Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Kieran spoke to Charlotte Burke, Continuous Professional Development officer with Social Care Ireland, registered social care worker and PhD candidate. 

Following the publication of the Grace Report last week, many questions were raised about the level of care that people in our system have been receiving. We want to turn our eyes to the issues facing those who work in the system today and whether the system is fit for purpose? Kieran spoke to Leader of Aontu, TD for Meath West Peadar Toibin and Terry Dignan Director Of Don Bosco Care and Spokesperson for the  Children's Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association (CRAVA)

As big players in agriculture eye up Irish farmland, young local farmers are being priced out. Those are the thoughts of Daniel Long from the Irish Observatory Stakeholders Group, who is sounding the alarm and pushing for a Land Observatory to protect Ireland’s rural future.  He spoke to Kieran

Ireland’s free schoolbook scheme has been praised for easing costs for families, but principals say the admin demands that has been placed on their workload is a duty too much. Paul Crone, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies and Aaron Wolfe, principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís secondary school in Cork spoke to Kieran.

Irish Rail is set to introduce adjustments to commuter zones from Monday, along with changes to fares. This will see Dublin and commuter areas be divided into four zones under the new changes. But what exactly does this mean for commuters?  Kieran speaks to Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Iarnrod Eireann.    

With the process of selecting the next Pope in progress, many will look to the recent film ‘Conclave’ which covers that situation, but how accurate is it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Theologian Gina Menzies.Image: Focus Features

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you properly organise a picnic!

Twenty years ago, YouTube had its first ever video uploaded to the site, ‘Me at the zoo’, but it was not as big as ‘Charlie Bit My Finger’, one of the original viral hits dating back almost 17 years!Kieran is joined by Charlie Davies-Carr and his father Howard who recorded it, alongside Elaine Burke, Presenter of ‘For Tech’s Sake’ to discuss the video, and the impact YouTube has had.

California is suing Donald Trump over his sweeping tariffs, claiming the current US President is abusing emergency powers to reshape the global economy and this steps outside the president's powers.What are the key arguments in this case being brought by California Governor Gavin Newsom, and does it have a chance to be successful?Nick Akerman, former Assistant US Attorney and former Watergate Prosecutor joins Kieran to discuss.

Retailers are calling for a crackdown on what they are calling an “epidemic” of shoplifting across the country; many would like to see tougher sentencing of those convicted to deter the growing rates of the crime.Joining Kieran to discuss is Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association of Ireland, Sheila Clarke, who runs Clarke’s XL shop in Ballina, Co. Mayo and later, Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence.

Aóntu submitted a bill in the Dáil last week calling for voting rights in Presidential elections to be extended to Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland.Independent MP in North Down Alex Easton has suggested that those living in Northern Ireland who wish to vote in Irish Presidential elections should "move to the Republic of Ireland and take up residency there".So, does he have a point or not?  Should those in the North be allowed to vote in the Irish Presidential Election?Emma De Souza, Writer, Campaigner and Spokesperson for votingrights.ie and Jim Wells, former DUP Health Minister, join Kieran to discuss.

People get more love, joy and satisfaction from their ‘fur babies’ than they do from their partners, a new study suggests.For some, the role of a dog in our lives is much more than just that of a pet. And one person who had a very close bond with her dogs is Linda Martin, singer, songwriter and dog lover! Linda also runs the Dublin Dog Hub in Meakstown, Co Dublin.She joins Kieran to discuss…

Labour Housing Spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD has called for a Dáil debate on housing measures for single people, responding to analysis on affordable housing for single people…So, is Irish society not meant for single people?Kieran is joined by Conor Sheehan as well as Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist, to discuss.

Documentary maker Manchan Magan joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

World Earth Day is being marked across the globe today. Now in it’s 55th year, this year’s event comes at a critical time for the environment as the US once again pulls out of the Paris agreement on climate change…Joining Kieran to discuss the day is Journalist and Environmental Activist, George Monbiot.

A Dublin Bus Driver was threatened by a man carrying a suspected gun on Friday, leading to the suspension of services in the city center. An investigation into the incident is underway.Following the incident, Dublin Bus are calling for the swift implementation of security on public transport.Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus and later Dermot O'Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union, and Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition join Kieran to discuss.

Teachers and Principals warn that despite government schemes, schools are reliant on parents and fundraising to keep the lights on.Simon Lewis, Primary School Principal and member of National Principal's forum and Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow join Kieran to discuss.

As you will have heard, preparations are continuing for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died this past Easter Weekend at the age of 88.Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joins Kieran to look at the legacy he leaves behind.

It's two years to the week since fighting broke out in Sudan, instigating what is now the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Reporter Sarah Madden visits Northern Bahr el Ghazal to see the fall out for herself, in "Can you hear me? Dispatches from the world's forgotten war." 

It's a reely big day for young Irish dancers as Riverdance opens it's doors to auditionees from all over the worldNewstalk's Sarah Madden sat in on today's first round auditions in Dublin to speak to excited hopefuls and the judges deciding their fate...