The Hard Shoulder

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.
This week, Simon joins Ciara to discuss how you can take more risks in life and reap the rewards.

In today's economic climate many houses require two people are in the financial position where both need to work, but if both are out of the house, does that put a pressure on working parents to juggle home and professional life?
To discuss it, Ciara was joined by Niamh Maher, commercial creative director of The Journal. Who is on maternity leave but is struggling to find childcare to facilitate going back to work and Barbra Scully, author and broadcaster

From March 1st, VHI will be increasing their health insurance prices by on average three per cent. This is the third time the company has hiked prices within the last year.
The health insurer says it’s down to the cost of delivering health care nowadays with an ageing population, the introduction of new drugs and other factors as well.
But where does this leave people now and what should those who have taken out health insurance do ? Dermot Goode Health Insurance Expert with Health Insurance Ireland dot i.e

This year, students with additional needs will get an extra 10 minutes in their Leaving and Junior Cert exams.
This impacts around 30,000 students in schools across the country and it’s part of an interim initiative to help those with visual or physical impairments such as dyslexia.
But is 10 minutes actually enough and does it seem fair?
Ciara Doherty spoke to student Sive O’Brien on her experience with having dyslexia and what it was like not getting any extra time in exams. And to Andrea, who’s son has dyslexia and what’s its been like for them.

The Taoiseach will make a formal apology in the Dail to survivors of industrial and reform schools, a move that follows decades of campaigning by those who suffered abuse in state run institutions
The apology comes after a deal was reached between the Government and four hunger strikers who had been protesting outside Leinster House for over 50 days, having survived on coffee and water
That hunger strike ended after a promise that a package of supports would be delivered but one of those campaigners says the promises are already falling apart
Maurice Patton O’Connell is a survivor of Pembroke Arms industrial school and one of the hunger stokers he joined Ciara Doherty to discuss