Newstalk Breakfast

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has accused solicitors of targeting rape cases during their legal aid protest. Solicitors deny the claim. Anton Savage was joined by solicitor, Michael Finucane to discuss.

Alcohol Action Ireland will today recommend to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to reduce alcohol trading hours among other things in order to combat alcohol’s role in unprovoked assaults. Dr Sheila Gilheany CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

Talks on a new public sector pay deal have concluded last night after about five hours of negotiations. The talks get underway again this morning. Unite deputy regional secretary, Tom Fitzgerald joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

There have been numerous incidents of deer causing danger to drivers and the issue going underreported. Independent TD for County Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss rural road safety.

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was David Mc Redmond Former CEO of An Post.

Have you ever laughed so much that you couldn’t stop? There’s actually science behind it! Different brain networks control laughter, linking it to emotions, pleasure and social connection. Sophie Scott Professor of Cognitive Psychology, University College London joined us on the show to discuss.

New battery-electric trains are due to enter service next year in a bid to ease overcrowding on Irish rail services. Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at the School of Engineering at Trinity College joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss if they will make a difference.

The Government is considering new planning rules to help councils limit the growing number of vape shops, amid concerns about youth vaping, suspected money laundering and the impact on town centres. Anton Savage was joined on the show by Garret Ahearn Fine Gael Senator & spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss.

The Central Bank has published a new report today on the cost of motor insurance, with premiums showing signs of falling. But are Irish motorists paying less and how much of your premium goes towards claims, legal fees and insurers’ costs?  Moyagh Murdock, Chief executive of Insurance Ireland joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss.

Many parts of the world are still working to figure out if and how driverless cars will work. But Elon Musk and Tesla now have their eyes set on a new innovation flying cars.

For more on this Anton spoke to Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly.