Newstalk Breakfast

With thousands of flights to and from the Middle East cancelled and many Irish travellers stuck in the region. There will be many listening this morning who have had travel plans affected by the ongoing conflict  

But what consumer rights exist for travellers in extraordinary situations we now find ourselves in? With advice and guidance we heard from Sinead Ryan Consumer Columnist with The Irish Independent and Presenter of the home show on Newstalk . 

The US and Israel are attacking Iran for a fourth day and Tehran is continuing retaliatory strikes against Washington's allies and bases across the Gulf. 

We discuss the situation with Jane Kinninmont Chief executive of United Nations Association UK and Duncan Bullivant, CEO of Henderson Risk Group, Former British Army Officer & Former UK Diplomat Jane Kinninmont Chief executive of United Nations Association UK. 

The number of Dubliners using bicycles on an almost daily basis has increased by 50 per cent in just two years. This according to new research from the National Transport Authority, who have today published the findings of the largest survey of walking, wheeling, and cycling in Ireland 

Anton discusses the findings with Finola O’Driscoll, Senior Programme Manager with the NTA. 

“It’s been 15 years since my mum died but the grief and unfairness of losing her has roared back to life”. Those are the words of Irish Independent Columnist Tanya Sweeney who spoke to Anton this morning about her grief journey.

A large number of Irish people are still stranded in the Middle East as conflict in the region has caused chaos for international travel. There are also about 22,000 Irish living in the gulf region who are fearful of what may come next. 

To discuss the support the government are giving for those stranded Anton spoke to Neale Richmond Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown. 

It’s time for "Did You See”. Where we take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Christina Finn Political Editor with The Journal.ie. 

Members of the Irish Farmers' Association have ended their sit-in protest at Bord Bia, after the State agency’s board agreed to an independent expert-led governance review into its operations. Larry Murrin will stand aside from chairing board meetings for the duration of the review. 

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, chose not to protest, though they did call for Larry to step aside. Their President Denis Drennan spoke to Anton this morning.

The national Gaeltacht housing campaign group TINTEÁN will hold a protest today outside Leinster House. They are calling on the government to take immediate action on the housing and language crisis in Irish speaking areas. 

Speaking to Anton was John Prendergast, Advocacy Manager with Conradh na Gaeilge.

US President Donald Trump has said the “big wave” of the US attack on Iran is yet to come, when he yesterday laid out his war objectives, saying he wanted to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, annihilate its navy, end its nuclear ambitions and stop it arming militant groups. 

Anton discusses this further with, Middle East Journalist and Analyst Borzou Daragahi. 

It is officially bird nesting season! Today, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD is asking people to play their part by helping to protect birds and wildlife. 

Legislation does majorly prohibit the pruning or removal of hedgerows during nesting season, but why are these hedgerows so important? 

All to discuss with Eanna ni Lamhna, biologist, environmentalist broadcaster and author.