he, how did he get here, and what does his rise mean for Ireland? Dominic McGrath, UK correspondent with the Business Post, joins us to break it down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cén tionchar a bheidh ag an intleacht shaorga ar an teanga?

Jul 18, 2026 32 min

This summer, The Journal is releasing a six-part series of The Explainer podcast through Irish, focusing on some of the biggest stories affecting the language and the Gaeltacht areas. This week, we are taking a look at artificial intelligence and Irish. Cloistear faoi bhogearraí intleachta shaorga cosúil le Chatgpt agus Anthropic go minic. Ach i gcomhthéacs na Gaeilge, tá an intleacht shaorga anois mar chuid den phlean dhigiteach an rialtais agus stráitéis intleachta shaorga á chur i bhfeidhm ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá an eagraíócht stát ag iarriadh go ndéanfaí forbairt ar chumas an intleachta shaorga an Ghaeilge a thuiscint ionas nach mbeidh sí fágtha ar an trá fholamh sa reabhlóid digiteach atá ag teacht inár dtreo. Ach cén tionchar a bheidh ag an intleacht shaorga ar earnáil na Gaeilge agus an teanga í féin? Tá Maitiú Ó Coimín, iriseori le Tuairisc, ar an bpodchraoladh chun é seo a phlé. Tá tacaíocht á fháil ag Beartas Gaeltachta The Journal ón Scéim Tuairiscithe ar Dhaonlathas Áitiúil / The Journal’s Gaeltacht initiative is supported by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Ireland's new community safety partnerships working?

Jul 13, 2026 17 min

Last autumn, the old Joint Policing Committees were replaced with new Local Community Safety Partnerships. All 36 are now up and running, and the first public meetings are happening. Are they any more open than the structure they replaced, and are they actually making communities safer? This week, The Journal's Eoghan Dalton takes stock of what's working, what's stalling, and what still needs to be proved. Our reporting of the new Local Community Safety Partnerships is supported by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was it like inside the George Gibney trial?

Jul 8, 2026 19 min

For decades, George Gibney was one of the biggest names in Irish swimming. The 77-year-old was convicted this week of 40 counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 80s, after an 11-day trial at the Central Criminal Court. The Journal's Jane Moore takes us inside the courtroom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland just took over the EU presidency, but what does that actually mean?

Jul 3, 2026 24 min

Ireland has taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, but does that mean we're suddenly in charge of Europe? Over the next six months, Ireland will have to broker deals among 27 governments on some thorny issues, from a contested €2 trillion budget to big tech regulation and children's online safety, all while holding onto our traditional stance on military neutrality. We're joined by Barry Colfer, director of research at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), to examine what Ireland's EU presidency actually entails, and what it means for us at home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do so many speeding cases never end in a conviction?

Jun 22, 2026 13 min

If you're caught speeding in Ireland, you'd be forgiven for assuming a fine and penalty points are all but inevitable. But a new investigation by The Journal Investigates has found that almost one in every two speeding cases before the District Courts doesn't result in a conviction. we're joined by Patricia Devlin, journalist with The Journal Investigates. Patricia’s reporting on this topic was supported by the Courts Reporting Scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is crack cocaine use soaring in Ireland?

Jun 17, 2026 15 min

For years, the conversation around problem drug use in Ireland centred on heroin. But on the streets of Dublin and beyond, a different drug has taken hold. Treatment demand for crack cocaine rose by 31% in a single year - and by more than 900% over the last decade - according to the latest figures from the Health Research Board. Those working on the frontline say the drug's cheap price and sheer availability are driving the increase, with a single rock selling for as little as €10. But behind the statistics are people, and the question of how someone caught in the grip of one of the most addictive drugs out there finds their way back out. Dawn Russell, chief executive of Ana Liffey, one of Ireland's leading harm reduction organisations, joins us to explain what's driving the surge, and what recovery actually looks like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a Limerick refinery have to do with a Russian sanctions row?

Jun 11, 2026 18 min

Alumina is the fine white powder needed to make aluminium, and Ireland is home to Europe's largest producer of it. Aughinish Alumina's ownership by Russian giant Rusal has put the Limerick plant under intense scrutiny, with a recent investigation tracing its product all the way to the Russian military. Niall O'Connor, News Correspondent with The Journal, joins us to explain who owns the refinery, how its alumina allegedly ends up in Russian weapons, and what it all means for the hundreds of people who work there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do Irish contestants keep stealing the spotlight on Love Island?

