In the latest clampdown on dodgy boxes, 15 retail outlets (including retailers in Louth and Meath) helping to provide the service were targeted across nine counties.

But the question still remains: can you really stop dodgy boxes?

Chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) Kieron Sharp says that while media piracy may seem like a victimless crime, streaming services still rely on subscription revenues to provide their services.

Kieron Sharp joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this.

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A Sinn Fein councillor has called on Meath County Council to write to the Minister for Housing requesting an increase in the income threshold for the Mortgage to Rent Scheme in order to help homeowners at risk of losing their homes.

Fionnan Blake tabled a motion to that effect at the September meeting of the council.

We spoke to councillor Blake this morning on The Agenda to find out more.

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The government are spending more money than they are making.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council says with the economy performing so well, it doesn't need support from budgetary policy.

The Council has advised the government that a more restrained approach would prevent overheating the economy, leaving the country in a better position should there be an economic downturn.

Chief Economist with body, Niall Conroy, is recommending a move away from the yearly budget.

Niall spoke to us this morning on The Agenda about this.

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The level of child deprivation is on par with the “darkest days” of the economic crash, with one in five children currently living below the poverty line.

The new report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) states that inflation has disproportionately affected those on lower incomes, but universal welfare increases have largely not kept pace with rising costs.

“In real terms, they translate as welfare cuts or freezes when measured against inflation,” the report said.

Dr Barra Roantree, one author of the report, said it’s “hard to see” how the government can meet its own child poverty reduction targets without major reform, and he joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

We also spoke to National Policy Manager at Barnardos, Stephen Moffatt, to get their reaction to this harrowing report.

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The LCSP (Local Community Safety Partnership) will replace the former Joint Policing Committees which were wound up in 2024. The Louth LCSP is expected to meet in October, with two councillors from each of the municipal districts nominated to sit on the forum.

The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr. Sean Kelly, is also expected to take a seat.

But, councillors from the Ardee area spoke of their dissatisfaction with the scrapping of Joint Policing Committees at their September meeting.

Councillor John Sheridan said the views of councillors on the community partnerships had been flagged with the government, adding “ But our Oireachtas members let us down.”

Councillor Sheridan joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

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Clogherhead village is in urgent need of road repairs, Cllr. Declan Power told the monthly meeting of Drogheda Borough District.

The local councillor, who raised a number of issues at the September meeting, called for an update on the roadworks programme for Clogherhead, saying: “The village is in bits, and has been for a long time.”

Councillor Power spoke to us this morning on The Agenda about this.

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Loneliness is emerging as a major but often overlooked health risk for Ireland’s older population, according to new findings from a Trinity College study.

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), which has tracked over 8,000 adults aged 50 and older for more than 14 years, found that persistent loneliness is linked to poorer mental and physical health, reduced functional ability, and a lower quality of life.

While average levels of loneliness returned to pre-pandemic norms after a sharp rise during Covid-19 lockdowns, around one in eight older adults continue to report significant loneliness – a level strongly associated with depression, functional decline, and poorer self-rated health.

Head of Communication and fundraising at ALONE, Frank Dillon, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

We also heard about ALONE’s calls for extra €12.5m for Housing Adaptation Grants in Budget 2026 to give older people independence and security.

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Families across Meath are facing a “crippling” shortage of early learning and childcare places, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Darren O’Rourke, has said.

He is calling on the Government to “urgently” deliver on its commitment to provide state-owned facilities.

Speaking after receiving a parliamentary reply from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy O’Rourke said the shortage is placing immense strain on parents and children throughout the county.

Deputy O'Rourke joined us this morning on The Agenda to speak to us some more about this.

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Deal secured with French Prime minister over EU - Mercosur deal 

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