The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

Niall opens the phone lines for an in-depth discussion on the future of RTÉ, after Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan made it clear there will be no “second bailout” for the national broadcaster and no extension of its ring-fenced State funding beyond 2027. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, the Fine Gael TD said that under “no circumstances” would he ask taxpayers to step in again, warning that State support “is not infinite” and that RTÉ must modernise and significantly grow its commercial revenues.With more than €725 million in Government funding already committed over three years, and a previous €750 million rescue package still fresh in the public memory, is RTÉ now facing a stark sink-or-swim moment? Niall asks callers what reduced State support could realistically mean — job losses, fewer costly live sports and entertainment events, and a diminished public service role.Listeners debate whether RTÉ still represents value for money. Is the €160 TV licence fee justified? Should the Government and the taxpayer continue to fund a national broadcaster in its current form? Or is it time for RTÉ to rely more heavily on advertising, increase the licence fee, introduce pay-per-view for major events, or rethink its entire model?A wide-ranging, listener-led conversation on accountability, public trust, and the future of public service broadcasting in Ireland.

Niall opens the phone lines to hear mixed views on Ireland’s new birth registration law, which for the first time places a duty on unmarried parents to provide the father’s details when registering a child’s birth. The legislation, which came into effect in December 2025, is intended to give children greater access to information about their biological parents — but it has sparked strong and divided reactions.Callers weigh in on whether the change is a positive step for children’s rights and identity, or an unnecessary intrusion into private family circumstances. Some welcome the move as long overdue, arguing that children have a right to know where they come from and that fathers should be encouraged to take responsibility. Others raise concerns about women’s safety, privacy, and the emotional impact in complex or difficult relationships, even with exemptions built into the law.Niall explores what the legislation does — and doesn’t — do, including the fact that providing a father’s details does not automatically grant guardianship or legal rights. Is the balance right between children’s rights and mothers’ autonomy? Are the safeguards strong enough? And could there be unintended consequences?A thoughtful, caller-led conversation on family, responsibility, and how the State should navigate sensitive personal realities.

Niall opens the lines after receiving a powerful email from a listener facing an unexpected dilemma just months before her wedding.She’s getting married in May — her second marriage — and believed she had finally found the love of her life. But recently, her fiancé dropped a bombshell. Not one of his own making, he says, but at the insistence of his family, who own a substantial business: they want her to sign a prenuptial agreement “just in case.”The listener says she feels blindsided, hurt and deeply insulted. If this is about love and commitment, why does money suddenly come into it? And why now?While prenuptial agreements aren’t fully legally binding in Ireland, judges can and do take them into account when disputes arise. That raises some uncomfortable but important questions.Are prenups just sensible protection in an uncertain world — especially second marriages and family wealth?Or are they a massive red flag that trust is already missing?Would you sign one without hesitation… or would it make you rethink the entire relationship?Niall wants to hear from you.To come on the show live and have your say, WhatsApp “Let me on” to 085 100 22 55.Love, money, trust and family pressure — today’s conversation has it all.

Niall is joined by social commentator Karl Deeter to unpack one of the most controversial media and public health debates right now.Following a major move in the UK, advertising for junk food and products high in fat, salt and sugar has now been banned on daytime TV and across online platforms. The aim? To tackle rising obesity rates, especially among children. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. UK policymakers are now openly discussing whether gambling ads – and even alcohol advertising – should face similar restrictions across TV, radio and digital media.Media organisations warn that these bans could wipe out millions, possibly billions, in advertising revenue, threatening jobs and the future of commercial broadcasting. Critics, however, argue that relentless advertising normalises addiction, fuels problem gambling, contributes to poor diets, and places profits ahead of public health.So where do we draw the line?Is this about protecting vulnerable people and improving public health — or are we drifting towards censorship and a nanny state, where personal responsibility takes a back seat?And crucially, should Ireland follow the UK’s lead?Should we ban advertising for:Junk food and high-fat, salt and sugar products?Gambling?Alcohol?Or should adults be trusted to make their own informed choices without government interference?We want to hear your view.If you’d like to come on air live and have your say, WhatsApp “Let me on” to 085 100 22 55.This is a conversation that affects public health, personal freedom, media, and business — and your voice matters.

Today on the show, Niall opens the phones on the new auto-enrolment pension scheme — or as many listeners are already calling it, “paying for your own pension.”From 1 January 2026, a new scheme called MyFutureFund will automatically enrol workers who don’t already have a payroll pension. If you’re aged 23 to 60, earn €20,000 or more a year, and aren’t paying into a pension, you’ll be enrolled whether you like it or not. You, your employer, and the Government will all contribute — and you won’t be able to opt out for at least six months.Employers will be legally required to take part, with fines and penalties for non-compliance. Even workers who don’t meet the criteria can opt in voluntarily, as long as they’re over 18 and under pension age.But critics say this isn’t generosity — it’s spin.They argue the real reason for auto-enrolment is simple:Ireland’s population is ageing, birth rates are falling, and the Government knows it won’t be able to afford the State pension in 20 years’ time. So instead of fixing the problem, they’re shifting the burden onto workers and small businesses — while the State puts in a relatively modest contribution of its own.Sceptics also question how small employers are supposed to afford mandatory matching contributions, why opting out isn’t immediate, and whether this is the first step toward quietly replacing the State pension altogether.Is this a sensible long-term solution — or just another tax dressed up as a benefit?Are you happy to be auto-enrolled, or do you feel you’re being forced to pay for government mismanagement?Niall wants to hear from workers, employers, and anyone concerned about what this really means for your pay packet and your future.