Behind the Story

The government published the country's first maritime strategy today, but what's in it? and do we have the money to pay for it? Former Army Ranger and TD, Dr Cathal Berry joins Fran and Paul to tease out the plan. 

Later, RTÉ's Brian O'Donovan discusses the possibility that Stripe - the payment firm may buy PayPal, which would be a significant move for the Collison Brothers from Limerick, who own Stripe. And, Punch the monkey gets a mention! 

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As the 4th anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, Professor Donnacha Ó' Beacháin joins Fran and Laura to discuss the situation now. A planned European Union loan of €90bn for Ukraine has been blocked by Hungary so what needs to happen to support the country in the future? 

Later, Fran takes a look at a special project at the University of Limerick where Irish, Ukrainian and EU students are making plans to help with the reconstruction of Kharkiv and other cities in the war torn country. 

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Following the arrest and release of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor by Thames Police, the story continues to dominate world headlines. Historian and author of 'Entitled', Andrew Lownie joins Fran and Maggie to discuss the unprecedented nature of the arrest and his research into the former Prince's activities as a trade envoy. 

Fran and Maggie also reveal the story behind the photo that was taken of Andrew's release and how Reuters' photographer Phil Noble got the shot that was flashed across the world. 

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Richard Browne, the Director of the National Cyber Security Centre joined Fran and Paul for a deep dive into the cyber risks facing the country. AI is acclerating the number of attacks globally and even the National Cyber Risk Assessment document, published in December is already out of date in parts. 

Richard explains the type of threats that are evolving and how some nation states are actively involved in espionage and attacks on critical infrastructure. Closer to home, Richard explains that the NCSC will shortly roll out more support to SMEs to help combat cyberattacks. 

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"I have a lift, bye'... the last words of Jo Jo Dullard in 1995 before she went missing. Gardaí declared her case a murder investigation in 2020. Deirdre Jacob went missing in 1998, her case was upgraded to a murder enquiry in 2018. Today, a new search began in a quarry in Co Wicklow, it is the first time both cases have been linked by the authorities. Crime journalist and author Barry Cummins joins Fran and Maggie to explain the new developments which led to today's search. 

Later, Fran and Maggie discuss the situation regarding some schools receiving letters indicating they will be losing some of their SNA support. 

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An agreement between the OPW and a charity to build a National Children's Science Centre has run aground. The OPW says it doesn't have the money and no government department wants to take responsability for it however it was revealed on Thursday that the building MUST be delivered by 2029. So what is going on? Public Affairs Correspondant with the Irish Times, Martin Wall joins Fran and and Laura to explain what's happening and why the OPW are saying there could be less flood defences if they are forced to see this project through. 

Later, Sustainability and Marketing lecturer, Ciarán O'Carroll discusses the ongoing row around oat milk and why's it's not 'milk'! 

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Irish man Seamus Culleton who is detained by ICE in a facility in Texas went public with his story yesterday and appealed to politicians to help get him released. But would diplomacy help or hinder the situation? Former Irish Ambassador to the US, Dan Mulhall joins Fran and Paul to discuss what could be done. 

The duo also explain the latest developments in the review into children's spinal surgeries in CHI Temple Street. 

Fran and Paul tease out the latest Olympic drama off the ice, the story of the bronze medallist who confessed to having an affair on live TV in an effort to win his girlfriend back. 

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House buyers who bid on properties in open or online auctions are pushing prices up more than they can afford. Bidders in sealed auctions pay less and don't go beyond their budget. A new report by ESRI examines the behaviour of bidders in different house buying systems. Professor Pete Lunn joins Fran and Maggie to explain the research and the psychology at play when someone is bidding on a property. 

Later, Dr Kathryn Simpson of Keele University analyses the mounting pressure on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following two resignations from his political staff in the last twenty hour hours. 

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As the Winter Olympics gets underway in Italy, RTE Sport's Eamon Horan joins Fran and Laura to discuss the Irish hopefuls at the games and the controversy around penis injections in ski jumping! 

Later, Assistant Lecturer in Global Business at TUD, Richard Woodward, discusses the ongoing ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international sporting competitions. FIFA and the IOC signalled this week they support lifting the ban on the two countries for future games. 

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A new survey from the University of Limerick Student Union found 60% of commuter students travelled more than one hour each way to campus during the last academic year. Commuting is having a substantial impact on students’ academic performance, financial security and wellbeing.

Dervla Ryan, Diversity & Inclusion Officer at UL Students’ Union, discusses the survey – and what needs to be done to change things.

Lucy Fisher of the Financial Times also joins Fran and Laura to outline the growing pressure on UK PM Keir Starmer over Peter Mandelson relationship with disgraced former financier Jeffrey Epstein. 

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