Breakfast Briefing

Smokers have been urged to kick the habit for good today, Ash Wednesday, as health chiefs insist the benefits begin just 20 minutes after stubbing out the last cigarette.

HSE research shows 79% of smokers want to give up and the vast majority (83%) regret starting.

Ash Wednesday is National No Smoking Day.

20-a-day smokers could save €5,000 a year.

The Irish Heart Foundation’s Medical Director, Dr Angie Brown joined Shane Beatty on Breakfast Briefing:

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Almost half of people returning to work after a cancer diagnosis feel it impacted their career.

New research from the ESRI and the Irish Cancer Society has found one in ten say their salary reduced after going back to the office.

Women, young people, the self-employed and public sector workers were most likely to feel their career was negatively impacted.

Rachel Morrogh, from the Irish Cancer Society, joined Shane Beatty on Breakfast Briefing:

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A new survey by Red C for Early Childcare Ireland has guaged the attitudes of parents to the sector during the pandemic. Frances Byrne, Director of Policy Early Childhood Ireland, talks us through the findings; 

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There’s no doubt that covid has affected all our lives but it’s particularly challenging for some of the more vulnerable groups in society. Many adults with Down Syndrome have been left isolated and have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. I spoke to Cathy Gray from DSI about the challenges they face.

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Thousands of children with special needs are returning to the classroom today, with the reopening of special schools.

Classes will initially be limited to 50 per cent capacity, with kids going to school every second day.

It comes as special classes in secondary schools look set to resume on February 22nd, after teachers and SNAs announced they'd back the move.

The Teachers Union of Ireland says it would also facilitate the return of Leaving Cert students on the same week, subject to public health advice.

Lorraine Dempsey from Inclusion Ireland joined Shane Beatty on Breakfast Briefing:

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