On The Group Chat this week, Richard is live from Vatican City as thousands gather in St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis - but did he have a chance encounter with the next pope? Or is Dubliner Cardinal Kevin Farrell going to bring it home for Drimnagh?

Also on this episode, Gavan And Zara discuss the changes to how teachers are appointed and their potential consequences.

Plus, why are gigs north of the border so much cheaper?

📺 You can watch this episode of The Group Chat on Virgin Media Play or on the Virgin Media News YouTube.

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With Ireland’s housing crisis at breaking point, The Group Chat asks the big question: Why does it take so long to get any infrastructure projects off the ground?

Zara King, Richard Chambers and Gavan Reilly dig into delays, frustrations, and what's holding Ireland back.

Also on this week’s episode:

🚈 Cork’s new Luas plan – is it realistic or just another promise?

🇺🇸 A stark warning for J1 students heading to the US

🌍 Gaza coverage – why is attention waning?

🚀 And Katy Perry’s strange trip to space

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts

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#TheGroupChat #HousingCrisis #Ireland #J1Visa #Gaza #KatyPerry #CorkLuas

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On The Group Chat this week: Donald Trump hits the brakes on his sweeping tariffs – but is it a tactical retreat or just a pause? And what does it mean for Ireland's economic outlook?

The team also dive into the latest developments in the CHI spinal surgery scandal and the ongoing search for missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.

Plus, is Dubai chocolate worth the hype?

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💶This week on The Group Chat Podcast, we dive into the latest tariff turmoil surrounding Trump – what does it mean for your pay and your pocket? 

📚Plus, we’re joined in studio by a mother who’s ready to chain herself to the school gates to ensure her autistic son gets an appropriate school place this September. 

🎧Tune in now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Richard and Gavan take a deep dive into the Dáil row that could cost Verona Murphy her position as Ceann Comhairle.

War plans in another group chat, we explain the White House Signal security scandal.

Plus, is Irish football back?

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The group is back together in studio to discuss the fallout of Conor McGregor's White House invitation on St. Patrick's Day and what it means for future US-Ireland relations.

Israel has broken its ceasefire with Hamas through a renewed series of bombings, while the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire is still up in the air.

And Amazon has launched a dedicated Irish website; will this impact smaller businesses across the country?

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Gavan takes Zara and Richard inside Donald Trump's famous home in Washington as he prepares for his meeting with the Taoiseach.

The group also discuss the latest moves towards a ceasefire in Ukraine as Kyiv agrees to back the American peace plan.

They also speak to Guardian International Correspondent Michael Safi about the latest unrest in Syria, ISIS and fears of a civil war.

Later Zara gives her verdict on Meghan Markle's new Netflix 'lifestyle series.

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This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King break down the week that shook global politics. As Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy clash publicly, US-Europe relations hit a new low—so where does that leave Ireland?

The team discusses:

🇺🇦 Geopolitical rifts amid the Russia-Ukraine war

🇮🇪 Micheál Martin’s unprecedented political week

🌍 Ireland’s climate obligations

🇵🇸 Tensions in the West Bank

🍻 Should zero-alcohol beers be allowed at work?

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Gavan and Zara discuss the rise in violence against women in Ireland and speak with Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson on what can be done to solve it.

US President Donald Trump has secured a minerals deal with Ukraine as efforts continue to end the war. What precedent does this set for other world leaders?

And would you pass the driving test? A call has been made for drivers to resit the theory test every 10 years.

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