Jun 3, 2026 15 min

Even if you've never watched an episode of Love Island in your life, it has become almost impossible to escape the drama. This season, with Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald swapping the GAA pitch for Majorca, viewers in Ireland are once again deeply invested in the villa's antics. But away from the poolside chats, the series faces heavy scrutiny over its intense production schedules and a shift from genuine matchmaking to becoming an influencer pipeline. We're joined by Kate Demolder, arts and culture journalist, to examine the growing criticisms aimed at the franchise and how its modern duty of care measures up against a deeply controversial reality TV legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the latest Ebola outbreak so hard to contain?

May 27, 2026 22 min

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has just been declared a global health emergency, sparking alarm worldwide. It is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, a variant of the virus for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. Complicating matters further, the epicentre lies in a war-torn region where medical workers face rebel checkpoints, depleted supplies, and widespread public suspicion. We’re joined by Dr Gabriel Fitzpatrick, a consultant in public health medicine who is director of the International Clinic in Dublin, and who has worked on the frontline of previous Ebola outbreaks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did rents just see a massive increase?

May 22, 2026 23 min

New figures suggest the rental market could be experiencing historic levels of strain. Rents surged by 4.4% between December and March, marking the largest quarterly increase on record for the Daft.ie series. We’re joined by Michael Byrne, Associate Professor at the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at University College Dublin, and author of Beyond Generation Rent, to examine how tied this rise is to recent rent reforms - and what, if anything, could help to reverse the situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will Eurovision boycotts impact the song contest?

May 13, 2026 13 min

The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is playing out this week, in the shadow of unprecedented controversy. Five traditionally participating countries, including Ireland, are boycotting this year's competition in Vienna over Israel's inclusion in protest over the country’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon. The Journal’s News Editor and resident Eurovision expert Daragh Brophy joins us to examine the impact on the song contest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is nuclear energy a realistic option for Ireland?

May 8, 2026 22 min

For decades, nuclear power has been the ultimate taboo in Irish energy policy, with proposals dating back to the late 1960s ultimately defeated by massive public opposition. But as energy bills soar and climate targets loom, some politicians are asking if it's time to rethink the nuclear option. Has modern technology answered the long-standing concerns over nuclear safety, and is it a realistic solution for a country of our size? We’re joined by Dr Pádraig Lyons, head of the International Energy Research Centre, based at UCC’s Tyndall National Institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will garden cabins actually help fix the housing crisis?

May 1, 2026 18 min

The government has announced plans to let homeowners build habitable units of up to 45 sq metres in their back gardens without planning permission, and to rent them out under the Rent-a-Room scheme. It says the move will ease the housing crisis, but critics warn it could create a wave of unregulated rentals where tenants have almost no rights. We're joined by Robin Mandal, former president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and vice chair of the Dublin Democratic Planning Alliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you start tracing your family tree?

Apr 25, 2026 19 min

The recent release of the 1926 census has sparked a huge wave of interest in Irish family history. It was the first census taken after the foundation of the State, capturing a snapshot of the country after a period of massive upheaval. But between missing records, complex transcription errors, and endless name variations, building your family tree can quickly become a daunting puzzle. Jennifer McLachlan Doherty, a Donegal-based genealogist and family history expert from IrishAncestral.com, tells us where to start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the government's fuel package actually work?

Apr 16, 2026 22 min

In response to the fuel protests, the government scrambled to announce a €505 million euro support package, slashing excise duties on petrol and diesel. But with the Strait of Hormuz now blockaded by Donald Trump and global oil prices continuing to surge, will these cuts actually be felt by consumers at the pump? And what does this massive supply chain disruption mean for Ireland's food and energy security? We’re joined by Dr Emma Howard, an economist at TU Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How far can a protest go before the State steps in?

Apr 9, 2026 22 min

Ireland's fuel protests have brought parts of the country to a standstill this week, with blockades at refineries and slow-moving convoys on major roads - and currently with no end in sight. But the disruption has raised a much bigger question: where exactly is the legal line when it comes to protest in Ireland? Dr Illan Wall, professor at the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway, takes us through the law, the policing of demonstrations, and why Ireland's protest landscape may be shifting in ways we haven't seen before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The average Irish homebuyer is now 40 - what does this mean?

