Morning Ireland: Recent Episodes
Morning Ireland
Morning Ireland is the flagship news and current affairs radio programme of the Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ. Find us at www.rte.ie/morningireland
The shootings in Derry on Bloody Sunday lasted less than 10 minutes but cast a long shadow over generations. Thirteen people were shot dead and at least fifteen people were injured when the British army's parachute regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in Derry city on Sunday 30th January 1972. An initial inquiry exonerated the soldiers, but the victims' families declared this a whitewash and pressed for a fresh investigation. In 2010, the Saville report found none of the victims did anything that posed a threat and the shooting was not justified. But the families find themselves still struggling to get the justice they want for their loved ones. The UK government is planning to prevent prosecutions in Troubles related cases, potentially meaning no one responsible for the deaths on Bloody Sunday will ever stand trial. As the 50th anniversary approaches this weekend, our reporter Una Kelly has been speaking to some of the families.
Shane McElhatton, Series Editor, Decade of Commemorations, is joined at Dublin Castle by historians David McCullagh and John Gibney, as well as Laura Cahillane, law lecturer at the University of Limerick, to remember the day British rule in Ireland formally came to an end, and the first Irish Govt took up the reins of power
Shane McElhatton, RTÉ Series Editor, Decade of Commemorations, discusses the centenary of the Anglo-Irish Treaty with historians Heather Jones and Maurice Walsh, while John S. Doyle reviews the newspapers from the that time
A spokesperson for the Irish Thalidomide Association says the Government needs to meet survivors and hear what they have to say. Finola Cassidy said 25 Ministers for Health have dealt with the Thalidomide issue and it is time that the situation is resolved.
Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said changes to individual actions and behaviour are the best ways to tackle the transmission of Covid-19. He was speaking to Rachael English on Morning Ireland
A selection of stories from the week: What's next for Covid? (00:08); Survivors criticise Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme (11:11); Migrant crisis continues on Polish-Belarus border (22:47); Earthquake hits Scotland (30:44); Garth Brooks announces Croke Park gigs (34:36); Northern Ireland Protocol talks continue (37:48); Mary Robinson on COP26 (44:08); Playdates in a time of Covid (51:48)
A selection of stories from the week: Schoolgirl invades pitch and gets Ronaldo's jersey (00:08); What's being achieved at COP26? (05:10); Businesses like the Northern Ireland Protocol (14:32); People gather at Belarussian-Polish border (19:46); Halve contacts, says NPHET (24:13); Kerryman on trial for humanitarian work (32:59); Met Éireann's supercomputer (38:16); Auction of Irish art (42:24); Antigen testing in schools (46:25); Vaccinated people can now travel to US (50:58); Marvel heroes speak ancient Babylonian (56:57)
A selection of stories from the week: Four year old Cleo Smith rescued in Western Australia (00:08); Taoiseach at COP26 (04:59); Farmers react to Climate Action Plan (19:32); EU fines Poland (26:49); Doolin Coastguard stood down (36:18); Will your next car be electric? (44:22); Is the UK about to trigger Article 16? (49:43); ABBA launches first album in 40 year (53:06)
A selection of stories from the week: Pregnant women urged to get Covid vaccine (00:08); Carbon Budget published (10:00); How to stop the ticket touts? (20:31); National Gallery unveils restored masterpiece (35:31); Cian McLaughlin's mum still searching Grand Teton Park (39:39); Halloween (45:28)
A selection of stories from the week: President Higgins pays tribute to poets Máire Mhac an tSaoi and Brendan Kennelly (00:08); Ireland re-opens (08:38); Covid puts severe strain on hospitals (14:36); Race inequality in higher education (21:28); Alec Baldwin fires prop gun, kills woman (27:12); Former British soldier dies while on trial for attempted murder (30:16); Ireland misses emissions target, despite pandemic (34:00); Wexford Festival Opera returns to the stage (38:26); Historic skeletal remains found in Cork (44:26); Máire Mhac an tSaoi and Brendan Kennelly remembered(48:17)
A selection of stories from the week: Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains dies (00:08); Prof Karina Butler of NIAC on boosters, reopening and more (04:44); UK pre-empts EU concessions on Northern Ireland with ECJ demand (16:29); Gardaí renew search for missing women (28:06); La Palma volcano erupts again (33:28); Bow and arrow attack in Norway (38:34); Budget 2022 (42:40); Banksy shredded painting sells for triple list price (49:17); Cricketer Amy Hunter scores century on 16th birthday (53:51); Paddy Moloney in his own words (56:33)
A selection of stories from the week: Ireland signs up to OECD tax deal (00:08); Ground-breaking malaria vaccine approved (03:58); Childcare protest (09:50); New Sláintecare board (18:28); Prisoner on the run (26:38); Facebook whistleblower addresses Congress (29:26); Liffey Swim returns (39:08); Call for surrogacy legislation (43:24); Govt to send representatives to Armagh (49:08); Donal Ryan wins Monnet award (51:43)
A selection of stories from the week: Germany moves on from Merkel, electricity shortages on the horizon, a 96 year old woman goes on trial for Nazi crimes, a third dose of Covid vaccines, learning about gambling addiction, Britney Spears's father suspended from conservatorship, the lava in La Palma hits the sea, Dial-A-Seanchaí
A selection of stories from the week: Galway wins All-Ireland camogie title; Govt wins confidence motion in Coveney but political fallout continues; President Higgins declines invitation to Armagh; Afghanistan; Baby John's remains exhumed; Apple; a turtle on a plane; Bella finds her forever home
A selection of stories from the week: Gold for Ireland at the Olympics (00:08); Indoor hospitality reopens (07:39); Children aged 12+ to be offered Covid vaccine (11:16); Vatican fraud trial opens (27:56); Hospitals under pressure in the North (31:56); Older people and Covid (36:52); Man in inflatable rescued (43:27); Water cut in Kerry (47:28); A week at the Olympics (50:26)
A selection of stories from the week: Olympic Games 2020 open in Tokyo (00:08); International travel resumes (08:56); Indoor dining and drinking to reopen (17:51); Homeless soup kitchens fail HSE inspections (26:30); Why is it so hot? (30:44); Afghanistan is "humanitarian catastrophe", says UN (39:06); Crack cocaine devastates Ballymun (46:33); Uncertainty over number of guests allowed at weddings (52:23); How to look cool in the heat (57:40)
A selection of stories from the week: Italy beats England to become Euro 2020 champions (00:08); British Govt proposes to end prosecutions for Troubles killings (08:22); Zuma arrest sparks days of unrest in South Africa (19:09); Scores dead in floods in Germany (25:48); No children in indoor dining, advises NPHET (30:19); Belarus opposition leader visits Ireland (36:29); Domestic abuse (45:24); Summer heats up (50:35)
A selection of stories from the week: England vs Italy in Euro 2020 final (00:08); Bonfire night in Northern Ireland (11:02); Josepha Madigan reveals sexual assault (20:40); Covid hits Travellers disproportionately (30:56); EU Digital Covid Cert (37:30); Yeats painting comes home (49:45)
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health, discusses the revised vaccination plan (00:07-12:58); An Tánaiste explains the Government's decision to pause the reopening of indoor hospitality (13:03-33:07); Hospitality sector warns of grave consequences of any further delay to re-opening (33:12-37:11); Former US President Donald Trump to visit US/Mexico border (37:15-42:56); Reaction to protests surrounding the ownership of the site of the relocated National Maternity Hospital (43:02-49:32); Euro 2020: Looking ahead to England v. Germany (49:36-59:14)
On 22 June, 1921, King George V officially opened the newly created Belfast parliament with one of the most important speeches ever made on the island of Ireland. Shane McElhatton, Series Editor of RTÉ's Decade of Commemorations, is joined at Belfast City Hall by Dr Marie Coleman, Lecturer in Irish History at Queen's University Belfast, and member of the Northern Ireland Centenary Historical Advisory panel; Dr Eamon Phoenix, Political Historian at Stranmillis University College, and a member of the Taoiseach's Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations; Professor Brian Walker, Professor Emeritus of Irish Studies at Queen's University Belfast; and Vincent Kearney, RTÉ Northern Editor
A selection of stories from the week: DUP in disarray as Poots resigns (00:08); G7 ends with statements on Russia and China(06:01); China reacts to G7 (14:07); Mica protesters descend on Dublin (20:08); Eriksen, sport and cardiac arrest (32:44); Homophobic acts blight Pride month (40:46); Irish aviation reels as Stobart shuts down (44:03); Public asked not to "rescue" wild baby animals (55:22)
A selection of stories from the week: Leaving Cert starts (00:08); Learner drivers (05:40); Amnesty slams China's treatment of Uyghurs (14:12); US/UK rebuke (21:31); DUP loses key members (31:48); Conradh na Gaeilge takes Stormont to court (39:09); Jeff Bezos to go to space (43:43); Memorial to 1,000 Irish who perished in Colorado (47:30)
A selection of stories from the week: Two gardaí injured in Blanchardstown siege (00:08); Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya reacts to Belarus 'aviation piracy' (09:37); HSE cyberattack (16:17); Dominic Cummings slates Johnson and Hancock (22:40); Planning permission refused for Bessborough (31:58); Irish language pre-school in loyalist Belfast (34:23); When will cinemas reopen? (38:55); Ombudsman highlights 'deplorable' conditions for Traveller children (43:09); Poots says relations with Irish Govt 'really, really bad' (49:41); School's out for the summer (54:46)
A selection of stories from the week: Deirdre Morley found not guilty by reason of insanity for killing of her children (00:08); HSE cyberattack (08:50); Gaza Israel ceasefire (18:03); Water safety (23:27); Wheelchair liveable home (26:26); 100 years since burning of Customs House (31:38); BBC under fire over Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana (40:16); Hospital services badly hit by cyberattack (45:55); Bob Dylan at 80 (54:46)
As Bob Dylan turns 80 his music, words and artistry permeate our world and remain culturally relevant. Cian McCormack reports on the artist whose works are part of our cultural lifeblood.
Cian McCormack reports on increasing house prices in County Clare, which reflect a national trend as more and more people work remotely
Cian McCormack visited the Sayed family as they prepared for the festival of Eid, marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan
Amy Ní Riada met the parents of Nathan O'Carroll, who took his own life aged 14, and she found out more about the Darkness Into Light fundraising walk which aims to bring hope to those affected
A selection of stories from the week: Reported amnesty for British soldiers (00:08); Tories take Hartlepool (07:22); Trouble accessing some vaccination centres (16:16); Biden wants to release Covid vaccine patents(21:19); Is Ireland's mandatory hotel quarantine too harsh?(27:19); Racism in Ireland(33:38); Manchester Utd fans protest SuperLeague(39:36); Women helping women back to work (43:48); Council fails to stop huge wedding celebration in Longford (48:13); Travelling to see loved ones from Monday(52:31)
Joan O'Sullivan reports on the difficulties some people are experiencing getting to their vaccination centre
Gill Stedman reports on a course for women in Cork city who are considering returning to the workforce.
A selection of stories from the week: Ireland starts to reopen (00:08); By-election in Dublin Bay South (08:39); Dozens dead in stampede in Israel (13:32); Arlene Foster resigns as DUP leader and Northern Ireland First Minister (18:04); Fire devastates Killarney National Park (26:17); India overwhelmed by Covid-19 (34:25); Ursula von der Leyen blames sexism for Turkish snub (38:36); An unusual Oscars (44:16); A decade of commemorations (50:48); Grandparents and grandchildren can meet (57:42)
Listen to a selection of stories from the week: Derek Chauvin guilty on all three charges (00:08); Women call for stalking to be specific crime (07:37); Covid devastates India (25:44); Super League goes down in flames (32:21); Restrictions ease in Northern Ireland (38:31); Gerry Hutch sought in relation to Regency Hotel attack (42:07); Navalny hunger strike (46:41); Ban on evictions ends (50:58); Nasa helicopter on Mars (56:16)
A selection of stories from the week: Chair of NIAC on AstraZeneca vaccine; Rachael Blackmore wins again; Mandatory hotel quarantine; Riots in Minneapolis as another young black man is shot dead by police; Covid update from Northern Ireland and EU; Can you hear the cuckoo?
