A weekly news podcast from Virgin Media Television featuring correspondents Gavan Reilly, Zara King and Richard Chambers. Join the gang every Thursday morning (or Wednesday night on TV!) as they discuss the latest and breaking news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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On The Record covers the main stories in the Sunday Newspaper Review, looks ahead at the week to come, plus goes back in time to learn lessons for the future with Hidden Histories. Listen and subscribe to On The Record with Gavan Reilly Highlights on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
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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 a…
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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 …
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Trump Backs Down, but Ireland’s Not "Out of the Woods"
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45:57On 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 chocol…
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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 yo…
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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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What was Conor McGregor doing in the White House?
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45:51The 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…
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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, …
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🚨 Emergency Episode! White House Showdown: Micheál Martin v Donald Trump
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27:46In this special emergency episode, Gavan joins Richard and Zara from Washington for reaction to the Taoiseach's meeting with the U.S. President as Trump tells him that the American pharmaceutical industry has "gone to Ireland". We ask did the Taoiseach do enough to stand up to Trump who dominated the Oval Office meeting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.…
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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…
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Ireland's growing problem with violence against women
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42:38Gavan 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…
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This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King discuss: Safety in Dublin as a restaurant owner shares his crime ordeal. "Shed-sits" are suggested as an option to aid Ireland's ever-worsening housing crisis. Has America just thrown Europe under the bus on defence? Plus, after 11 gloomy days, the sun finally makes an appea…
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The boom is back! Micheál Martin's gaffe on gaffs
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45:51Richard, Gavan and Zara analyse Fianna Fail's previous promises on housing projections and discuss new proposals to remove rent caps. Are all parties being held to the same account? Senator Martin Conway has resigned from Fine Gael after faling to disclose being arrested for public intoxication last month. And the League of Ireland will now be full…
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"You will never be able to uproot us from our homeland" – Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland
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44:37In this episode of The Group Chat, we speak to the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland about Donald Trump's controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its population. Plus, the Government backs down on Dáil speaking time row—but for how long? And we break down all the biggest moments from the Grammys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p…
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Storm Éowyn: Ireland's Humanitarian Crisis
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46:23Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect on the aftermath of Storm Éowyn and discuss the consequences it may have for the newly-formed government. Only 3 of the 15 ministers in the new cabinet are women; the group looks at what this means for future female representation in politics. And DeepSeek has dominated the AI market; will this hurt Trump's plan for …
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🚨 Emergency re-record! New governments meet chaos, at home and away
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50:26This week on The Group Chat, Richard Chambers, Gavan Reilly, and Zara King examine the turbulent starts for new governments in Ireland and the U.S. In Dublin, the Dáil adjourned without even hearing nominations for a new Taoiseach, leaving Ireland in political limbo. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump’s America First 2.0 agenda has already ignited m…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to discuss the next government and what its make-up means for Independents and you. Unprecedented fires have ravaged parts of the city of L.A., but will it recover before the 2028 Olympics? And tech billionaires will be taking centre-stage at Donald Trump's inauguration; what does it mean for the future of…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara are beginning the New Year with a cold snap that has gripped the nation and discuss if the Met Éireann weather warning system needs an update. Government formation talks are back in action but will a deal be made soon and what role will the Healy-Rae brothers have? And are billionaires bending to Donald Trump? Elon Musk has …
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It's the end of year special and that means 2024 is almost over! Richard, Gavan and Zara reflect back on the year's events and try to predict what the biggest stories of 2025 will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Richard, Gavan and Zara are back to chat about Israel's decision to close its embassy in Ireland, and what it means for future government policy. The next Dáil has met for the first time and elected Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle - the group analyses her track record, Seán Ó Fearghaíl’s re-election attempt, and whether you should care about who c…
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Minister Michael Healy-Rae? How Independents will affect government formation
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43:13Gavan and Zara speak with independent TD Michael Healy-Rae for how he plans to enter the next government and if a ministerial position is in the cards. What is going on with Eoin Hayes? Gavan explains the controversy surrounding the Social Democrats member and what his path to the Dáil looks like. And Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has fallen: Z…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara are back in studio to reflect on the 2024 General Election and look at how the next government will be formed. They also discuss the latest developments in the war in Syria and what it means on an international scale. And Spotify Wrapped 2024 is out; did Richard have a "brat summer"? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…
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LIVE🚨: What exactly happened in Election 2024?
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44:24It's an Election Day special as, for the first time, the Group Chat went live on Virgin Media One! Gavan's in studio, Richard's at the RDS and Zara's in Cork to discuss the media frenzy around Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch after his election defeat. Labour and Social Democrats have performed well, but how will this affect government formation? And what wi…
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🗳️ On The Road: Who comes out best from the big debate?
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24:43After a campaign that was slow to catch fire, and sudden lurches in the opinion polls, the big Leaders' Debate on RTÉ was the last chance for the three would-be Taoisigh to really pack a punch… so did they? Zara, Richard and Gav (live from the national broadcaster's car park) discuss, with gossip from behind the scenes in Montrose. Plus: for the fi…
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Could Kanturk Be the Key Moment in the Election?
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45:18The team sits down with Derval McDonald from Inclusion Ireland to unpack the controversy surrounding outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris’ dismissal of a disability care worker, Charlotte Fallon, during a campaign stop in Cork. With just five days until the general election, could this misstep become a turning point for Fine Gael’s campaign? The team al…
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🗳️ On The Road: Is Election 24 finally getting a bit spicy?
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22:58Richard, Gavan and Zara catch back up again (from car parks across the land!) to chew the fat about the brewing fiscal war between Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. Is the national piggy bank really being smashed? What impact will the John McGahon controversy have? Is Fianna Fáil sailing pretty? And should we be paying more attention to Donald Trump's lates…
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Election 24: Does FF/FG phony war suit Sinn Féin?
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45:40Richard, Gavan and Zara review this week's election campaign events and discuss how Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's fighting may be an advantage for Sinn Féin. Donald Trump's cabinet picks are making waves, after RFK Jr. and Matt Gaetz receive top positions. And the group reflects on the life and work of D'Unbelievables star Jon Kenny. Hosted on Acast.…
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🗳️ On The Road: unpacking the first days of Election 2024
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34:41With Election 2024 finally underway, Richard, Zara and Gavan are on the road following the campaigns and talking to voters about what they want. Richard's witnessed some competitive jiving, Zara's been speaking to angry teachers, and Gav isn't sure if the war of words between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is all for show… We're moving our TV instalment…
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"What would you have done differently on immigration?": Roderic O'Gorman in studio
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45:09Gavan and Zara are joined by Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman in studio to discuss his handling of immigration and childcare and the difficulties he faces as party leader. And Richard joins in from the US to reflect on Donald Trump's historic re-election, how Kamala Harris' campaign failed to attract voters and what the result means for Ukraine.…
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Why Should Voters Trust Sinn Féin?: Mary Lou McDonald in studio
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46:07Mary Lou McDonald is in studio to discuss Sinn Féin's immigration policy, whether or not they will enter into a coalition and her biggest regrets over the course of her leadership. Richard, Gavan and Zara also debate the fallout of Trump's Madison Square Garden rally and Biden's newest gaffe. And Zara's move to Cork; how difficult is it to change y…
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Why Not Call It A Genocide?: Micheál Martin in Studio
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45:02Tonight on The Group Chat, Tánaiste Micheál Martin faces tough questions on the government's response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The team doesn't hold back on Ireland’s housing crisis either, asking why voters should place their trust in his party for another term. Then, we dive into U.S. politics: with the election just two wee…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara break-down the recent controversy within Sinn Féin and what it means for Mary Lou McDonald's leadership going forward. They speak with Dr. Amber Alayyan, a medical referent for MSF, for comment on the recent strikes on Gazan hospitals and the struggles doctors go through in Gaza. And Tied with Trump: Polls show Kamala Harris…
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Richard and Gavan are joined by Zara from the US to discuss Simon Harris' meeting with Joe Biden and how Storm Milton is interrupting his plans. The pair also meet with journalist Hannah McCarthy, this time in studio, to discuss how the crisis in Lebanon has developed and if there is any possibility of peace. And who is Cobalt? Irish politicians ar…
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Paschal Donohoe defends the Budget - and laments the Bike Shed
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45:44Richard, Gavan and Zara are joined in studio by Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure, for comment on Budget 2025 and the blow-back from the bike shed. The group discusses the consequences of the recent missile attacks by Iran against Israel and what it means for the 379 Irish UNIFIL staff currently in Lebanon. And did Walz flub the deba…
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Life Under Bombardment: Middle East Crisis Continues
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46:11Richard and Zara speak with Hannah McCarthy, a journalist in Lebanon, to understand the ground situation in the country and what Israel's ultimate game plan is. Gavan joins in from New York at the UN General Assembly to discuss Simon Harris' comments on housing and Micheál Martin meeting Meryl Streep. And will the costs and delays of the National C…
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Ploughing Politics, Pagers and Pennsylvania
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45:50Richard has returned to Gavan and Zara from Pennsylvania to discuss the 'Kamala Wave' in America and the implications of a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The group discusses the political plans of politicians at the ploughing. And Pager Panic; what do the pager bombings against Hezbollah mean for tensions in the Middle East? Hosted o…
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ISIS Survivor in Studio, Taylor endorses Kamala & Apple Tax Trouble
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45:19Gavan and Zara talk with Shireen Khero, an ISIS survivor, who discusses how she was taken from her home and the 10 year anniversary of the genocide of the Yazidi people in Syria. Team Taylor is Team Kamala; the international popstar has endorsed the presidential nominee after the first debate. And the Apple Tax Windfall; what will the tax ruling by…
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We're back! Our new season launches this Wednesday!
