Helen Steele is an award-winning Irish designer and artist. Her signature prints and bold use of colour have become part of the Irish fashion landscape, from her high-end pieces to her long-running collaboration with Dunnes Stores. Helen chatted to Claire about her life and road to fashion.

Ever wondered what it is like to be nominated for an Oscar? Do you campaign for the win? And do you really not find out until the night? 

Joining Claire are three people who know all about it! Ed Guiney, Co-founder and co-Ceo Element Pictures Nominated for Best Picture for the film ‘Bugonia’, Andrew Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of Antidote Films whose film Retirement Plan is nominated for ‘Best Short film’. AlsoLouise Bagnall from Cartoon Saloon. Was nominated in 2019 for ‘Best Short animated film’ for Late Afternoon.

The Policing and Community Safety Authority has committed to make sure that when the Gardai use Artificial Intelligence, they do so in an ethical way that doesn’t infringe on human rights.   

But what will that mean in practice? To discuss further Claire was joined by the Chief Executive of the PCSA, Helen Hall.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee joined Claire to discuss the plans to get Irish citizens out of the Middle East.

Are you struggling getting your children to sleep at bedtime? To discuss some of the best ways to deal with this, I’m now joined by Paediatric Sleep Consultant, Lucy Wolfe.  

The economic consequences of the war in the Middle East are beginning to be felt with gas prices rising. With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – what more can we expect?  

All to discuss with Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade and also Patrick Bury, who is Senior Security Lecturer at The University Of Bath, as well as a former NATO Analyst and Army Officer. 

What will it mean for Ireland if a group of Galway residents who oppose the major expansion of a solar farm, manage to stop it? 

To debate this, Claire joined by Independent Economist, David W Higgins, and Chairman of AMASS, (Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea against solar sprawl) the local community group opposed to solar farm expansion in Galway.

Have you ever considered getting income protection? Or critical illness cover? Are they another added expense that you don’t need, or an essential that we all should have? 

A lot to discuss with Wealth Management Adviser Lorraine Cooke and Director of Jigsaw Financial Solutions.

Does the idea of World Book Day have you reaching for the glue gun or breaking out in hives? Its original aim was to promote reading for young people. But now parents say they’re under huge pressure to come up with costumes for children who are asked to dress up as their favourite book character.

Joining Claire to chat more was CEO of Children’s Books Ireland Elaina Ryan and Sarah Webb, Children’s Author.

Overcrowding, inadequate food provision, lack of private space and restricted family life are systemic issues in emergency accommodation centres rather than isolated incidents. So says new research out today which calls for these places to be regulated and inspected by HIQA.   

Is the asylum system fit for purpose or does it need to go? All to discuss with Peadar Toibin, Aontu leader and Nick Henderson CEO of the Refugee Council.