Newstalk Breakfast

Taoiseach Michael Martin has confirmed there will be “fair and robust” changes to Ireland's immigration system this week.   What impact will these changes have?  We discuss all with Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.

“Here in Switzerland, assisted dying has become too easy. Ireland should handle the issue with care.” So wrote Irish author living in Switzerland Clare O’Dea in the Independent.  

Today, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris is expected to formally sign orders guaranteeing sustained, nationwide access to cash for both people and businesses.  

Ciara discusses this further with Mattie McGrath, Independent TD for Tipperary.

A rally will be held in Dublin later today to protest rent increases for tenants in council housing or on the Housing Assistant Payment scheme.  We heard from People Before Profit Councillor for Ballymun Finglas, Conor Reddy. 

An Oireachtas Committee has heard that junior infant and sixth class students alike are receiving the same lunch portions in school, sparking health concerns.   

There are also concerns over the nutritional value of the hot meals available in schools. Shane discusses this with Sarah Keogh, Dietician and founder of Eatwell.

Local businesses are creating a new experience for Christmas shoppers by making one-off events – collaborating with other businesses and suppliers, offering freebies and discounts for customers.  

Newstalk's Ciara Treacy went to a couple of these events in Dublin City Centre last night to find out more.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary  hits back at claims the airline hikes fares around major sporting events rejecting suggestions of price gouging.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has received the draft of a new US-backed plan to end Russia's war in his country, according to his office.   He is expected to hold talks with US President Donald Trump in the coming days. To discuss further we heard from Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast. 

Regulators should examine whether increased air fares particularly around sporting events are compliant with consumer protection laws. So says Mark Duffy, Fine Gael Senator, spokesperson on Transport in the Seanad and Member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport.

People buying cocaine on a Friday night could be inadvertently funding Russia's war in Ukraine. This is according to An international investigation involving the gardaí, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and other European and US law enforcement agencies   

 Shane discusses this further with Crypto currency Journalist Connor Sephton.