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0:50Just to let you know, we're back with our sixth (sixth!!) season this Wednesday! As always, we want to keep in touch with you - email us at [email protected] or follow us on social media (@newschambers, @zaraking.news and @gavreilly). We're back on TV this Wednesday night at 11pm on Virgin Media One, and in your podcast feeds first thing …
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🚨 Emergency Pod! 🇺🇸 Joe Biden drops out… what now?
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31:07It turns out there's no such thing as the summertime 'silly season' in 2024… Richard, Zara and Gavan reassemble for an unplanned summer episode to talk about Joe Biden's dropout from the U.S. presidential race, the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and the impact the race might have on all of us - including here in Ireland. The good piece Rich…
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Season Finale: Take-off for Talks and Tay-Tay's in Town
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45:32Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Sarah Benson of Women's Aid on violence against women in Ireland following the assault of Natasha O'Brien by a member of the Defence Forces. Aer Lingus and the IALPA have agreed to enter into talks to resolve their dispute, but industrial action at the airline continues. And the Taylor Swift Eras Tour rolls into D…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Norah Patten about her planned trip to space with Virgin Galactic in 2026 and what it means for the future of Irish space travel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aer Lingus vs. Pilots, Ryanair vs. Ryan & Norma vs. Bullies
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45:53Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the impact of Aer Lingus pilot's industrial action on the company and holidaymakers. Eamon Ryan stepping down as Green Party leader has created a tight race between Roderic O'Gorman and Pippa Hackett. And "Bí Cineálta": Norma Foley's new scheme to tackle bullying in schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…
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Counts Continue, Parties Ponder & Golden Girls
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45:59Richard and Zara join Gavan to discuss the ongoing counts for MEPs in the Ireland South and Midlands-Northwest constituencies. They also analyse the results of the local elections and what they mean for the major parties. And Gavan speaks with Will Dalton from Virgin Media Sport for his perspective on Irish athletics and the recent results in the E…
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Elections Are Here, Farage is Back & Gail is Gone
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46:19Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the upcoming local and European elections and what the newest exit polls may suggest. Nigel Farage is making an ambitious 8th try for a position in the UK parliament in the July election. And Gail Platt is leaving Coronation Street; the group reflects on the character over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr…
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Rafah & Recognition: Palestine's Ambassador in Studio
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46:00Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Palestine's Ambassador to Ireland, for her first in-studio interview after Ireland's recognition of Palestinian statehood and discuss the most recent tragedy in Rafah. RTÉ 2FM is facing significant challenges following a series of departures by its top talent. And do you trust Temu? The group …
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Recognising Palestine, Knocking on Doors & Stealing Voices
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46:17Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss Ireland's recognition of Palestine as a state and what it means for future relations with Israel. A report by the Housing Commission and the lack of politicians knocking on doors could have impacts on the upcoming election. And did OpenAI steal Scarlett Johansson's voice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo…
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Portal Problems, TikTok Teens & Baby Reindeer
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45:29Richard and Zara discuss the drama surrounding the New York Portal and its recent closure. They talk with journalists Jen Hogan and Patrick Freyne about how teenagers are reacting to what they see on TikTok. And Piers Morgan enters the discourse around Baby Reindeer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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All Eyes on Rafah, RTE Reports and Douze Pointe?
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45:58Richard, Gavan and Zara speak with Khalid el-Astal about his struggle to get his family out of Gaza. Three new reports have a recommended a number of changes in RTE. And can Bambie Thug win the Eurovison for Ireland for the first time in almost 30 years? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Tents, Trolleys and Too Young For Smartphones
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45:50Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the Mount Street migration and the rising tensions between Ireland and the UK over immigration policy. The results of the Aoife Johnston Inquest has put University Hospital Limerick under pressure. And a new report commissioned by the French government has recommended that children be banned from having a smartphone …
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Stardust Fire: The Inquest, the Apology and the Future?
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43:30Gavan and Zara speak with Selina and Louise McDermott for their reactions to the findings of the Stardust Inquest and the subsequent state apology. Richard reports from the inquest into the death of teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick. And they also discuss the difficulties facing the new recycling scheme and the demise of DVDs.…
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Richard, Gavan and Zara discuss the conflict between Israel and Iran and speculation that it could lead to a world war. The group speaks to one Kerry farmer, who is spending €3,000 a month on fodder because of the recent spell of bad weather. And "Scoop" throws the group for a loop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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