Behind the Story

An agreement between the OPW and a charity to build a National Children's Science Centre has run aground. The OPW says it doesn't have the money and no government department wants to take responsability for it however it was revealed on Thursday that the building MUST be delivered by 2029. So what is going on? Public Affairs Correspondant with the Irish Times, Martin Wall joins Fran and and Laura to explain what's happening and why the OPW are saying there could be less flood defences if they are forced to see this project through.
Later, Sustainability and Marketing lecturer, Ciarán O'Carroll discusses the ongoing row around oat milk and why's it's not 'milk'!

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Irish man Seamus Culleton who is detained by ICE in a facility in Texas went public with his story yesterday and appealed to politicians to help get him released. But would diplomacy help or hinder the situation? Former Irish Ambassador to the US, Dan Mulhall joins Fran and Paul to discuss what could be done.
The duo also explain the latest developments in the review into children's spinal surgeries in CHI Temple Street.
Fran and Paul tease out the latest Olympic drama off the ice, the story of the bronze medallist who confessed to having an affair on live TV in an effort to win his girlfriend back.

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House buyers who bid on properties in open or online auctions are pushing prices up more than they can afford. Bidders in sealed auctions pay less and don't go beyond their budget. A new report by ESRI examines the behaviour of bidders in different house buying systems. Professor Pete Lunn joins Fran and Maggie to explain the research and the psychology at play when someone is bidding on a property.
Later, Dr Kathryn Simpson of Keele University analyses the mounting pressure on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following two resignations from his political staff in the last twenty hour hours.

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As the Winter Olympics gets underway in Italy, RTE Sport's Eamon Horan joins Fran and Laura to discuss the Irish hopefuls at the games and the controversy around penis injections in ski jumping!
Later, Assistant Lecturer in Global Business at TUD, Richard Woodward, discusses the ongoing ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international sporting competitions. FIFA and the IOC signalled this week they support lifting the ban on the two countries for future games.

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A new survey from the University of Limerick Student Union found 60% of commuter students travelled more than one hour each way to campus during the last academic year. Commuting is having a substantial impact on students’ academic performance, financial security and wellbeing.
Dervla Ryan, Diversity & Inclusion Officer at UL Students’ Union, discusses the survey – and what needs to be done to change things.
Lucy Fisher of the Financial Times also joins Fran and Laura to outline the growing pressure on UK PM Keir Starmer over Peter Mandelson relationship with disgraced former financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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