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

On this week's News Round Up, Niall is joined by his good friend and former producer AJ Walsh to take a look back at the biggest stories making headlines over the past week, some deeply serious, others downright bizarre.
They discuss the guilty verdicts against Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Lady Eleanor Donaldson, the growing calls to decriminalise all drugs for personal use, and the debate over whether single sex schools have a future in Ireland.
The conversation also turns to some of the week's lighter stories, including the Kentucky criminals caught with a bag labelled "Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs", the cow that brought the M1 motorway to a standstill, the latest cosmetic craze dubbed "Ozempic Ears", and new technology that could allow your car to decide whether you're fit to drive.
With plenty of laughs, a few disagreements and their usual honest opinions, Niall and AJ separate the serious from the ridiculous as they wrap up another unforgettable week in the news.

TDs and Senators from across the political spectrum have recommended one of the biggest changes to Ireland's drug laws in decades, calling for the possession of all illegal drugs for personal use to be fully decriminalised. The recommendation, contained in the final report of the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use, follows similar proposals made by the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use and argues that addiction should be treated primarily as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue. The report also recommends expanding harm reduction services and moving Ireland further towards a health-led approach. In the past two days, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed the Government will give the recommendations "serious consideration", while supporters including committee chair Gary Gannon and the Social Democrats say the current system has failed and that criminalising addiction only pushes vulnerable people further from treatment.
On today's podcast, Niall is joined by Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín and Cllr Gavin Peppper, who strongly opposes the proposals. Tóibín argues that decriminalising possession of drugs such as cocaine and heroin would normalise drug use, weaken deterrence, and send the wrong message to young people at a time when Ireland is already facing a growing drugs crisis. He believes addiction should be treated compassionately, but insists that removing criminal sanctions would ultimately make the problem worse rather than better.
Is it time to accept that the war on drugs has failed and treat addiction as a public health issue? Or would decriminalising all drugs simply encourage more drug use and leave communities paying the price? Niall hears from Peadar Tóibín before opening the phone lines to ask listeners: Should Ireland decriminalise the possession of all drugs for personal use, or would it be a dangerous mistake?

Should single sex schools become a thing of the past?
A new Department of Education survey has found that more than 73% of households with children attending single sex primary schools would like their school to become co educational. The findings come as the Government continues its policy of encouraging schools to reconfigure to mixed education where there is local demand, arguing that parents should have greater choice and that schools should better reflect modern Irish society.
On today's podcast, Niall opens the phone lines to ask whether Ireland should phase out single sex schools altogether, or whether they still have an important role to play.
Supporters of co educational schools argue that educating boys and girls together better prepares children for adult life, helping them develop stronger social skills, mutual respect and healthier relationships from an early age. They also say mixed schools break down gender stereotypes, encourage equality and reflect the real world, where men and women study, work and live together.
However, supporters of single sex education point to research suggesting there can be academic benefits. Some studies have found that girls in all girls schools are more likely to pursue subjects such as maths, science and engineering, while boys in all boys schools may participate more confidently in classroom discussions without feeling pressured by gender expectations. Other research has suggested fewer behavioural distractions and improved exam performance in certain subjects, although large international reviews have found that once factors such as family background and school selection are taken into account, the overall academic advantage of single sex education is small or inconsistent.
So, are single sex schools outdated in today's society, or do they still provide the best environment for children to learn and succeed? Should Ireland continue moving towards co education, or should parents always have the choice of sending their child to a boys only or girls only school?
Niall hears the opinions of callers from across the country as they debate one simple question:
Do you think single sex schools should be abolished?

Ireland's long-awaited Covid inquiry is finally underway, and already it is raising difficult questions. This week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin faced extensive questioning from the inquiry panel about the Government's handling of the pandemic, but unlike the public inquiries seen in the UK and elsewhere, the interviews are being conducted behind closed doors. No transcripts will be published and the inquiry team has repeatedly stated that its role is not to "point fingers" or assign blame.
On today's programme, Niall is joined by callers to the show discuss whether that approach goes far enough. After years of lockdowns, vaccine mandates, business closures, travel restrictions and unprecedented limits on personal freedoms, should the inquiry focus on identifying mistakes and holding decision-makers accountable? Or is the real purpose of the inquiry to learn lessons and ensure Ireland is better prepared for the next pandemic?
Niall and Karl examine some of the most controversial aspects of Ireland's Covid response, including restrictions on businesses, school closures, nursing home policies, public health messaging and the economic impact of prolonged lockdowns. They also discuss whether a private inquiry can ever satisfy families, business owners and citizens who feel they deserve answers about decisions that affected every aspect of their lives.
As always, Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners. Should the Covid inquiry be about accountability and responsibility, or would a blame game achieve nothing and simply distract from preparing for future crises?
WhatsApp your thoughts to 085 100 22 55.

Ireland's long-awaited Covid inquiry is finally underway, and already it is raising difficult questions. This week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin faced extensive questioning from the inquiry panel about the Government's handling of the pandemic, but unlike the public inquiries seen in the UK and elsewhere, the interviews are being conducted behind closed doors. No transcripts will be published and the inquiry team has repeatedly stated that its role is not to "point fingers" or assign blame.
On today's programme, Niall is joined by Karl Deeter discuss whether that approach goes far enough. After years of lockdowns, vaccine mandates, business closures, travel restrictions and unprecedented limits on personal freedoms, should the inquiry focus on identifying mistakes and holding decision-makers accountable? Or is the real purpose of the inquiry to learn lessons and ensure Ireland is better prepared for the next pandemic?
Niall and Karl examine some of the most controversial aspects of Ireland's Covid response, including restrictions on businesses, school closures, nursing home policies, public health messaging and the economic impact of prolonged lockdowns. They also discuss whether a private inquiry can ever satisfy families, business owners and citizens who feel they deserve answers about decisions that affected every aspect of their lives.
As always, Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners. Should the Covid inquiry be about accountability and responsibility, or would a blame game achieve nothing and simply distract from preparing for future crises?