This Week

A VAT cut for restaurants came into effect at the start of July, but that doesn't mean the cost of your takeaway being delivered will go down. The workers in the takeaway meal economy were typically classed as self-employed, but new legislation will require them to be classified as employees. RTÉ reporter Eithne Dodd has been finding out more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A diplomatic battle has been underway in recent months between the EU and the United States over the future of the former war-torn Balkan nation of Bosnia Herzegovina. Paul was joined in studio by Kurt Bassuener, co-founder of advocacy group The Democratization Policy Council, for a discussion about what's at stake for all parties.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Firefighters in southern Spain said today that a wildfire, which has killed at least 12 people, is close to being brought under control. The development has allowed hundreds of evacuated residents to return home. RTÉ Correspondent Dimitri O'Donnell reported from the region.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally to France, where the far right leader Marine Le Pen announced this week that she will run for the presidency in April. She made the announcement after an appeals court ruling opened the way for her fourth tilt at the top job. To find out more, Paul was joined from Paris by The Irish Times Correspondent Naomi O'Leary.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Survivors of mother-and-baby institutions say they're still finding it extremely difficult to secure full access to documentation about their lives from the State and its agencies. Paul spoke to a survivor of the St Patricks Home on the Navan Road, and to Patricia Carey, Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man in his 40s has died following a shooting incident in Dún Laoghaire in South County Dublin. Paul was joined from the scene by RTÉ reporter Karen Creed.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath said the Commission was maintaining close contact with the Irish government in advance of the completion of its report into Aughinish Alumina, the Co Limerick refinery which has been sending alumina to Russia. Irish Times correspondent Conor Gallagher joined Paul for a thorough discussion.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A row between Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and solicitors over pay in the District Courts is threatening to cause further legal disruption this week. To discuss the impasse, Paul was joined by Michael O'Higgins, Senior Counsel, who practices in the criminal courts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ukrainian armed forces have continued persistent drone strikes on oil refineries inside Russia, leading to fuel shortages and queues at forecourts across the country. Russia has been forced to import fuel to try and counter the problem and ease mounting public anger. Paul spoke about the situation with Moscow-based Correspondent Fred Weir.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RTÉ Reporter Eithne Dodd.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.