A selection of stories from the week: Riots in Northern Ireland (00:08); AstraZeneca and blood clots (06:31); Derek Chauvin trial (10:49); Citizens Assembly winds up (16:38); Martens freed on bail (22:12); Data on outdoor transmission of Covid (28:03); Trouble in Jordan (36:29); Listowel Writers Week (42:14); Three women flee mandatory hotel quarantine (45:36); Death of Veronica Dunne (52:20)
Cillian Sherlock has been looking at fun decorating trends and crafty activities for younger members of the household this Easter
Aengus Cox reports that Gardaí have issues some 18,000 fines for such violations as non-essential travel, house parties and failing to wear a mask
A selection of stories from the week: Dublin GAA in trouble over Covid violation (00:07); Path to ease Covid restrictions (04:19); Daily life in Myanmar (11:15); Right to Disconnect (19:13); Who do we trust? (26:58); EU struggles with Covid (32:38); House prices rise (42:13); Derek Chauvin trial (46:01); PSNI chief constable under fire (52:42); Easter under lockdown (56:47)
Fiachra O Cionnaith reports on calls to tackle online racist abuse against sportspeople
A selection of stories from the week: Jockey Rachael Blackmore (00:08); HSE CEO Paul Reid (08:42); Intel announces 1600 jobs (22:49); Tanker stuck in Suez Canal (27:31); Our towns and cities post-pandemic (32:18); Secret files on children with autism (36:57); Mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado (42:42); Covid and 3rd level education (46:53); Celebrating Easter online (52:53)
Cian McCormack speaks to worshippers getting ready to celebrate Easter ceremonies online
Aengus Cox went out with Meath community litter warden Alan Nolan, who said his workload increased by 40% in the first three months of the pandemic, and the litterbugs are showing no sign of easing up
Paschal Sheehy, Southern Editor, reports live from Fota wildlife park amid fears that the park is facing permanent closure unless it reopens to visitors soon
Cian McCormack reports on the proud reaction in Tipperary's horsey heartlands to the success of Rachael Blackmore, who has had a series of major winners at the Cheltenham racing festival this week
Taoiseach makes virtual visit to White House for St Patrick's Day (00:08); How to stay Covid-safe on St Patrick's Day (06:57); Ten years of war in Syria (15:07); Vatican bans blessings for same-sex couples (19:35); Arctic walrus spotted in Kerry (25:00); Stripe becomes most valuable Silicon Valley start up (28:06); Fota Wildlife Park in lockdown (32:10); UK police criticised over vigil (38:07); Emigrants' letters from America (42:28); Killenaule celebrates Rachael Blackmore (47:32)
Cian McCormack reports on worries fruit farmers have that the Govt's Help2Harvest scheme won't deliver enough pickers for the second year in a row, and that compulsory quarantining will add cost to workers coming from abroad
Aengus Cox reports on concerns expressed by the Minister for Public Expenditure to the Minister for Health over the failure to supply a progress report, due last July, on the new National Children's Hospital
Pat McGrath, Western Correspondent, reports from NUIG where an archive of letters sent home by Irish people who emigrated to America will be digitised and made available online.
Emma O Kelly, Education Correspondent, visits a school in Henrietta Street in Dublin which caters to youngsters who have had drug addiction, homelessness or other traumas in their lives, and who look forward to the sense of accomplishment offered by the Junior Cert
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith speaks with some current female TDs and Councillors about the problems they've had trying to balance public representation with having a baby
Cian McCormack reports on the growing number of people attending medical clinics due to concerns over heart rates measured incorrectly by fitness tracker
A selection of stories from the week: Harry and Meghan on Oprah (00:08); Employment rights in the gig economy (06:40); Junior Cert (12:10); Maternity leave for politicians (17:32); Davy fallout (21:01); Search for Sarah Everard (31:09); Vaccinating the marginal communities (36:36); Lost in Larrimah (42:12); CAO revamp (47:50); Lost eagle is found (52:42)
Sharon Foley, Chief Executive of the Irish Hospice Foundation, says people are struggling with grief and bereavement but help is available on the Bereavement Helpline: 1800 80 70 77
Cian McCormack reports on the advantages and disadvantages of the rapid antigen test in the fight against Covid-19
Karen Walshe, Artistic Director of St Patrick's Festival 2021, discusses the highlights of this year's virtual programme of events.
Éilís Sheehy reports that spending on gardening has increased by 50% and speaks to gardeners in Co Louth about what's driving this rise
A selection of stories from the week: Is there a link between Covid and stillbirths? (00:08); Bank of Ireland closes 103 branches (07:47); Limerick party violates Covid restrictions (15:30); Yemen crisis "worst in world" (19:14); UK/Ireland World Cup bid (26:35); Pope in Iraq (33:52); Central Bank fines Davy €4.1m (39:44); Disinformation growing in Ireland (46:58); War of the Windsors (57:23)
Ailbhe Conneely speaks to Anne O'Connor who, at the age of 54, received a letter from Tusla telling her that she was adopted. She also discovered that her birth had been illegally registered.
A selection of stories from the week: Bodies of two men found in Cork (00:08); Back to school for children in special classes (02:33); Braun buys Communicorp (07:09); Massive cocaine seizure (08:55); How will Easter be celebrated? (14:29); DUP brings legal challenge against Northern Ireland protocol (20:15); Tiger Woods survives California crash (25:14); Attempted murder of teenager in Dublin (28:54); One year of Covid in Ireland (30:54); Squeeze in a read (36:15); Ireland's Eurovision entry (41:35)
Maureen Kennelly, director of the Arts Council, says they have €130m to spend and they're particularly interested in giving it to new, under-represented artists
Amy Ní Riada reports on the huge pressure fire services are under in Kerry and elsewhere, as farmers burn gorse to regenerate their land
A selection of stories from the week: Ulster Bank CEO explains pullout from Irish market(00:08); Facebook unfriends Australia (08:41); How will mandatory quarantine work? (11:48): Vaccine joy for 85 year-old Eileen McCoy (18:59); Students and ASTI on Leaving Cert plan (24:10); Many questions remain over Mother and Baby Homes testimonies (33:01); Protests in Myanmar (38:32); Deaths related to Covid exceed 4,000 (41:46); David Drumm released from prison (49:36); What to do if you're an Ulster Bank customer (54:37)
Aengus Cox reports on the practice of offering cheaper premiums to new customers than to existing ones.
Fiachra O Cionnaith looks at mandatory hotel quarantine in Australia and New Zealand, the UK and here in Ireland
A selection of stories from the week: Return to special school for some children (00:08); Trump impeachment starts (07:03); Philip Nolan of NPHET (13:29); PUP recipients face lower 2021 tax credits; Buccaneers win Superbowl 2021 (28:02); EU Ombudsman criticises ECDC (32:10); Farmers vs dog walkers (40:15); UK and EU vow to fix Northern Ireland Brexit issues (44:37); A year since the General Election (48:57); Love in a pandemic (56:06)
A selection of stories from the week: Marjorie Taylor Greene disciplined (00:08); return to school for some children with special educational needs (7:49); Waterford woman describes ordeal in Perth bush fires (19:58); Country music starts phone their fans (26:19); Coup in Myanmar (31:38); new guidance on AstaZeneca vaccine (37:34); DUP and Northern Ireland protocol (47:11); Online shopping post-Brexit (53:25)
Éilís Sheehy reports on how one GAA club in Limerick is encouraging locals to exercise at its grounds.
Cian McCormack reports on a proposed microgeneration support scheme which would allow people and communities to sell electricity to the national grid.
Amy Ní Riada reports that the winner of the 2020 Texaco Children's Art Competition will have his painting displayed in galleries across Kerry. Seventeen year-old Casey Etherton of Caherdaniel won the competition last November and should have been travelling to Tokyo
Cian McCormack reports on new charges which may be added to purchases from Britain as a result of Brexit
Listen to President Michael D. Higgins and Michael Fortune, artist and folklorist, on the customs and traditions associated with St Brigid's Day
Sinead Hussey reports on a campaign in which country music stars phone up their fans to find out how they're doing in lockdown
Michael O'Leary says Easter will be a "write-off" but summer will see "a dramatic recovery". He said Ryanair will not be asking intending passengers for proof of vaccination and that all those who were due a refund have received it
A selection of stories from the week: Man arrested in Josh Dunne killing (00:08); How will the new restrictions be policed? (02:48); Mary Robinson on Biden's environmental actions (07:55); Pro-Navalny protests in Russia (18:12); Who's vaccinated first? The ethical questions (23:11); A bonfire of the cinema blockbusters (29:54); Suppression of hate speech or free speech? (34:41); Grenfell continues to cast a long shadow (40:52); Covid leads to cleaner environment (45:31)
Helen O'Hara, Empire Magazine, on the state of the film industry, with Covid closing many film sets and distributors holding back the blockbusters
Seán Whelan, London Correspondent, reports on the fallout from the fire safety issues exposed by the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
Joan O'Sullivan looks at the issues of vaccine mass-production and the realities of advance purchase agreements.
Cillian Sherlock reports that many students are suffering severe stress but some express relief that they don't have to take the risk of on campus classes
Niall Hatch, of BirdWatch Ireland, says the group attracted 2,000 new members last year
Aengus Cox reports on the debate of freedom of speech online, and the recent tech giants' shutdown of social media platform, Parler
Wayne Coyne, lead singer of 'The Flaming Lips', on two unique gigs staged by the band in Oklahoma over the weekend where individual inflatable balls were used to protect the band and concert-goers
Wayne Coyne, lead singer of 'The Flaming Lips', on two unique gigs staged by the band in Oklahoma over the weekend where individual inflatable balls were used to protect the band and concert-goers
Vonna Nolan, Dogs Trust Ireland, has seen a large increase in the numbers of people taking online dog training classes
Cian McCormack reports on a call by the Irish Association of Social Workers for HSE social workers to be a vital link for families whose loved ones are in nursing homes
A selection of stories from the week: Joe Biden inauguration (00:08); Covid in Mayo and Monaghan (10:23); When will schools for children with additional needs reopen? (18:00); UK denies full diplomatic status to EU (21:56); Deal with GPs to give Covid vaccine (26:26); Mother and Baby Homes (30:58); Navalny arrested in Russia (38:47); Nurse pleads for Covid compliance (44:23); Call for ESB to end links with Cerrejón (50:17); Waterford LGFA gets its own grounds (54:30)
Aengus Cox reports on last night's Seanad debate on the Mother and Baby Homes report, which was published last week
Cian McCormack spoke to Americans who support Donald Trump and aren't confident that incoming President Joe Biden can give them what they want
Sinéad Crowley reports on an initiative by Landmark Productions to stream theatre live into people's homes
Aengus Cox speaks to members of the mixed-race Irish community to hear their reaction to last week's report into Mother and Baby homes
A selection of stories from the week: Survivors react to Mother and Baby Homes report (00:08); Trump impeached for second time (13:16); Crowds hit the snow in Wicklow mountains (20:41); Child coercion into crime to be made illegal (24:27); Men travelled 80k for burgers (33:48); Children return to homeschooling (38:29); Banking app to be developed (42:43); Uganda election (45:56); Vaccination at the National Maternity Hospital (50:10); Ruby the stolen dog comes home (54:14)
Joan O'Sullivan spoke to survivors of Mother and Baby Homes about their memories and their reaction to the Commission's report
Amy Ní Riada reports that the third lockdown has posed some challenges to volunteers providing a helping hand to the vulnerable and elderly in rural communities
Joan O'Sullivan spoke to staff working in the intensive care unit, as the number of Covid patients continues to rise
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team: Trump supporters storm Capitol Hill (00:08); Inquest rules Nóra Quoirin death was 'misadventure' (08:34); Covid vaccine rolled out to nursing homes (13:07); New Year's Resolutions during a pandemic (18:58); Court refuses Julian Assange extradition (23:54); Sinn Féin criticises Govt affordable housing scheme (29:23); Working on the Covid frontline (34:52); Kerry Mountain Rescue (42:09)
Joan O'Sullivan speaks to people who've received the Covid 19 vaccine, and assesses how the rollout is going
Julie Ní Mhaoileáin, a Druid in Dingle, tells Amy Ní Riada how she will be marking the day, while Dr. Marion McGarry, Irish writer, historian and lecturer at GMIT, tells Mary Wilson about some of the beliefs surrounding "Women's Christmas"
Michael Schmidt, publisher and friend of the late poet Eavan Boland, discusses her posthumous win of the 2020 Costa Poetry Award for her final collection, The Historians
Kristinn Hrafnsson, editor in chief of Wikileaks, says he expects Julian Assange to be released from Belmarsh prison and calls on both the incoming and outgoing US administrations to pardon him
Aengus Cox reports on a warning from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland of a concerning rise in gambling disorder referrals since the introduction of Covid lockdown
Paul Reid, HSE Director General, said the current rates of Coronavirus transmission are putting the health service under severe pressure.
Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein's spokesperson on Agriculture, says restrictions governing schools should be extended to the early education sector.
Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs, outlines how Ireland will deal with the challenges posed by Brexit and the pandemic in the New Year and how it intends using its new seat on the UN Security Council.
In just under three weeks, Joe Biden is due to be inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States, but the man he's replacing isn't going without a fight. Donald Trump is still attempting to overturn the election result which swept Biden to the White House. But what next for both men - and for American politics?
Our reporter Jackie Fox has been speaking to three well-known figures in the US political scene to find out.
