Day two of the withdrawal by criminal defence solicitors is underway across Dublin. With services continuing to be suspended in the District, Circuit and Central Criminal Courts in a dispute over changes to the legal aid payment system. 

Joining Jonathan this morning to discuss this further was Social Democrats Justice Spokesperson TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon and Solicitor Michael Finucane. 

Finance Minister Simon Harris has said that improving people’s disposable income will be a core focus of Budget 2027. With cuts to income tax among key priorities for the government. 

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Michelle Murphy, Research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland and James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Jonathan this morning was Ronan McGreevy, News Reporter, Irish Times. 

At what age can you leave your child home alone and leave them to their own devices? Jonathan asked Senior Clinical Psychologist and past President of the Psychological Society of Ireland, Dr Anne Keogh.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has just landed down in Kyiv for a meting with Volodymir Zelenskyy. Covering his trip is Newstalk’s own reporter Emily Keegan. 

This week began using drones as part of operations targeting scramblers and e-scooters. 

A total of 11 e-scooters, two e-bikes and one scrambler were seized during the operation in west Dublin on Tuesday. How easily can drones be rolled out to Gardaí at large? 

Jonathan discusses this with Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Airport Safety and Security Officer. 

Dr Mike Ryan, former Executive Director of the World Health Organisation will be at this year’s MacGill Summer School. Discussing “The New World Disorder”, and Ireland’s role in the world in uncertain and fragmented times. Dr Mike Ryan spoke to Jonathan this morning on the show.

New figures from Geo Directory show more than 30,000 homes are now under construction across Ireland. While house prices continue to rise despite increased building activity. 

CEO of Geo Directory Dara Keogh explained the findings of the report.

Criminal defence solicitors across Ireland are withdrawing their services in the District, Circuit and Central Criminal Courts today and tomorrow . This is happening over a dispute over changes to the legal aid payment system introduced by the Justice Minister. 

Joining Jonathan to discuss was s Tony Collier a Partner at Ferrys Solicitor. 

Uisce Éireann have announced this morning that a hosepipe ban on six counties until the end of August has been extended nationwide. This is because pressure on water supplies continues. 

Lecturer in Public Procurement at DCU, Paul Davies explained why the restrictions are necessary.