Newstalk Breakfast

C-Section rates in Ireland are continuing to rise with more than four in ten women giving birth by the surgical delivery rate last year. To discuss this rise in numbers was Professor Maeve Eogan is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Rotunda Hospital. 

Pakistan says the US and Iran could be close to a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are still major differences remain between the two sides. 

Anton discusses further with Alexander Dragonetti a Former British diplomat who worked in Gaza. 

The long-awaited solar eclipse is just hours away and people will be gathering all over the country to watch it happen. We get the facts about the eclipse with Dr Ray Butler, Head of Physics at the University of Galway. Also speaking to Anton with advice on protecting your eyes today was Liz Grennan, President Optometry Ireland. 

We take a closer look at some of the stories you may have missed in the news this morning. Joining Anton this morning was Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant and Former Senior Political Advisor.

The Butt Face Toy designed to be as bizarre as its name suggests, it has sparked plenty of negative reactions and questions about who, exactly, this product is supposed to appeal to. 

We get reaction to this toy with Psychotherapist who specialises in parenting support, Bethan O’Riordan. 

In Ireland, 61% of adults own a smartwatch and say they rely on it to monitor their health and exercise data. But is it really good for us to constantly be checking out sleep score, heart beat, steps and everything else that it can track? 

Anton asked Health Scientist and Sleep Coach Tom Coleman. 

A Swiss flight from Zurich to Boston was diverted to Dublin after smoke was reported in the cabin, reportedly caused by a power bank trapped in a passenger seat. More than 200 passengers were on board, with no injuries reported. The AAIU is investigating. 

To explain what happened on the fight was Pete Hutchison who is Pete the Irish Pilot on social media.

With the summer of high temperatures and low rainfall. This has left the agricultural sector struggling with significant extra costs. 

But when will these issues be reflected in supermarkets? Anton asked Karol Kissane, Head of Public Sector Services and Economics at IFAC. 

More than 220 people have been killed after Colombia was hit by its strongest earthquake this century. Hospitals in some of the worst-hit areas are now overwhelmed.

To explain the situation there was Karol Balfe, CEO of Action Aid Ireland. 

The deepest solar eclipse visible in Ireland since 1999 is just hours away, and people will be gathering all over the country to watch it happen. 

Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather explained if conditions will be clear enough for viewers to see.