Our reporter Cian McCormack looks at the impact of covid-19 in sport, film, music and the arts.
He's been talking to singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy; Irish Times arts journalist Donald Clarke, and John Kenny from RTE Sport.
A selection of stories from the week: All quiet at Dublin airport (00:08); Apology and compensation for Joanna Hayes (4:36); Tony Holohan on increased Covid restrictions (9:10); Residency requirements for homeless people (21:40); Space Research Centre at UCD (26:36); Schoolchildren abducted in Nigeria (28:59); Wuhan locals say virus didn't start there (32:39); Defence Forces reform (37:27); GAA warns of post-match celebrations (40:48); Comfort words from young to old (47:50)
Eilís Sheehy reports from Dundalk where she hears concerns about the escalating levels of a virus that recognises no borders.
Amy Ní Riada reports from Scoil Mhuire in Killorglin, Co Kerry, which was ordered to close after 17 pupils tested positive for Covid-19. The entire school population will now be tested and have been asked to restrict their movements until 30 December.
Philip Bromwell reports from a very quiet Dublin Airport on how the pandemic has affected the usual rhythm of life there
Aengus Cox reports that people are being forced to sleep rough because of a requirement to prove a local connection when seeking emergency accommodation from a local authority
A selection of stories from the week: The end of peat burning in Shannonbridge (00:08); Partners of pregnant women allowed to be present for 20-week scan (07:38); EU study finds discrimination against Irish Travellers (12:09); 90-year-old woman becomes first person to publically receive Pfizer Covid vaccine (16:34); Belfast nurse is first person on island of Ireland to receive Pfizer Covid vaccine (20:11); Roadmap to reduce agriculture emissions (24:27); Surge in online deliveries ahead of Christmas (29:30); Calls for insurance reform (36:09); 14-year-old Eva McParland wins young portrait prize (43:24).
Tens of thousands of court summonses are backlogged in the Irish court system because the pandemic prevented them from being dealt with. Figures released to RTÉ's Cian McCormack for the Morning Ireland radio programme show 95,000 summonses, which are legal documents that subpoena people to court, are stuck in the court system. The Covid-19 pandemic led to the scheduling of summonses for hearing dates being stopped by the court service from March to the end of July. The Court Service said the delays happened because the numbers of people in court needed to be reduced because of Covid-19. The highest backlog of summonses was in mid-October when it reached 122,000.
The HSE’s information technology system is relying on tens of thousands of out-of-date computers because a plan to replace them hasn't succeeded, RTÉ News has learned. The out-of-date computers, which run on Windows 7, need special security support and that has cost the taxpayer over a million euro this year. Cian McCormack reports.
In this edition of Morning Ireland Extra, Cian McCormack speaks to Irish people in New York, Berlin and London to find out what issues they weighed up in deciding whether or not to come home for Christmas
As thousands fly back to Ireland for Christmas, reporter Cian McCormack talks to people in Britain, Berlin and New York about travelling home and others who won’t travel because of Covid-19 concerns.
As restaurants and gastropubs reopen after a six week lockdown, Cian McCormack talks to the owner of the 'Fire and Stone' Eatery and his customers at Belarmine near Stepaside in county Dublin.
A selection of stories from the week: A historic weekend of football at Croke Park (00:08); UK gets vaccine authorisation (05:33); Geraldine Finucane (12:03); Music Industry Stimulus Package (18:15); Paschal Donohoe (25:43); Light pollution in Ireland (39:04); World Aids Day (44:15); Midnight shopping (49:52); Santa Claus speaks to Irish children (54:24)
Angela Dorgan, Director of First Music Contact, and Steve Wall, actor and singer-songwriter with The Stunning, discuss the Music Industry Stimulus Package
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald reacts to British government's decision not to hold inquiry and a controversial tweet by party TD Brian Stanley
Professor Fiona Mulcahy, consultant in infectious diseases at St James's Hospital, discusses World Aids Day
Statistics from the Central Statistics Office shows that while the night sky above Ireland is less contaminated by artificial light than some of our European neighbours, the most brightly lit parts of the country can still register 166 times more light pollution than the darkest corners. Aengus Cox reports.
Geraldine Finucane, the widow of Pat Finucane, reacts to the British Government's decision not to hold a public inquiry into the murder of the Belfast solicitor
A selection of stories from the week: Tipperary and Cavan deliver GAA earthquake (00:08); Who'll get the Covid vaccine first? (06:31); Controversy continues over RTÉ gathering (11:42); Thanksgiving in Covid-hit New York (17:11); Drop in antibiotic use (22:53); Row over five Irish words on headstone (28:27); Carlow principal denies anything inappropriate said over uniforms (35:10); Refugees continue to flee to Canaries (44:53); Trump berates journalists and labels election a fraud (50:12); Late Late Toy Show (55:21)
Éilís Sheehy has been gauging people's views when it comes to shopping locally and getting the economy back on its feet.
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith reports on data being weighed up here and in other countries to decide which groups of the population should be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccination
Bus Éireann brings hydrogen buses to Irish roads to help make its 700 strong passenger fleet greener. Under the Government’s national development plan, Ireland has committed to stop buying diesel-only urban buses and to transition to lower-emission alternatives. Cian McCormack reports.
Sinéad Hussey, North East Correspondent, reports on an initiative in Co. Louth to get young people to buy smart devices for older relations for Christmas to prevent loneliness.
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith gets the views of Dubliners and speaks to Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town, while Dr Clíona Ní Cheallaigh, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at St James' Hospital in Dublin, discusses how to re-open safely
A selection of stories from this week's Morning Ireland, featuring:
- Fran McNulty on the tale of the Christmas turkey (0:08-4:21)
- Ailbhe Conneely how charities are coping with Covid19 (4:25-8:27)
- concerns over funding for Dublin Zoo during the pandemic (8:32-13:58)
- Fiachra Ó Cionnaith on housing stand-offs in Dublin (14:03-19:04)
- Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin on the ongoing Seamus Woulfe controversy (19:09-29:31)
- pubs and takeaway pints during the pandemic (29:35-40:09)
- business concerns over the current Covid19 restrictions (40:14-45:27)
- Cian McCormack on virus rapid testing (45:31-52:04)
- the Irish violinist who will play at US president-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20 (52:09-56-38)
- and Elaine Keogh's latest special report, produced by Shane McElhatton, on Bloody Sunday
Could a proactive mass testing policy stave off a cycle of lockdowns that cost billions of euro to the economy? Report Cian McCormack finds out.
Nóirín Hegarty, Lonely Planet Vice President, explains why the Burren is appearing on their Best in Travel 2021 list, and Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, discusses the future of tourism in Ireland.
Cathy Kearney, Apple's vice president of European Operations, spoke to Southern Editor Paschal Sheehy about Apple's attitude to its tax obligations, its role in local economy, and its plans for the future in Cork and Ireland.
A selection of stories from the week: Death of Yorkshire Ripper (00:08); What will the Biden presidency mean for Ireland?(03:30); Rise in smishing scams(12:27); War in Ethiopia (18:30); Coming home for Christmas (24:42); Covid-19 vaccine (32:01); Will the soldier of Jadotville finally get military honours (40:50); Oirishness abounds on Wild Mountain Thyme(51:34)
Amy Ní Riada reports from Tarbert, Co Kerry, where planning permission for a Shannon Liquefied Natural Gas plant has been quashed by the High Court. The controversial project has split the community for over a decade
AdVIC says that without adequate financial support to cope with increased demand, it is being forced to limit the amount of counselling sessions it can offer service users.
The National Charity which is partly government funded, is the only organisation that offers free counselling to adults and children using counsellors with specialised homicide trauma training.
A selection of stories from the week: Bob Schmuhl, Professor of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame, on the US Presidential Election (00:08); Multiple gun attack in Vienna (04:23); The ongoing political fallout from the leaking of a GP pay deal document (09:01); Ryanair reports €200m loss during Covid-19 pandemic(14:52); Vincent Kearney on how Covid restrictions in North Ireland are working (19:26); Man wins Halloween by dressing up as the statue of Luke Kelly (23:54); Increased demand for mental health services among people living on the streets (26:28); Tributes paid to journalist Robert Fisk(30:41); Start of pheasant-shooting season delayed by Covid-19 (35:06); Back to Washington for analysis from Richard Downes as Joe Biden closes in on the presidency. (40:58).
There has been an increased demand for mental health services by those who are on the streets according to one of Ireland's homeless and addiction charities. In it's latest annual report, Merchant's Quay Ireland says there was an 11% increase in individuals seeking help for mental health issues last year and it says they are getting increasingly worse this year. Our Social Affairs Correspondent Ailbhe Conneely reports.
Crucial to getting Joe Biden or Donald Trump over the line first is the swing state of Pennsylvania. This time it could be destined to fall for the incumbent again. But why did voters support Donald Trump or Joe Biden, and who do they think will triumph? Cian McCormack spoke to grass roots supporters in the keystone state.
U2's 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' is 20 years old today (Friday October 30th). It is the album Bono said brought the band "back to scratch" to "reapply" for the job of the best band in the world. The album, which was recorded in Dublin and France won seven Grammy Awards, and is seen as the musical offering that sent U2 back to basics. Cian McCormack reports on the anniversary as U2 marks the anniversary of 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' by releasing remastered versions of the album on CD, Vinyl and digitally.
A selection of stories from the week: Mother and Baby Homes Commission (00:08); Mother and two children found dead in their Dublin home (06:55); the Book of Lismore (11:37); Illegal trade in songbirds (16:15); Should baby clothes be essential items? (21:02); Murder-suicide in Kanturk (24:07); US election (27:05); Covid 19 in the North (32:55); France attacks (38:34); Domestic violence (41:34); Irish-English dictionary (46:01); Samhain (49:30)
Marilyn Counihan, co-ordinator of Killarney Immigrant Support Services, tells us about the new refill shop.
Our North East Correspondent Sinead Hussey has been speaking to some past players and fans ahead of the big game.
Karol Kissane from Agri Insider Magazine discusses Brexit, exports during Covid-19, and climate change
Europe Editor Tony Connelly visited a hospital in Liège, Belgium where he spoke to an intensive care doctor about medical staff that are still being asked to come to work - despite contracting the virus.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee discusses the shooting near Kanturk, garda powers to tackle house parties, and the Department's new plan to support victims of sexual violence.
Wendy Magowan, Director of Operations for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, on pressure facing hospitals in Northern Ireland due to Covid-19.
Brian O'Donovan, Washington Correspondent, reports on the Trump and Biden campaigns a week away from the US Presidential elections
Jennie O'Sullivan, our regional reporter reports on the death of a father and his two sons following a shooting incident at a farm outside Kanturk yesterday.
Miguel-Anxo Murado, journalist in Madrid, discusses the declaration of a national state of emergency in Spain
Oliver Dyer, Journalist with Isle of Wight Radio has the latest on the attempted hijacking of the 'Nave Andromeda'.
Professor Liam Kennedy, Director of the Clinton Institute for American Studies at University College Dublin on the US Presidential election.
A selection of stories from the week: Ireland enters Level 5 restrictions (00:08); Final US Presidential debate (03:49); NASA and the asteroid (11:35); Mother and Baby Homes Commission report (14:10); Keeping in touch (26:08); JoJo Dullard murder investigation (32:07); Cervical Cancer tribunal (35:31); Pope Francis comments on homosexuality (42:53); how Covid spreads (47:11); will we have turkey for Christmas? (49:36); children dress up for school Halloween parties (52:31)
Aengus Cox spoke to owners of restaurants, gyms and hotels about the impact that the new restrictions will have on their businesses
Morning Ireland reporter Fiachra Ó Cionnaith spoke to people in Dublin city centre about the new restrictions, while Niamh Hourigan, Professor of Sociology at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, analyses the challenges of persuading the public to come onboard
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: 0:001 Fungie is found 3:08 Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue 14:16 Reaction to level 4 in Monaghan 21:31 Ryanair close Shannon and Cork bases 24:39 What's in Budget 2021 35:11 Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald 46:41 Final Report on Mother and Babies Homes 51:51 Cian McCormack on the colours of Autumn
Sinéad Crowley reports on the annual Wexford Festival Opera, which takes place this weekend but with no audience.
The bravery and courage of children over recent months is being celebrated in a special way, at this year's Baboró Festival in Galway.
Level 3 restrictions imposed nationwide (00:08); Did NPHET bow to political pressure? (08:40); Where to now for Seamus Woulfe? (16:36); Trump hospitalised with Covid (21:28); Motorists could pay thousands more in tax on polluting cars (26:46); Social Democrats call on Tánaiste to apologise to Chief Medical Officer (33:28); Tropical fern found in Ireland (44:13); Tourism Recovery Taskforce (47:50); Wexford Festival Opera (53:47)
Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein leader, discusses the Government's decision on the NPHET Covid-19 advice.
