The Hard Shoulder Highlights

Exclusive figures shared with Newstalk have revealed that 12,722 children with additional needs have been waiting on HSE waitlists for more than six months for assessments…

Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and author of “Resilience: Lessons from Sir William Wilde on Life After Covid”, Brendan Kelly and Director of Neurodiversity Ireland, Nessa Hill.

In the lead up to the General Election, big debates are being held on the Hard Shoulder. Today: Crime.

How big of an issue is crime for this election? And how can things be improved?

Joining Kieran to debate is Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice and Fine Gael General Election candidate for Meath East, Jim O’Callaghan, Fianna Fáil’s Justice Spokesperson and General Election candidate for Dublin Bay South, Peadar Tóibín, Leader of Aontú and General Election candidate for Meath West and Daithí Doolan, Sinn Féin candidate for Dublin South Central.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran to try different brands of prawn cocktail, crisps or otherwise!

Howard Lutnick, the Vice-Chair of Donald Trump’s transition team, will now lead the US Commerce Department.

You may or may not know him, but what could this mean for the global economy and Ireland?

Emma Howard is an Economist with TU Dublin, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Image: Reuters

There is a plentiful range of herbal teas and infusions out there that promise so many health benefits, but which are true?

Jenna Logan Clement & Pekoe’s Resident Tea Sommelier, joins Kieran to discuss some of the choices, and what the real benefits are.

It’s International Fraud Awareness Week, and we’ve teamed up with Bank of Ireland to help educate and inform how to protect our online profiles and land the simple message: Stop Think. Check.

Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss.

For more information, see: bankofireland.com/security-zone

In partnership with Bank of Ireland.

There are many seats to be filled in the General Election, and based on current polling numbers, we are likely to see a good return of Independents in the Dáil.

Is this something to be concerned about? Or will the Independents possibly be a stabilising factor to whoever ends up in the hot seat?

Joining Kieran to discuss is Michael McDowell, former Senator, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice.

The weather outside is frightful… and that means commuting can be too!

Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been out asking commuters about their recent experiences as winter takes its hold, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

In this election there has been much talk about the cost of living crisis, the housing crisis, too many teachers in the Dáil crisis, but little chat about the climate crisis.

Is this not a big issue for voters?

Joining Kieran to discuss is Oisin Coughlan, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Ireland and Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

It's time for Kidstalk! The kids from South City Community National School Dublin chat to Henry McKean about the General Election, and what they would like to see get done.