Mar 31, 2026 14 min

New CSO data shows the average age of a homebuyer in Ireland has hit 40. What does that mean for an entire generation stuck in the 'deposit trap'? And is this opening up a whole new front in the pension crisis? Rachel McGovern, deputy chief executive at Brokers Ireland, joins us to break down the wider knock-on impacts of delayed homeownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Ireland really qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Mar 23, 2026 23 min

It has been 24 long, long years since the Republic of Ireland men's team last played in a World Cup, but suddenly, the dream is alive again. This week, Ireland faces Czechia in a high-stakes qualifier, as the nation holds its breath. How did we get here after years of disappointment? We're joined by David Sneyd, Senior Sportswriter at The 42. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are Claire’s Accessories staff being left without pay?

Mar 19, 2026 12 min

For generations of teenagers, it was the go-to high street spot for ear piercings and fashion jewellery., but now, the iconic retailer Claire's Accessories is rapidly closing its doors across Ireland, leaving staff furious and suddenly out of pocket. It follows a failed rescue attempt by an investment firm last year, which cited legacy debt, inflation, and weak consumer confidence. How did a high street staple fall so far? We're joined by our reporter Eoghan Dalton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it actually like inside the White House on St Patrick's Day?

Mar 14, 2026 32 min

Every March, our news feeds are flooded with pictures of the Taoiseach, the US President, and a very famous bowl of shamrock. It’s a massive day for Ireland on the world stage, but we usually only get to see the polished, posed moments. What is it actually like to have a front-row seat to the entire day, and to be in the Oval Office for that chaotic press scrum? We’re joined by our own Political Editor and White House visit veteran Christina Finn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How bad could the looming energy crisis get?

Mar 10, 2026 19 min

The price of oil has surged again. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to shipping. Major Middle Eastern production hubs have declared force majeure. Is Ireland looking at a repeat of the economic shocks of the 1970s, or is there still a chance for the damage to be more short-term? We’re joined by Dr Emma Howard, an economist at TU Dublin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the US-led attack on Iran illegal?

Mar 3, 2026 21 min

Trump promised no more forever wars, but that didn't stop him wading into an intense bombing campaign against Iran - a conflict most Americans oppose and, crucially, one Congress wasn't consulted on. It has brought the War Powers Act back into the spotlight: what checks and balances exist, if any, to restrain a president? Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, talks us through the legal and political mess, from the constitutional questions in Washington to the growing splits inside MAGA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Ireland asking foreign navies to patrol its waters?

Feb 26, 2026 17 min

With the EU Presidency looming and a massive funding shortfall in the Department of Defence, a new plan proposes something unprecedented: asking British and French navies to help patrol Irish waters. News Correspondent Niall O’Connor joins us to examine how this new strategy will work, what it means for Irish neutrality, and the crucial question of how we are going to pay for it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will a social media ban for under-16s actually work?

Feb 19, 2026 25 min

It’s a debate that is taking place at kitchen tables across the country: are smartphones and social media apps doing more harm than good for our children? Ireland is following in the footsteps of Australia and plans to restrict social media access for anyone under the age of 16, with a pilot for age verification technology set to roll out in the coming months. We’re joined by Philip Arneill, head of communications and research with CyberSafeKids, to examine how a ban could work - and if it's the right move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are hundreds of suspected suicides invisible in official stats?

Feb 11, 2026 12 min

Internal HSE figures obtained by The Journal Investigates reveal that hundreds of people have died by suspected suicide within weeks of being in contact with healthcare services. Families who have lost loved ones say the system is overwhelmed, and that patients are often discharged without adequate follow-up or are left waiting in chaotic environments that are ill-equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies. We speak to Patricia Devlin from The Journal Investigates. Help is available: You can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's stopping flood defences from being built?

Feb 5, 2026 19 min

It's a heartbreakingly familiar cycle: devastated homeowners, ruined businesses, and politicians promising defences are on the way. For towns like Midleton and Enniscorthy, those promises have turned into years of waiting. With Storm Chandra bringing fresh devastation, why does it take so long to get flood relief schemes built? And could nature-based solutions offer an alternative? We're joined by Dr Fiachra O'Loughlin, assistant professor at UCD's School of Civil Engineering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What exactly are the rules for scramblers and e-scooters?

Jan 28, 2026 17 min

The sound is instantly recognisable and, for many communities. can become a source of constant dread: the high-pitched whine of a scrambler bike tearing through a park or housing estate. Many are now asking: can gardaí do more to stop them? And why has the issue been left to bubble under the surface for so long? Widen the lens, and you'll also bring e-scooters into focus and why, despite legislation introduced in May 2024, confusion still reigns over what is legal, what is banned, and why injuries are on the rise. We’re joined by motoring expert Conor Faughnan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.