Cillian Sherlock reports on how businesses think they will cope during the Level 3 countrywide restrictions.
Adam Maguire reports on a decade of the Intagram app, which started off as a humble photo-sharing platform but now counts a billion regular users, sharing everything from fashion to mental health advice to conspiracy theories
For National Potato Day Aengus Cox visits The Meade Potato Company in Co Meath that is diversifying into producing potato starch.
(00:09)Professor James McInerney, Head of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham, compares Ireland's performance in combating COVID-19 to other countries. (07:48) Éilís Sheehy reports on how the retail sector is looking ahead to Christmas. (12:58)Sinéad Crowley reports on how the Dublin Theatre Festival will go largely online. (17:30) Norma Foley, Minister for Education, discusses the error in Leaving Certificate predicted grades resulting in 6,500 students getting false results. (27:39) Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer in NUI Galway, former legal counsel of Democrats Abroad and James Connor of Republicans Overseas Ireland, reflect on the first US Presidential Debate. (39:06) Dr David Nabarro, WHO Envoy for Covid, discusses the global figures for Covid-19. (44:28) For National Potato Day Aengus Cox visits a farm in Co Meath that is diversifying into producing potato starch.
Yvonne Murray visits Xinjiang, the Uighur autonomous region, following reports of forced labour and mass suppression of the Uighur people.
Pat McGrath, Western correspondent, reports on a new project that gathers stories from nursing home residents in Co. Galway and is being launched today to mark International Day of Older Persons.
Ailbhe Conneely, Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent, reports that carers' organisations are seeking guidance from the HSE on how almost five million extra home care hours are to be provided over the next six months
Cathy Halloran, Mid-West correspondent, reports that staff at the University of Limerick have begun a rota of night patrols around off campus housing estates in conjunction with Gardai to engage with students and press the message about sticking to the public health guidelines.
Aengus Cox presents a compilation of moments from the debate, to the music of The Script; analysis comes from James Connor, of Republicans Overseas Ireland, and Larry Donnelly, NUIG law lecturer and former legal counsel of Democrats Abroad
In the second and final part of her report on Christmas 2020, Éilís Sheehy finds out that some of the most familiar traditions of the Christmas season will be cancelled or changed this year
In the first of two reports, Éilís Sheehy speaks to retailers about how they expect the seasonal shopping period to go this year
Gill Stedman speaks to nightclub owners and industry representatives to find out what the future of the clubbing will look like
Cian McCormack spoke to Mary McCarthy, whose husband jimmy had a devastating stroke but could not receive visits from his family due to Covid restrictions. Mary feels family members are crucial to recovery, and that hospital visits should be allowed even if Covid numbers rise
There's hope of seeing the Northern Lights over Irish skies on Tuesday. A break in the sun's magnetic field will increase the chances of catching sight of the aurora borealis. Provided there's a clear sky, the aurora should be visible anywhere in the country. David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland, explains what we might be able to see.
In the West one part-time farmer has decided to sell his lamb directly to customers, cutting out the meat processors and factories. It's a growing trend, with several producers now directly marketing their own product. It's in response to farmers saying they are not getting paid enough by the big processors for their product. Our Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent Fran McNulty has been to Erris, Co Mayo to find out more.
Pádraig Fogarty, spokesperson for the Irish Wildlife Trust, gives his reaction to a pilot scheme to shoot seals on Irish coastal waters that is being considered by the Government to deal with overpopulation in Cork and Kerry.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: (00:07-9:17) Level 3 restrictions imposed on Donegal; (09:21-12.30) Outdoor party in Dublin's inner city one day after restrictions announced; (12:34-17:59) Where are we on COVID-19 testing?; (18:02-24:50) Ireland's shrinking economy; (24:54-35:18) COVID-19 figures continue to rise in younger people; (35:21-39:01) Almost 500 whales beached in Tasmania; (39:05-47:10) former British Ambassador to the US speaks of his time in Washington; (47:13-55:28) Shelbourne statues re-instated.
Sir Kim Darroch, former UK Ambassador to the US, on Brexit and US-UK trade, and the implications of the UK's Internal Markets Bill
Eugene Drennan, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, and John Martin, Northern Ireland Policy Manager with the British Road Haulage Association, discuss the potential impact for Irish hauliers of Brexit restrictions.
Ronan McGreevy, Journalist with The Irish Times, and Kyle Leydon, Art Historian, discuss the decision by the owners of the Shelbourne Hotel to reinstall four statues that were removed in the mistaken belief that two of them were representations of slave women
Amy Ni Riada reports on how researchers are on the hunt for treatments which would reduce the severity of Covid-19 and save lives
Teresa Mannion reports from the village of Clarinbridge in south Galway where local people are running a successful cycle commute to school
Vincent Kearney, Northern Correspondent, reports on new Covid-19 restrictions announced last night by Boris Johnson and their potential implications for Northern Ireland
George Lee, Science Correspondent has the latest on covid-19 in Ireland, as 334 new cases of the virus have been reported to the Department of Health, with no further deaths
As we wait for a Covid vaccine, could testing offer the key to living with the virus? Amy Ní Riada spoke to experts about developments currently taking place
Pat McGrath, Western Correspondent, reports on an ambitious staging of one-act plays that is underway in Galway, as part of European Capital of Culture
Sinéad Crowley, RTÉ's Arts Correspondent, reports on the events taking place online and in live, Covid-safe environments, to mark a very unusual Culture Night.
Sinéad Hussey, RTÉ's North East Correspondent, reports from Balbriggan where, 100 years ago, homes and businesses were burned and two local men were killed by the Black and Tans, in retaliation for the killing of two RIC officers
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team: Political chaos as Govt publishes five-level Covid plan (00:08); HSE chief plots path through Covid (05:28); US wildfires (20:11); Can the UK really "disapply" international Brexit laws? (26:42); St Mary's redevelopment welcomes back residents (31:07); Harsher penalties for conspiracy to murder (37:24); Is there life on Venus? (46:35); Young Syrian refugee praised by EU Commissioner (53:36)
Sinéad Hussey, North East Correspondent, speaks with Calum Agnew about his song 'Crazy' that he recorded during lockdown and is now enjoying huge success.
Suaad Alshleh speaks of her joy at finding out that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen referred to her in her State of the Union address yesterday. Suaad fled her home in Syria and arrived in Ireland in 2016. Last year, she won a scholarship to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Amy Ní Riada speaks to Dubliners engaged in sport, the arts and church services, who could be affected by further restrictions in the capital under the Govt's new Covid-19 roadmap.
Sharon Gaffney reports from an empty Tallaght Stadium which will play host tonight to a dream fixture, Shamrock Rovers vs Serie A giants AC Milan
Éilís Sheehy went out into the streets of Dublin to hear how residents are reacting to the new Covid restrictions
Aengus Cox went along to St Mary's Mansions on Sean McDermott Street to report on the new homes which some long-term residents are now able to move into
Philip Bromwell went along to Trinity College to view the new display case that protects the manuscript and enhances the visitor experience.
Tickets to view the Book of Kells must be booked online and face coverings are mandatory.
Aengus Cox reports on a new campaign by the Irish Cancer Society aimed at getting people to pay attention to potential signs of lung cancer which, for some, can be confused with Covid-19
Ailbhe Conneely, RTÉ's Social Affairs Correspondent, went along to a yoga class to find out
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Alternatives to CAO (00:07); Fury over UK Brexit bill (07:30); Huge fire at Lesbos refugee camp (16:04); Irish lacrosse team makes way for Iroquois (24:06); Taoiseach Micheál Martin (28:06); Boy filmed driving lorry on motorway (45:33); Ryanair to close Cork and Shannon bases for winter (47:04); Diary of a Young Naturalist (54:35)
With third-level places on offer from tomorrow (Friday, Sept 11) Cian McCormack explains other options post-CAO Round 1 offers.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the admission by Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis that proposed Brexit legislation would violate the Withdrawal Agreement "set off alarm bells in Dublin"
Co Down Sixteen-year-old Dara McAnulty, winner of the Wainwright prize for nature writing for his first book Diary Of A Young Naturalist. Dara began writing the book as a blog and then a diary at the age of 14, before being encouraged to turn it into a book. Written in poetic prose as diary entries about the natural world around us, and peppered with numerous references to Irish literature and mythology, it has led to significant interest from the literary world in the young Irish author.
Education Minister Norma Foley explains how the calculated grades process worked, and reminds students that they will be able to appeal their results
Eleanor Burnhill reports that the number of Irish people returning home to live here is at its highest level for 13 years.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Pubs and restaurants told to retain customers' orders (00:08); Can James Bond save cinema? (7:19); Charlie Hebdo trial begins (12:00); This winter's storm names (17:44); WHO on Covid19 (20:55); Garda stolen phones appeal (33:13); Audiologists redeployed to contact tracing (37:43); Van Morrison turns 75 (44:02)
Ailbhe Conneely, Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent, reports that families of people with disabilities have expressed concern over the lack of transport available to enable their children return to day services.
Zahra Hankir, journalist based in Beirut, reports on the situation there one month after an explosion at its port killed more than 200 people.
Adrian Cummins, CEO of Restaurants Association of Ireland, on the new legislation requiring meal records to be kept on file for 28 days.
Sinéad Crowley, Arts Correspondent, discusses the short list for the Dublin Literary Award 2020.
Gwyther Rees, co-author of UNICEF's latest report card on child wellbeing in 41 OECD/EU countries, discusses Ireland's ranking with regard to life satisfaction among teenagers.
Aoife Hegarty, RTÉ Investigates, on how audiologists were redeployed from their front line services to contact tracing duties for Covid. She spoke to the mother of seven-year-old EnLe Harrington Creegan, from Athenry in Co Galway, whose appointment was cancelled at short notice due to a shortage of audiologists
Paschal Sheehy, RTÉ's Southern Editor, reports on a cross-country cycle by Intensive Care Unit staff raising money for charities looking after people affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
To donate, go to www.icu4u.ie
Niamh Dwyer, Kerry PRO for the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and Ann Devitt, director of research at Trinity College Dublin's school of education, discuss the Government's Leaving Certificate plans.
Mobile phones worth around €5m were stolen in Ireland over the last 20 months. Today, Gardaí are launching a campaign to encourage people to download and activate a trusted location finder app so if their phone is lost or stolen, they have a better chance of getting it back.
Aimee Van Wylick, National Co-ordinator of Culture Night 2020 and Tom Lane, composer, discuss the launch of the Dublin programme.
Johnny Lynch, owner of Macroom Buffalo Farm, tells us about the first ever sale of buffalo in an Irish mart.
Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air & Travel Magazine, and John Moran, former Secretary General of the Department of Finance, discuss reports that Aer Lingus may shift transatlantic services from Shannon to the UK and the potential impact of such a move on the region.
Brian O'Donovan, RTÉ Washington Correspondent, reports on the racial strife convulsing the United States, and the claims and counter-claims from President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden
Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann and Chair of the European Storm Naming Group, discusses the names being used for the new storm season which begins today.
Philip Nolan, chair of the Epidemiological Modeling Advisory Group and a member of NPHET, says local lockdowns are "a very important line of defence" but they must be implemented early and quickly
Cian McCormack reports on the struggle for survival by town and city businesses as accelerated change brought on by Covid-19 causes commerce to move online
Natasha Murtagh reports on how school students' mental health is being addressed by schools during the big return.
Teresa Mannion reports from Oranmore in Galway where the only hockey surface in Connacht is about to be redeveloped, threatening the sport in the province.
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith, Lise Hand, and Mícheál Lehane take a look back on an eventful first two months for Mícheál Martin's new administration.
Cian McCormack has details of the National Ploughing Association's decision last night to cancel the sport of ploughing and its national competitions this year due to Covid-19.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team: The rise and fall of Phil Hogan (00:08); NPHET calls for national focus on Covid (05:06); Nóra Quoirin inquest begins (13:06); Supreme Court orders review into Seamus Woulfe attendance in Clifden (18:49); Holidaymaker rescues four from waters off Dingle (24:53); Ploughing Championships closed to public (29:39); Elderly woman seeks answer over husband's death (35:03); Covid World Service (41:10); Major Irish art to be auctioned by Sotheby's (44:59)
Gavin Barrett, professor specialising in EU law at UCD's Sutherland Law School, discusses EU commissioner on trade Phil Hogan's resignation and its wider implications for Ireland.
Charlie Minter, Sotheby's Irish Art Specialist, discusses the Irish Art sale which features major Irish artists such as Louis le Brocquy, Jack B. Yeats, John Lavery and William Orpen
Dr Tony Scott, co-founder of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, says he's certain students will adapt, as the competition goes virtual for the first time in 57 years.
