Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

A new extradition treaty agreement with the United Arab Emirates is expected to pave the way for the return to Ireland of senior members of the Kinahan crime gang to face trial for crimes here.For more on this, Kieran is joined by Paul Williams, Crime Journalist and author...

Originally from Co. Laois, Noel Fitzpatrick has made a name for himself in the world of veterinary science in England. Known as the ‘Supervet’, Noel has made headlines and hosts his own show about his vet clinic in Surrey, England – and he’s now releasing a new book!Joining Kieran to discuss ‘Dogs and Their Humans’, is Noel.Image: Simon & Schuster

A new report by the ESRI on the Drivers of Income Inequality in the North and South has found some interesting economic details.  One stat that came out from the report was that 80% of northern households receive more in benefits then they pay out in tax compared with around 60% here in the south.Joining Kieran to talk more about the implications of the report on a potential united Ireland is John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin and Research Affiliate at the ESRI.

New research from Cyber Safe Kids has revealed that a quarter of kids aged 8-14 struggle to spend time away from their phone. What impact does this have on a child, and how can we limit screen time?Joining Kieran to discuss is Head of Policy and Public Affairs at ISPCC, Fiona Jennings and Parenting Coach and Author, Allen O'Donoghue.

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.He joins Kieran to discuss Kamala Harris’ heated interview with Fox News, and whether or not it was a good idea to go on the network.Image: Fox

Information on who the new chair of the Public Accounts Committee has been revealed with Sinn Féin TD For Galway West and South Mayo, Mairéad Farrell, taking the role.Deputy Farrell joins Kieran to discuss.

You have probably heard the tragic news last night that 31-year-old former One Direction member Liam Payne fell from a third floor balcony in his hotel in Buenos Aires.There has been a lot of talk today about the amount of online trolling the musician received over the last few weeks...Joining Kieran to discuss the effect social media has on mental health is Shannen Reily McGrath, Influencer and former Love Island contestant, Hughie Maughan, former contestant at Big Brother UK and later, Writer and Broadcaster Stefanie Preissner.

Today the Dáil will be discussing the final report by the Commission on Assisted Dying which earlier in the year recommended to the government that there should be some legislation for individuals in special circumstances.The report suggested that assisted dying should be allowed in restricted circumstances, limiting it to those with 6 months to live, or 12 months in the case of a person with a neuro-degenerative disease, illness or condition.How do other countries facilitate assisted dying, and how much do we need this in Ireland?Senator Jim Cowan, Board member with Dying With Dignity Canada and Audrey Farrelly, campaigner for assisted dying join Kieran to discuss.

Gaelic Football could be set to change dramatically as a list of rules changes are being considered by the Football Review Commission, and will be tested tomorrow at the Railway Cup.The commission, which is chaired by Former Dublin Manager Jim Gavin, has suggested a number of changes including the value of points awarded to scores and goals.Eoin Sheahan from Off the Ball joins Kieran to break down these proposals and Philly McMahon, former Dublin Footballer, joins to discuss.

The Dublin Rape Crisis centre has launched their Signs of Hope campaign.The campaign uses direct messages from survivors who have benefited from support and advice in order to encourage survivors to seek support services. Blathnaid Raleigh, survivor of sexual violence joins Kieran to discuss.Image: DRCC

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran to compare different hot chocolate options!

Earlier in the show, Journalist and Historian Kevin Myers discussed how he believes that the idea of a two state solution between Palestine and Israel could not happen following the year of conflict.To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the launch of a new site from Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon, which distinguishes between online name-calling, and being called what you are.Image: https://www.sometimesyouare.ie/

The continuous Hate Crime Bill is in the Seanad today as it reaches the final stages of deliberation and amendment before publication.Although the hate speech section of the bill has been removed, some aspects of it still remain.Joining Kieran to discuss if they have any concerns with this new version of the bill is Independent Senator Rónán Mullen and Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward.

For those seeking professional advice to lose a bit of weight, or even just improve their general diet, the choice between a Dietician, Nutritionist or even Nutritional Therapist can be confusing.Joining Kieran to explain the differences is Shelly Grey, Dietician and Presenter on Today FM.

You may have seen in the news that Google is buying nuclear reactors in an attempt to combat their greenhouse gases, and have more access to renewable energy to power their AI initiatives.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Irish Independent Tech Correspondent Adrian Weckler and Donna Gartland, the CEO at CODEMA - Dublin's Energy Agency.

Post primary enrolments are at their highest point on record.Parents have been advised to apply to multiple secondary schools due to pressure on places. The oversubscribed schools are in the commuter belts of Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Galway and Cork. Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean spoke to concerned parents.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Marie Porter, parent of a 6th class student in Greystones and Craig Petrie, Principal of East Glendalough Secondary School in Wicklow Town.

Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Patricia Ryan, announced on Friday that she has resigned from the party.She joins Kieran to discuss why…

Members of the hospitality sector have been marching on Dáil Éireann to voice their frustration on a lack of changes for their industry in the most recent Budget.Retired Hotelier Francis Brennan joins Kieran to give his thoughts on the current state of the hospitality industry.

This week, Kieran was joined by Columnist with the Irish Independent Ian O’Doherty to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!