Mícheál Keogh was on holiday in west Kerry when four members of the same family got into trouble in the waters off Dingle. He told the dramatic story of how he and others rescued them
You sent us your questions about the back-to-school process and we assembled a panel of experts to answer them. Listen to Marie-Therese Kilmartin, Principal of Coláiste Bride; Professor Nóirín Hayes of the Trinity College Dublin School of Education, and Pairic Clerkin, CEO of the Irish Primary Principals' Network
As over 70s limit social interaction because of Covid-19, Cian McCormack finds out what help is available to explain technologies needed for elderly to stay in touch
Vivienne Traynor reports as former chief justice Susan Denham is to examine Supreme Court Judge Seamus Woulfe's attendance at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner last week.
Brian O'Donovan reports from the Republican National Convention which kicked off with a roll call formally nominating Donald Trump to run in the 3 November election
Dr Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organisation, says the case of a 33-year-old man who caught Covid 19 twice tells us that we just don't know enough about Covid-related immunity at this stage.
Laura Cahillane, lecturer in the School of Law at University of Limerick, co-author of 'Constitutional Law in Ireland', on the precedent for investigating judges
Dr Mary Favier, President of the Irish College of General Practitioners, says it's understandable that parents are anxious but that sniffles and runny noses are common in children and should not stop them returning to the classroom. Children with other symptoms such as a temperature, cough or loss of appetite should be kept at home for 48 hours and referred to the GP
Graham Clifford, founder of 'The Covid-19 World Service', on their new initiative to help migrant parents prepare their children for the return to school
Jackie Fox reports on the inquest into the death of 15-year-old Nora Quoirin, which begins in Malaysia today
Tommy Meskill, RTÉ reporter, has been speaking to parents, teachers and students ahead of the re-opening of secondary schools.
Five teenagers have been hailed as heroes after a father and son were saved during a dramatic beach rescue in Cork on Sunday night. Victor Shine, Area Officer with Crosshaven Coastguard which helped to coordinate the rescue, spoke to Morning Ireland.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland Team. This week: (00:07-1:51) One man and two children have died in a Donegal crash; (1:51-10:43) Dara Calleary apologises for breach of government guidelines on social gatherings and subsequently resigns; (10:47-22:01) Secondary school buses to operate at 50% capacity; (22:05-33:45) Philip Nolan addresses new restrictions; (33:49-39:09) 194,000 homes without power after Storm Ellen; (39:13-48:11) Jay Bourke reacts to the breach of restrictions in BerlinD2; (48:15-57:31) Moyross students prepare for the new term.
Aoife-Grace Moore, Irish Examiner political correspondent, discusses revelations a Government minister, current and former TDs and senators, and judges attended a hotel golf function in breach of Covid-19 public health guidelines.
Vincent Kearney, Northern Correspondent, reports that a man and two children, aged 14 and six, have died after the car they were travelling in entered the water at Three Trees, Quigley's Point in Co Donegal last night.
Jennie O'Sullivan, Southern Reporter, discusses the impact of Storm Ellen on County Cork.
Sarah Benson, Chief Executive Officer of Women's Aid, discusses the rise in calls to the charity's 24-hour helpline during COVID-19
Jean Byrne, Met Eireann, outlines the track which Storm Ellen took through the country from when it hit landfall on the Cork coast
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, discusses NPHET's advice for new measures to be implemented in order to slow the spread of Covid-19
Ruairí Brugha, Emeritus Professor of Public Health at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, discusses the need to increase COVID-19 testing.
Dr Nuala O Connor, Cork GP and the Irish College of General Practitioners lead advisor on Covid-19, discusses recent delays in the return of test results for the virus.
Hannah Quinn Mulligan, news correspondent with the Irish Farmers Journal, discusses news that 29 workers have been confirmed to have Covid-19 at a Co Tipperary mushroom plant.
Dr Kieran Hickey, a Climatologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography in UCC, assesses what could be the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth in Death Valley, California
Willie White, Artistic Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival, outlines the programme for the reimagined 2020 festival
Fianna Fáil Cork South West TD comments on the devastation caused by flooding to the area.
Many of the exhibits at the Natural History Museum, or the "Dead Zoo" as it's fondly known, are being moved around for the first time in decades. It's in preparation for the safe de-installation of two large whale skeletons, suspended from the ceiling of a building which has changed little since Victorian times.
Jay Bourke, owner of the Berlin Bar on Dame Street, reacts to the footage shared from his pub over the weekend and Minister Stephen Donnelly comments on the spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Father of rescued Galway paddleboarder (00:00); Pubs are not just places to drink (13:03); Colour-coded plan for Covid (18:11); Joe Biden chooses Kamala Harris (30:37); UAE-Israel deal (42:32); Aaron Brady convicted of murdering Garda Adrian Donohoe (48:03); Dundalk murals (57:30)
Johnny Glynn told Bryan Dobson about the moment he learned his daughter, Ellen, and niece Sara, had been rescued. The two young women were swept away by wind and tides when they went paddleboarding off the Galway coast and were found 15 hours later, clinging to a lobster pot buoy. Johnny Glynn expressed his gratitude to all of those involved in the search.
There were dramatic scenes in Navan on Wednesday when two young boys got into difficulty while swimming in the River Boyne in Co Meath.
Fortunately, 16-year-old Callum Keane saw what was happening, dived into the water and brought both boys to safety.
Callum and his mother Claudine spoke with Morning Ireland about his heroic actions.
Éilís Sheehy reports on the Seek Dundalk exhibition of contemporary art which includes murals painted on buildings around the town. Photo courtesy of Olof Berg (swedish_ginger_photos on Instagram)
After 110 years of extinction in Ireland, the white-tailed eagle has made a remarkable comeback.
The latest success in the efforts to re-establish a breeding population in this country happened over the weekend.
Eamonn Meskall, Project Manager of the white-tailed eagle project of National Parks and Wildlife Service, joined Morning Ireland to discuss the development.
After months, of speculation, Democrats presidential candidate Joe Biden has chosen California senator Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential running mate for November's US elections.
The pair will contest the race against US president Donald Trump and vice-president Mike Pence in what is widely seen as the most crucial US presidential election in living memory.
NUI Galway law lecturer Larry Donnelly and RTE's States of Mind presenter Jackie Fox discussed the race on today's Morning Ireland.
After months, of speculation, Democrats presidential candidate Joe Biden has chosen California senator Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential running mate for November's US elections.
The pair will contest the race against US president Donald Trump and vice-president Mike Pence in what is widely seen as the most crucial US presidential election in living memory.
NUI Galway law lecturer Larry Donnelly and RTE's States of Mind presenter Jackie Fox discussed the race on today's Morning Ireland.
If you're looking for something to take your mind off Covid19, then all you have to do tonight is look up into the sky.
Frances McCarthy, Education and Outreach Officer at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, discussed the Perseid meteor shower taking place above Ireland on today's Morning Ireland.
Brian O'Donovan, Washington Correspondent, reports that US Secret Service agents shot and wounded a man who was apparently armed outside the White House last night, President Donald Trump said, after being briefly whisked away in the middle of a press conference.
Dr Gabriel Doherty, historian at University College Cork, discusses the 100th anniversary of the beginning of a hunger strike at Cork Gaol which helped to undermine British rule.
Professor James McInerney, head of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham, discusses Ireland's higher incidence of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past 14 days than the UK.
On the day remaining pubs should have been opening, Aengus Cox travelled to Galway to see the role a pub plays in the community
This week we remembered John Hume and heard from journalists in Beirut after a devastating explosion. The Week in News podcasts includes: US Senator George Mitchell, Niall O'Dowd (Founder of irishcentral.com), Aengus Cox & guests live from the Bogside in Derry, journalist Luna Safwan in Beirut and Bel Trew.
Shortly after winning the Nobel Piece Prize in 1998, John Hume addressed the European Parliament. He spoke of the philosophy of peace, a philosophy that formed the bedrock of the European Union and later, the Good Friday Agreement. Set to the sound of John Hume singing 'Oh Danny Boy' Morning Ireland ended with an extract from that speech, on the day John Hume was laid to rest.
Overlooking the Bogside in Derry, Aengus Cox is joined by guests including, Pat McArt, former editor of The Derry Journal and Eimear O'Callaghan former producer at BBC Radio Foyle. He also took a stroll through the streets of Derry to hear what John Hume meant to them.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, discusses the jump in Covid-19 infections as 85 new cases were confirmed (00:08-10:19). Philip Ryan, Political Editor with Independent Newspapers, assesses a busy day in the Dáil after Green TD Neasa Hourigan voted against the Government and heated exchanges over rule changes to speaking time (10:23-17.30). Professor Clíona Ní Cheallaigh, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at St James' Hospital in Dublin, reacts to the latest COVID-19 figures in Ireland and the spread of the virus in direct provision centres (17:35-25:31). Éilís Sheehy reports on how some border county hotels have been impacted by differing public health guidance for wedding numbers (25:35-31:02).Suzanne Connolly, CEO of Barnardos, outlines concerns of parents and children ahead of the return to school in August(31:06-35:02). Paul Murphy, RISE TD for Dublin South-West, discusses the decision to stop the pandemic unemployment payments for 104 people after they sought to travel abroad(35:07-39:49). Cillian Sherlock reports on the delays faced by children with communication or sensory difficulties for an Assessment of Need(39:53-45:41). Deirdre McDonald, Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland president, responds to the Government's school re-opening plans and what it will mean for schools, pupils and teachers over the coming months(45:45- 51:02). Kevin Nolan, physics lecturer at TU Dublin, previews the upcoming NASA mission to Mars (51:05-55:11)
More than 5,000 children are waiting longer than the law permits to have needs such as autism formally assessed before they can access public health services.
Figures released by the Health Service Executive to RTÉ's Morning Ireland show that the average waiting time was 19 months, despite a legal requirement for the assessment to be completed within six months.
For children with additional needs such as autism, communication difficulties or sensory processing disorder, an 'Assessment of Need' is the key to unlocking access to public health services.
Cillian Sherlock reports.
An events manager at a wedding venue in Co Louth has said business in the wedding industry is being negatively affected due to the difference in public health guidelines on either side of the border.
Darver Castle Events Manager Anne Darcy said it is difficult to work with couples under the current guidelines.
Anna O'Flanagan and Nikki Evans, Irish International Women's Hockey Team Players, talk about the impact of Covid-19 on their plans for the Olympic Games this year, and they look ahead to Tokyo 2021
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Taoiseach Micheal Martin on the economy, school re-openings and more (00:08); Tributes paid to cancer campaigner Ruth Morrissey (21:12); How to protect ground-nesting birds (28:20); Eamon Ryan re-elected Green Party leader (33:12); Swimming Baltimore to Fastnet return (42:02); Simon Coveney explains the Green List (46:03)
Cian McCormack reports on how as Men's Sheds reopen with new guidelines that some still remain closed over Covid-19 fears. The CEO of the Irish Men's Sheds Association Barry Sheridan calls for members to stay in contact as some may still be living in isolation.
Cian McCormack reports on a business and tourism revival in a County Cork village. During the height of the pandemic locals in Ballinspittle in county Cork clubbed together to feed 42 cocooners in its parish. The initiative was supported by local restaurants, shops and people living there. Back then, the owner of Wild restaurant said he would not open again until 2021. Now four months that has changed. Tourism has somewhat revived and businesses are reopening.
Inez Bailey, CEO of the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), discusses a new report on how to address literacy, numeracy and digital inequalities.
The NALA says many people have struggled throughout the pandemic with understanding and accessing information and for those with low literacy or digital skills,
The Government has published its 'green list' of 15 countries where the travel advice will be to take normal precautions. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney discusses what the list means and the advice to the public in relation to foreign travel.
Tommy Meskill reports from last night's NPHET briefing, and Dr Sumi Dunne urges people to call their GP as soon as they get any one of the symptoms of Covid-19 which, she says, is a highly contagious disease
A new study suggests further studies and debate are needed on the potential culling of what are known as generalist predators - such as crows and foxes - as a means of protecting Europe's ever-declining number of ground-nesting birds.
Researchers at University College Dublin and the University of Aberdeen have found that across the continent 74% of ground-nesting bird species are in decline - almost double the rate of other species.
Dr Barry McMahon from UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science carried out the study along with others and spoke with Morning Ireland about the research.
Steve Redmond describes being accompanied by whales, blue sharks and jellyfish, as he became the first person to complete the 40km swim from Baltimore Harbour out to the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse and back
Niall Quinn, Interim Deputy CEO of the Football Association of Ireland, shares his memories of Jack Charlton on the day of the former Ireland manager's funeral.
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith and Daniel McConnell report on the issues weighing on the minds of Govt and public health officials as they consider publishing a Green List of countries which wouldn't trigger restrictions of movement
RTÉ Agriculture Correspondent Fran McNulty reports on a campaign to raise awareness of unsafe practices on farms as Farm Safety Week gets under way.
Cervical cancer survivor Lorraine Walsh pays tribute to CervicalCheck campaigner Ruth Morrissey, who died on Sunday aged 39.
The Minister for Education Norma Foley has sought to reassure Leaving Cert students over results delay.
A wealth divide between young and old was growing long before Covid-19 arrived, as Tommy Meskill reports.
Cian McCormack reports on how choirs and singing groups all over Ireland are finding their voice during the pandemic. A group representing them has new guidelines on how to do sing safely but epidemiologists warn the activity is high risk.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Govt presses pause on Phase 4 (00:08); Barry Cowen sacked as Agriculture Minister (11:10); Will travel agents survive Covid-19? (17:21); Twitter hack (22:19); Apple judgement (24:53); What will be in the July stimulus (30:36); Russia accused of stealing vaccine data (41:03); Young people bear brunt of economic downturns (46:26)
Cian McCormack reports on how choirs and singing groups all over Ireland are finding their voice during the pandemic. A group representing them has new guidelines on how to do sing safely but epidemiologists warn the activity is high risk. Cian McCormack reports. From Morning Ireland, RTÉ Radio 1 on July 17, 2020.
Dr Corinna Sadlier, an infectious disease consultant at Cork University Hospital, says she was concerned we were headed for a second wave of Covid-19
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly explains why the Govt decided to push back the re-opening of remaining pubs to 10 August, and gives details of other measures, including the increased wearing of face masks
Tommy Meskill reports on efforts by owners of houseboats moored on Irish Waterways to be allowed live full time on their liveaboard boats.
Éilís Sheehy reports from Limerick where a homeless shelter's extended opening hours because of Covid-19 led to life-changing benefits for some of its residents
Sebastian Barnes, chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, discusses the group's first ever long term sustainability report, which says the government must consider raising the pension age, increasing taxes and cutting spending.
Tarik Jašarevic, spokesperson for the World Health Organisation, reiterates that there are "mixed messages" from some leaders on how to reopen economies, and that "clear communication" is needed so that people will comply
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar gives some details of the Govt's plans to stimulate the economy, and he says questions remain to be answered over Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen's drink-driving ban
Washington correspondent Brian O'Donovan on the targetting of US infectious disease chief Dr Anthony Fauci by the Trump administration and the spread of the virus in the US.
Áine Moriarty, Chief Executive of the Irish Film and Television Academy, and Bronagh Gallagher, actress and IFTA nominee, discuss the 2020 nominations for this year's awards ceremony
The World Health Organisation has reported a record increase in Covid-19 cases - with more than 230 thousand infections in the last 24 hours. One of the biggest increases is in the United State where Florida has broken all state records with more than 15,000 cases recorded in just one day. Concern has been expressed about the prospect of some arrivals from the US into Ireland. Stephen Kinsella, Chief Economics Writer with The Currency and Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Limerick, discusses whether the economics of the 14-day quarantine can be sustained
Cillian Sherlock speaks to commuters about the compulsory use of masks on public transport
They survived the online revolution, but will Ireland's travel agents survive the Covid-19 pandemic? 15 percent of the population currently book their holidays or business trips with the 224 travel agents across the country. But since foreign air travel halted in March, agents have been refunding trips instead of making new bookings. With no money coming in at what should be their busiest time of the year, our reporter Gill Stedman has been finding out how some businesses are coping.
A decade after Ireland was in the grip of the crash and resulting EU-IMF bailout, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe was yesterday elected president of the group of euro-zone finance ministers.
The euro-zone economy is set to contract by a record 8.7% this year, with mass unemployment and other dire consequences still a possibility.
His victory will see him lead EU finance ministers through the worst financial crisis the EU has faced after the COVID-19 pandemic - and give Ireland a key voice in any decisions that are made.
Pennsylvania will be a key battleground in November's US presidential election.
Donald Trump won the state in 2016 by a tiny margin, helping him to secure the White House.
Now his Democrats challenger, Joe Biden, is fighting to win back the blue collar workers that voted Republican four years ago.
On Thursday, the Biden and Trump campaigns held separate events in Pennsylvania, as our Washington Correspondent Brian O'Donovan reports.
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Paschal Donohoe elected President of Eurogroup (00:08); Jair Bolsonaro has Covid-19 (07:26); RIAI Public Choice architecture award (14:33); Pubs reopen (22:04); Pandemic of dog theft (28:49); Kinahan gang convictions (35:25); Cork beach parties (40:27); Covid app launched (44:01); Trump's tax headache (50:33)
One of the most important sectors to the Irish economy is tourism.
But due to Covid-19, the sector is like many others facing difficulties.
Ruth Andrews, Chair of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce and John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, discussed the challenges facing the sector on today's Morning Ireland.
Ailbhe Conneely, Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent, meets one family adversely affected by the closure of services for people with intellectual disabilities.
Enda Egan, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, on concerns that day service capacity will be reduced.
Teresa Mannion reports on the conflict on the Aran Islands between those who want the islands to reopen to tourists and those who feel it's too soon.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have been given almost €5m in funding from Science Foundation Ireland and AIB to set up a Centre of Excellence on Covid-19. As George Lee reports, part of the work is to develop a vaccine or treatment
Due to the #Covid19 pandemic, the Irish Blood Tranfusion Service has seen a 13% drop in donations since the beginning of the year.
And, as the country gets back on its feet, demand for blood is sure to rise.
RTÉ reporter Amy Ni Riada visited a blood clinic in Kerry for Wednesday's Morning Ireland.
A €300,000 conservation project is hoping to breathe new life into an overlooked corner of St Stephen's Green in Dublin city centre.
Finishing touches are being made to the WB Yeats Memorial in the park, unveiled by then taoiseach Jack Lynch in 1967.
RTÉ reporter Philip Bromwell reports for today's Morning Ireland programme.
Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, explains how the app will work
Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health, says the new Covid-19 track and trace app works, and describes as 'really quite impressive' the privacy protections built into it
Ciaran O'Connor, President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, talks about the 2020 Public Choice award, and Adrian King, Partner in McKevitt King Architects, expresses his delight at winning it
Garry Crothers, vice-chair of Foyle Sailability in Derry, tells the story of his 37 day sole voyage from the Caribbean to Ireland on the 'Kind of Blue' yacht.
After months of living without the big screen, cinemas are slowly re-opening across Ireland.
But with the threat of Covid 19 still apparent, what steps are cinemas taking to protect workers and customers?
Mark Anderson, Managing Director of Omniplex, discusses the new safety-first face of the silver screen.
Evidence is mounting that Covid-19 can affect people for much longer than the couple of weeks initially thought. In the latest edition of Morning Ireland Extra, Tommy Meskill speaks to four people who were still suffering, weeks after they thought their illness was over
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: Leo Varadkar pays tribute to Dr Tony Holohan who is stepping back from his duties, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe on exchequer figures, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on travel restrictions, Sir Peter Soulsby the Mayor of Leicester and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney on the top priorities for the next Government
Cian McCormack reports from Achill Island where he spoke to tourists, including a nine-year-old girl who thinks Achill is way better than Dubai
Cian McCormack met a family who came to Achill to celebrate their dad's birthday, and he spoke to some people from the tourism industry on the island
As Ireland returns towards a 'new normal' Cian McCormack is on the road for this week. Yesterday we heard about the west coast as it emerges from the impact of the pandemic. Today Cian joins us from Athlone, where he's been finding out if the heart has been ripped out of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.
Phase three of the country's reopening starts today. For some that means hair dos. For others it mean being able to go to restaurants and travel to other parts of the country. Cian McCormack is on the road this gauging the impact of it all. Today he joins us from Lahinch, Co Clare.
Hairdressers and barbers can begin cutting hair again from today, after their reopening date was brought forward as part of the country's roadmap for easing Covid-19 restrictions. However, some barber shops decided they didn't want to wait for daybreak, and over the past few days had been taking appointments to cut customers' hair as of midnight. Our reporter Aengus Cox visited a barber in Terenure in Dublin that opened for haircuts in the early hours of this morning...
A selection of this week’s stories, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: (00:08-06:43) Fiachra Ó Cionnaith reports from Macroom in Co Cork on the grassroots reaction to a potential historic coalition between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael; (06:47-12:05) Gill Stedman reports on how sixth-class students feel about leaving primary school; (12:09- 14:29) Vincent Kearney, our Northern Correspondent reports on the search for fourteen year old Noah Donohoe; (14:33-19:43) Dr Emily O’Conor discusses the concerns over long-term health impacts of Covid-19; (19:47- 25:30) 35 year old man sentenced to life in prison for the murder of retired hospital worker Patricia O’Connor; (25:35-30:53) Brian O’Donovan, our Washington Correspondent, reports on a Covid surge in several US states. (30:58 – 36.57) Chris Horn, Chair of the Aviation Recovery Taskforce, calls for the urgent implementation of the interim report recommendations; (37:01-42:11) Public concerned over privacy with covid tracking app. (42:16–46:42) Lack of Gaelic Games is an economic blow for small towns. (46:45-52:21) Church leaders unhappy with 50 limit capping for churches.
Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, discusses making the use of face coverings on all forms of public transport mandatory.
Gill Stedman takes a look at some of the changes you can expect to see on your next spa visit.
Cathy Halloran, Mid West Correspondent, reports how the monks at Cistercian Abbey in Roscrea, kept building their 'camino' during the Pandemic.
Caitriona Gleeson, Programme and Communications Manager with Safe Ireland, on their partnership with Airbnb to provide accommodation for victims of domestic violence.
Fran McNulty, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent, visits one pub and brewery to see how plans are coming along to re-open.
Dr Kieran Hickey, Climatologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography in UCC, discusses temperatures in the Arctic Circle that are likely to have hit an all-time record on Saturday.
Dr Mike O'Callaghan, general practitioner and researcher at the UL School of Medicine, on the findings of their survey on attitudes to a contact tracing app.
Charlie Harrison, National Coordinator of the Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps, addresses uncertainty in relation to this summer's camps.
Natasha Murtagh reports on how some smaller restaurants will close indefinitely as a result of Covid-19 physical distancing requirements.
Seán Whelan, our London Correspondent reports on how one support group has been lent a helping hand by some celebrity chefs.
A national survey of university students has found that there are high levels of sexual violence and harassment on campuses, but many attacks are not being reported. Lorna Fitzpatrick, President of the Union of Students Ireland, discusses the findings of NUIG's Sexual Experiences Survey.
A selection of this week’s stories, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: (00:08-06:15) Ireland's first Covid-19 community transmission case; (08:46-17:01) Reaction to the jailing of a 75-year-old man for the sexual abuse of his seven daughters and sister; (17:05- 23:23) Truth Commission into Belgium's colonial role in The Congo; (23:27-30:02)The practicalities of going back into churches in Kerry; (30:06-35:50) High proportion of children experiencing sunburn; (35:55-39:32) Castlerea Parish Priest John McManus on the community reaction to the death of Det Garda Colm Horkan; (39:36-45:01) Fiachra Ó Cionnaith reports on the rotating taoiseach plan which will be at the centre of the new Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil-Greens government if it is formed.
Fr John McManus, Parish Priest of Castlerea, talks to Morning Ireland about being called to the scene last night after the shooting of Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan reacts to news of the death of a garda detective has died in a shooting incident in Castlerea, Co Roscommon.
The shooting happened near Castlerea Garda Station on the main street of the town late last night.
He has been named by gardaí as Detective Garda Colm Horkan.
At the end of this month, we're due to enter phase 3 of the Government's roadmap to re-opening the country. That phase will see places of worship open their doors and, last week, framework documents were published to do just that. But Catholic priests say they're being made to "carry the can" for the health and safety of churchgoers. In a statement, the Association of Catholic Priests said there is unease and anger at the prospect.
Amy Ní Riada speaks with members of Catholic and Church of Ireland clergies in Kerry, as well as mass-goers, to determine the practicalities of going back into the churches
The Belgian Parliament will today (WED) discuss a Truth Commission into the country's colonial role in The Congo. A spotlight has been thrown on to the issue by the global Black Lives Matter movement and the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. There have been calls for statues of King Leopold the Second, who established a private colony in the Congo in the 19th century, to be removed from towns and cities across Belgium. Our Europe Editor Tony Connelly reports on how one of Leopold's landmark legacies, the Africa Museum outside Brussels, has led the way in confronting the official narrative about Leopold's actions in Congo, which were initially exposed by the Irish patriot Roger Casement, and which are thought to have reduced the population by up to 10 million people.
Volunteers from across the country have resumed coordinated clean-ups of their local communities for their first time since lockdown.
Many groups are taking part in the re-scheduled "National Spring Clean", which usually takes place during the whole month of April.
Philip Bromwell reports on a community clean-up on the River Dodder in Dublin.
75-year-old James O'Reilly (pictured), from Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles in Co Tipperary, was jailed for 20 years at the Central Criminal Court for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his seven daughters and his younger sister.
Jack Griffin, a family support worker with the Tipperary Rural Travellers Project, has backed calls for an investigation into the sexual abuse and neglect of eight family members.
While Sharon O'Halloran, Co-Chief Executive of Safe Ireland, says there has been a total system failure around the family involved.
A selection of this week’s stories, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: (00:07-06:15) Daniel Kinahan success as boxing promoter; (06:19-11:40) Nationwide hosepipe ban in place; (11:43-18:08) 25% rise in domestic violence reports since COVID-19 restrictions; (18:11- 23:01) Reports of racism at exclusive Dublin school; (23:01-27:49) Prisoners avoid contracting COVID-19; (27:52-32:35) World’s largest plane lands in Shannon with PPE; (32:39-36:51)The experience of giving birth during COVID-19 restrictions; (36:54-51:52) CMO Tony Holohan gives us a COVID-19 update; (51:55-57:03) Police seize gun used in the murder of Lyra McKee.
Paul O'Kane, Head of Communications at the DAA, outlines what measures Dublin and Cork airports are taking to keep passengers safe when they resume flying.
Emma O'Kelly, Education Correspondent, discusses proposals for a special summer programme for students attending disadvantaged schools at both primary and post-primary level.
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith has taken a trip down memory lane, reminding us of the 125 days that have led to this point.
Jason Murphy, PSNI Detective Superintendent, Serious Crime Branch, investigating the murder of journalist Lyra McKee last year, discusses the discovery of the gun used to kill her.
Brian O'Donovan, Washington correspondent, discusses NASCAR's decision to ban the use of the confederate flag at its events and US president Donald Trump's refusal to rename US army barracks with controversial historical labels.
Aengus Cox reports on the efforts of an Irish Vincentian priest to raise funds for a school for deaf children in an Ethiopian town
Natasha Murtagh talks to some new mothers about the unique challenges they faced having given birth during COVID-19 restrictions.
Catherine McGuinness, former Supreme Court Judge, discusses why we need to keep a Department for Children.
Micheal Lehane, Political Correspondent, discusses the ongoing government formation talks, 124 days and counting since the Saturday 8 February general election.
Sinéad Hussey reports that an investigation is under way after a 13-year-old boy died in a road crash in Co Westmeath early this morning.
Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and Sinn Féin vice-president, discusses the Covid-19 situation in Northern Ireland, possible cross-border co-ordination for any second wave and Brexit.
Yvonne McKenna, CEO of Gaisce, pays recognition to the continued work of young people completing their Gaisce awards under Covid-19 restrictions
Ailbhe Conneely, Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent, reports on how the Prison Service has responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Niall Maloney, Shannon Airport Operations Director, discusses the arrival to Ireland of the world's largest aircraft, which will be bringing 900,000 surgical gowns to Ireland to help fight Covid-19.
Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, discusses a number of prosecutions for domestic violence offences since the Covid outbreak.
Paul Deering, Editor of Sligo Champion on the extensive blaze in Sligo yesterday at the Greenstar Recycling Depot.
Grainne McEvoy, Director of Consumer Protection with the Central Bank, on new rules for moneylenders aimed at protecting consumers.
Cian McCormack reports on how the events industry has been hit by Covid-19 restrictions and its impact on communities
Sharon Foley, CEO of the Irish Hospice Foundation, speaks about the launch of a national freephone service for anyone who needs support after suffering bereavement.
Niall Gleeson, Managing Director of Irish Water, discusses the hosepipe ban which comes into force from midnight tonight for a six week period.
Simon Harris, Minister for Health, discusses the introduction of measures for 'Phase 2 Plus', the risk of a second outbreak, and ongoing government formation talks.
Pastor Hurmon Hamilton, Senior and Founding Pastor of New Beginnings Community Church in the San Francisco Bay area, California discusses protests in America following the killing of George Floyd.
Sarah Kenny, from the Kenny's Bookshop in Galway, on how they're managing the reopening of their business.
Mary Curran, French horn player with the Whistle Blast Quartet, talks about their new composition produced by students in aid of Childline. More information from http://www.whistleblastquartet.com/
Paschal Sheehy, Southern Editor, reports on the anger of the south Kerry community to the OPW's decision to close Sceilg Mhichíl for the year due to Covid-19
Cian McCormack reports on a sector which is used to carrying A-listers like Meghan Markle and the Pope but now finds itself on its knees due to the Covid-19 pandemic
The annual Summer Ladies Day at Navan Racecourse will go ahead tomorrow, but with a Covid twist. It'll be virtual. And proceeds will go to two charities, the Meath River Rescue and Meath Womens Refuge. Éilís Sheehy reports
A selection of stories from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team: Policing and racism in the US (00:08); Anger over house parties in Cork (07:37); Tyrone midwife on cover of Vogue (12:52); New suspect in Madeleine McCann case (17:58); Parents of children with special needs plead for return to school (23:42); Irish water infrastructure (27:47); Was Sweden's Covid plan wrong (33:01); Rise in calls to Immigrant Council of Ireland (38:23); Minding Creative minds (43:36)
Cian McCormack has exclusive figures from the National Biodiversity Data Centre which show that overall butterfly populations are up 10% in the last five years in Ireland, and that 2019 is the year of the Painted Lady. The butterfly count provided hours of entertainment for people cocooning during the Covid-19 lockdown
Rachel Millar, who's originally from near Cookstown in Co. Tyrone, talks of her surprise and delight to be among three essential workers chosen to feature on the July 2020 cover of British Vogue. Rachel works as a community midwife in London. She says it's important for people to know that ordinary workers can make a difference.
Safe Ireland, the national co-ordination body for domestic abuse services, and Boots chemists have joined forces to help women experiencing domestic violence.
From today, women at risk will have a "safe space" in Boots' 88 pharmacies to contact specialist domestic abuse services.
Mary McDermot is co-CEO of Safe Ireland. She says domestic abuse cases have increased during Covid19 and that more help is needed.
"A swash-buckling tale of survival."
RTÉ's North West correspondent Eileen Magnier reports on a new film about the largely unknown true story of captain Francisco de Cuellar.
He spent seven months on the run in Ireland after the 1588 Spanish Armada disaster, before returning to Spain.
The Covid19 restrictions are easing. But concerns still exist and, says Monaghan GP Dr Illona Duffy, for good reason.
She says her clinic saw six new cases after the weekend and that clusters existShe added: "There is still a lack of understanding over social distancing."
Dr Duffy says while "we need to open up things", the reality is there has been an increase in cases.
"We have to make sure that increase does not become a spike," she says.
Troops have been positioned outside the iconic Lincoln memorial in what Washington correspondent Brian O'Donovan describes as "a quite dystopian scene".
As protests continue across all US states seeking justice for George Floyd and criticising US president Donald Trump, we have the latest on what is taking place.
Dr Claire Gillan, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and Principal Investigator of the new Neureka app, describes how it can be used to research mental health disorders and dementia
Eleanor McEvoy, Irish singer/songwriter and chair of IMRO, on the launch of Minding Creative Minds (MCM), a free 24/7 wellbeing support programme for the Irish music sector. More info here http://mindingcreativeminds.ie/
Teresa Mannion speaks with parents of children with disabilities who are seeking to have their July Education Programme reinstated at Rosedale School in Renmore, Galway.
Leo Enright, space commentator and broadcaster, reports on a press conference by the SpaceX astronauts onboard the International Space Station which he tuned into from his living room
Many businesses have had to adapt to a "new normal" since the start of the pandemic, not least the pubs, which have kegs full of beer and nobody to pull pints for.
Pubs are likely to be one of the last businesses to reopen; the Government has said they will not be allowed to trade as usual before 10 August.
But some pubs and bars have been using this time to come up with new ways of bringing the pint to your door, as our reporter Natasha Murtagh explains.
Talks aimed at forming a new Government between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party resume today, however, the deadline to strike a coalition deal is slipping.
Its been 114 days now since the general election
On Sunday Green TD Joe O'Brien said it would be optimistic to expect agreement this week, while Fine Gael's Patrick O'Donovan said he doesn't think there's any immediate panic to reach a deal this week. Monday's talks will focus on agriculture.
Our political correspondent Micheal Lehane spoke with Morning Ireland.
Magaluf by the Lee.
That is how one prominent Cork City resident has described a surge in large house parties over the weekend near the city's University College Cork campus despite the Covid-19 restrictions.
Residents described scenes of mayhem on Saturday as long queues formed outside off-licences, large crowds roamed the streets and public greens drinking alcohol, before several house parties started in rented properties.
Catherine Clancy, Chair of the Magazine Road Residents' Association and former lord mayor of the city, said the issue must not be tolerated.
For four nights in a row, US cities have been engulfed with growing protests and riots over the death of George Floyd, who died after a police officer leaned on his neck with his knee for more than eight minutes.
The situation has turned violent in many cities, with widespread allegations of police brutality, looting and targeting of journalists reporting on events taking place.
Washington DC has not been immune, with angry scenes outside the White House in the early hours of Monday morning.
Business Post columnist Marion McKeone spoke to Morning Ireland about the worsening situation in an already divided nation.
Rioting in Minneapolis after death of unarmed black man (00:08); Michael O'Leary calls for end to "pointless" quarantine (04:02); Dominic Cummings survives (13:10); Dublin Mountain forests to be walker-friendly (20:11); Nursing home deaths (23:21); Fianna Fáil wants restrictions eased (29:48); South American hit team arrested (35:37); Chris Patten on Hong Kong (40:34); An Irish Blessing (47:44)
Close on 20 thousand visitors should be gathering in Listowel in County Kerry from tonight , when the town's Writers Weeks Festival was due to get underway. The pandemic however, has seen the festival cancelled when it should have been celebrating its 50th staging. Joe Stack has been getting the reaction of business people and organisers in Listowel, to a summer without its famous Writers Week.
Ryanair has described measures announced by the Government which require people arriving into Ireland to self-isolate for 14 days as ineffective and not possible to police. The new regulations mean all passengers arriving into the country will be legally required to complete a passenger locator form and will have to provide an address to Gardaí.
Schools have been closed since the 12th of March following an announcement by the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. The initial closure was for 2 weeks, but further measures were implemented and now they have been home schooling for over 2 months. Primary school children still have just over a month of school to go. The experiences of children from St Joseph's National School in Leitrim Village have been varied. Gail Conway reports...
As Ireland reopens after COVID-19 towns and cities around the country are preparing to get their recoveries off on the right foot. In Limerick, the city and county council has a plan that will see drive-thru gigs and the pedestrianisation of commercial streets as the backbone of its economic recovery. Cian McCormack joins us to tell us the story.
Natasha Murtagh speaks to hair professionals and those who wished they hadn't picked up a pair of scissors during lockdown.
Gail Conway reports on how the Indian community in Sligo has been working together and helping the local community
Paschal Sheehy, Southern Editor, visits Killarney National Park where its formal gardens, woodlands, wild deer and famous lakes remain out of bounds to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions
Cian McCormack reports on the virtual community centre for adults with disabilities set up by Enable Ireland after its adult service centres were forced to close due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Door falls off Air Corps helicopter in-flight (00:08); When will cancer screening resume? (4:32); Flanagan apology over Cahersiveen Direct Provision centre (15:07); ECDC plans for second Covid wave (21:08); Green party leadership heave? (28:39); UK publishes Brexit plans (34:20); Carbon neutral farming (39:40); Loyalist threats to journalists (44:56); ASTI unhappy with Leaving Cert indemnity (49:58); Brandon's dream to become a nurse (55:12)
Eleanor Mannion visits a community garden in Wicklow and also meets an 84 year old man who has finally managed to check the growth of his potatoes after cocooning prevented him travelling to his allotment.
Philip King describes the Courage project, which broadcasts musicians' performances, recorded in the National Gallery's Shaw Room, to a worldwide online audience, free of charge. More information here https://www.nationalgallery.ie/national-gallery-ireland-at-home/other-voices-courage
Cian McCormack reports on an initiative involving 1,000 bikers, a field of tulips, and €100,000 worth of Personal Protective Equipment from a Taiwan-based microchip company
Ailbhe Conneely, Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent, reports on calls for increased supports for those in need of drug and homeless supports.
Cian McCormack reports from Balally in Dublin where the local parish priest and his parishioners are placing small white crosses on the church to remember those who have passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, talks about the search for a vaccine, the future of cancer and other medical conditions, the easing of restrictions, and the wisdom -- or lack thereof -- of taking hydroxychloroquine
Gail Conway reports from County Sligo Golf Club where golfers prepare to tee-off this morning.
As we enter 'Phase 1' of easing restrictions and reopening Ireland, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris talks about what we must do now and into the future in order to keep the virus under control and exit lockdown safely.
Jennie O'Sullivan has been to Cobh in East Cork to see how Monday's easing of restrictions will affect the east Cork tourist town
Fiachra O Cionnaith speaks to medical staff on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic, and hears about the unprecedented levels of stress they're enduring
Do children carry the coronavirus? (00:08); Put the powerwasher away, pleads Irish Water (08:04); Ballinspittle restaurants feed cocooners (12:07); Non-Covid patients return to hospital (18:55); Girl dies on Donegal farm (27:46); Harps for Hope (31:05); Derry woman wins change in UK immigration law (35:02); Mental health of doctors (39:10); the Navajo Nation thanks Ireland (45:27)
25 years since Steve Collins beat the then undefeated Chris Eubank at Mill St; 1987 National League match between Dublin and Cork abandoned; non-league St Francis' fairytale run to the final of the 1990 FAI Cup; Shane Long's winning goal against world champions Germany in 2015; Shane Lowry's Irish Open win.
Will summer camps go ahead? With all the Covid uncertainty, Aengus Cox spoke with organisers of sports, arts, and nature camps ... as well as people holding virtual summer camps for kids.
Áine Ní Ghlinn has been announced Ireland's sixth Laureate na nÓg and is the first Irish language author to be awarded the title.
Paschal Sheehy speaks with food producers about what they’re doing with their produce with farmers’ markets closed.
Cian McCormack reports on the Donegal-Sligo-Leitrim local link service which has adapted to take healthcare staff to and from work, and to transport supplies for the community
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith reports on a new Dáil committee set up to examine the State's Covid-19 response, and meeting for the first time today. But does it also herald a return to party politics and the rows that come with it?
Doreen McPaul, attorney general of the Navajo Nation, tells us of her gratitude to Irish people for donating to their COVID-19 relief fund. During the Famine, her fellow Native American tribe, the Choctaw Nation, sent relief to Irish people. You can visit the Navajo donation page here https://nndoh.org/donate.html
Aibhlín McCrann, Chair of Cruit Éireann, discusses the new online platform, Harps for Hope.
Dr Helen Heneghan, member of The Irish Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism and Metabolic Surgeon at St Vincent’s Hospital Group, discusses the need for metabolic surgeries to resume.
Ken Doherty becomes World Snooker Champion in 1997; Eamonn Coghlan wins 5000m World Championships in Helsinki in 1983; Ireland's women's rugby team wins Grand Slam in 2013; GAA memories down through the years
A selection of stories from this week’s programme as chosen by the Morning Ireland team. This week: (00.07-11:31) Plans in motion to cancel the Leaving Certificate in its traditional form; (11:35-18:33) The latest update on COVID-19 figures; (18.37-22:22) Legislation being examined to monitor intentions of quarantine after flights; (22:27-30:25) How are asthma sufferers coping with COVID-19 on World Asthma Day; (30:30-36:59)The science, testing and ethics of developing a COVID-19 vaccine; (37:03-43:03) talks resume on Government formation; (43:07-51:24) Healthcare workers to get 45 hours of childcare per week; (51:28-55:23) Dublin man talks of his win on Mastermind.
Sean O'Rourke signs off for the final time after 7 years of what he called 'the great adventure of Today SOR'
Natasha Murtagh reports on how one animal rescue is continuing during the Covid-19 restrictions.
Adam Kelly, Leaving Cert student, discuss the prospect of a new grading system for the Leaving Cert.
Ciaran Byrne, Chief Executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland, discusses updated advice regarding angling to reflect the latest government and NPHET advice.
Philip Ryan, Political Editor, Independent Newspapers, says Ministers a drafting legislation to make it mandatory to fill in passenger location forms on arrival in Ireland.
Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, discusses long-awaited plans for State provision of 45 hours of childcare per week for healthcare workers
Ailbhe Conneely, Social Affairs and Religion Correspondent, reports that hearings on breach of access and breach of maintenance for separated parents will be dealt as urgent matters by the Courts.
Emma O'Kelly, Education Correspondent, discusses whats happening regarding the Leaving Cert exams.
John Moran, Chair of the SME Recovery Group, discusses why many businesses will need financial help to survive post Covid 19
Tom Lyons, Financial Journalist with the Currency News website, discusses the likely permanent closure of Bewley's Grafton Street Café in Dublin
Michael Wallace, professor of agriculture and food economics at UCD, says the farming sector could lose as much as €1bn in income this year alone due to the Covid-19 crisis.
In the latest edition of Morning Ireland Extra, Cian McCormack speaks to scientists and academics in the US about the development, testing and ethics involved in the search for a Covid-19 vaccine
Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure, discusses the latest Exchequer figures
Éilís Sheehy reports on the impact Covid-19 is having on couples due to get married and on the wedding industry
A selection of stories from the week: Ryanair planning up to 3,000 job losses (00:08); Covid hits meat plants (04:21); Covid restrictions lead to better air quality (10:36); Ireland faces "crawl" back to normality, says Professor of Infectious Diseases (17:16); Postcards you've received (28:24); How will education work post-lockdown? (32:22); When your mother dies thousands of miles away (39:27); Remembering Eavan Boland (50:10)
Each day sports desk presenter Darren Frehill is bringing Morning Ireland listeners on a trip down memory lane for Ireland's Sporting Moments.
Featured this week are cyclist Stephen Roche's record breaking 1987 (0-2:26); the Dublin vs Kerry All Ireland quarter final dual of 2001 (2:31-6:34); Denis Taylor's world championship snooker success in 1985 (6:40-9:05); Catherina McKiernan's Olympic heartbreak in 2000 (9:10-12:25); and the infamous Saipan civil war between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy before world cup 2002 (12:30-15:52).
83 days after the general election, and still no government.
There has been progress of sorts this week, with the Green party receiving a joint Fine Gael-Fianna Fail letter intended to entice them into government formation talks.
The document has led to speculation formal negotiations could start soon.
But, as RTE reporter Fiachra Ó Cionnaith explains, a decade on from their last time in a coalition, it remains unclear what exactly the Greens will do.
Eoghan Corry, travel expert, assesses the state of the industry, and looks ahead to when we might take our next holiday abroad
Cian McCormack reports on the complex changes that would be required to meet the Green Party's demand for a 7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
In the final part of his four-part series, Aengus Cox looks at how sporting organisations and teams will pick up the pieces once Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease.
Professor Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at the Royal College of Surgeons, and Danny McCoy, CEO of the employers' group Ibec, discuss options when it comes to easing Covid-19 restrictions
Dr Melissa McCullough, visiting academic at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland, tells of the heartbreaking loss of her mother, who died in a US nursing home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the third part of his four day series on Life After Lockdown, RTÉ reporter Aengus Cox examines how education may continue while Covid-19 still circulates.
Dr Karina Butler, President of Infectious Disease Society of Ireland, on the criteria that must be met before an easing of restrictions can take place.
Neil Murray, co-director of the Abbey Theatre, talks about the Dear Ireland project for which artists wrote monologues and actors perform them. Tune in at 7.30pm from today, Friday, until Friday on the theatre's YouTube channel
Sinéad Hussey, North East Correspondent, spoke to Kay Wilkinson in Drogheda about how the hair and beauty industry has come together with Age Action Ireland to try and reach out to older people during the Covid-19 crisis
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, and Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, on the passing of the acclaimed Irish poet, and their friend, Eavan Boland
AengusCox speaks to business owners who are preparing to navigate the reality of life after the lockdown. This is the second part of a four-part series
Cian McCormack spoke to experts who say the Covid-19 restrictions have resulted in the biggest reduction in pollutants in decades, and could chart a way forward to a cleaner environment
In the first of a four part series, Morning Ireland's Aengus Cox reports on how Covid-19 could have a lasting effect on some of our routines and habits.
Morning Ireland's Darren Frehill continues his series on great Irish sporting moments by reporting on 1987, the year cyclist Stephen Roche owned the roads.
Morning Ireland's Cian McCormack reports that Achill Island is adapting its tourist infrastructure to help the cocooned elderly and vulnerable.
An Post sent out millions of free postcards to encourage people to write to each other. And you did. Here's a compilation of some of the postcards which you kindly shared with us
All of Darren Frehill's sporting memories this week.... The 1956 Melbourne Olympics with Ronnie Delaney, Eddie Macken and Boomerang (1970s), 1994 when Leitrim won the Connacht title, Sonia O'Sullivan and Katie Taylor in 2012.
A selection of reports and interviews from the week, as chosen by the Morning Ireland team.
One man who is very fortunate to be alive is prominent Belfast solicitor Niall Murphy. He spent 16 days in an induced coma on a ventilator in Antrim Area Hospital. He's only 43 and was fit and healthy before contracting Covid-19. Niall spoke to Audrey Carville.
It's hard to have a laugh these days as we social distance and mix less with people. And as we digest reams of heavy pandemic news how important is comedy? Our reporter Cian McCormack has being finding out.
Paul Brady has written a new song, written and recorded at home during lockdown. It's called It's a Beautiful World. (Now you're here). Paul joins us for chat.
The Ark Children's cultural centre in Dublin was due to be holding the 'Big Bang' Cultural festival this month. One of the installations asked children to write a 'Love Song' about something special to them. The exhibition has now been moved on line - but children can continue to contribute digitally as Sinéad Crowley now reports.
An Post has delivered over five million free postcards to households around the country, to encourage us to stay connected during the lockdown. On the programme, we've been asking you to share an audio recording of a special message you have sent or received.
With around a million workers depending on state benefits and no clarity over how long more they'll need help or can't work, The Department of Finance is now forecasting that the economy will shrink by 10 per cent this year. Unemployment could rise to as much as 22 per cent and the gap between what the country makes and what it spends will grow to 23 billion euro this year. We're joined by the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe T.D.
Technology can also play an important role in helping to fight the coronavirus. But with new technologies come concerns about privacy and security. Our reporter Aoife Hegarty has been looking into these issues and she joins us now.
Cian McCormack spoke to people in Detroit, Michigan -- a city already taking a huge financial hit from Covid-19 -- who fear that the protests against the continuing lockdown could make matters worse
Louise Byrne spoke to a woman in her forties, and the parents of a man of the same age group, who find themselves living in a particularly vulnerable environment for Covid infection; Dr Joanne McCarthy, of the Disability Federation of Ireland, discusses the problem of younger people being cared for in nursing homes
Eddie Bohan, broadcast historian, pays tribute to Ronan O'Rahilly, founder of the iconic pirate station Radio Caroline, who has died, aged 79
In the second and final part of her series on the changing face of democracy, Mary Regan asks if some of the radical changes forced by Covid-19 could become permanent
An Post has delivered over five million free postcards to households around the country, to encourage us to stay connected during the lockdown. On the programme, we've been asking you to share an audio recording of a special message you have sent or received.
When the corona virus outbreak hit Irish shores, and the imposition of restrictions here saw schools and crèches close, one of the first promises made by Government was to provide childcare for essential healthcare workers. But weeks on and those promises have yet to materialise. Aoife Hegarty reports
In the first of a two-part series, Mary Regan looks at Hungary, where a new set of measures was introduced last week allowing Prime Minister Viktor Orban to rule by decree for an indefinite period. She asks whether other leaders might be tempted to use the crisis to expand their control
While cocooning is deemed advisory, not mandatory, Louise Byrne asks how and when might older people get back walking.
Sinead Hussey, RTÉ North Eastern Correspondent reports on upsurge in illegal dumping in Counties Louth and Meath since the outbreak of Covid-19.
Simon Harris, Minister for Health, discusses the latest on the Government's response to the spread of Covid-19 amid increased scrutiny on clusters in residential care settings.
Emeritus Professor Ruairi Brugha, head of the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland on eradicating Covid-19 in nursing homes and residential settings.
All of Darren Frehill's sporting memories this week... BobbyJo wins the Irish Grand National 1998; Tiger Woods wins The Masters in 1997; Hillsborough disaster 1989; GAA amends Rule 42 2005 and Ireland beat England in Croke Park 2007.
Get in touch: sportingmoments@rte.ie
Nursing home owner tells of distress over Covid deaths (00:08); Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil agree roadmap for Govt formation (12:42); Irishman being questioned over Covid scam (19:25); Food producers under pressure during period of restrictions (23:49); Increase in illegal dumping (30:48); Suffering of people with disabilities during Covid restrictions (35:08); Health insurers return money to clients (42:47); RTÉ launches 'Ireland Remembers' (47:59); Postcards from our listeners (50:17)
Cian McCormack speaks to Irish people living illegally in the US, and hears how the Covid-19 crisis is affecting them
Mary Dunnion, HIQA's Chief Inspector of Social Services, says staffing is a severe problem for nursing homes during the coronavirus crisis, and it is being addressed
We asked listeners to send in recordings of some of the postcards they have been sending to, and receiving from, loved ones. If you have one you want to share, send it to morningireland@rte.ie