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

Part one
Niall talks to Eric Nelligan about growing outrage after parents at a new secondary school were informed that students will be using mixed-sex toilets.
Some parents, particularly mothers of teenage girls, have described the decision as “disgraceful”, arguing that schools are ignoring privacy, dignity and safety concerns in the name of modern ideology. Critics say many parents are now afraid to speak up for fear of being labelled intolerant, while schools continue pushing policies that the vast majority of families are uncomfortable with.
Supporters however insist the backlash is overblown. They argue unisex toilets already exist in shopping centres, restaurants and other public spaces, and that schools should reflect a more inclusive society that accommodates everyone, including transgender students.
The debate has reignited wider questions around political correctness, gender ideology in schools and whether common sense is being sacrificed to avoid offending a small minority.
Should boys and girls be expected to share toilet facilities in school, or are parents right to say enough is enough?

Niall talks to John McGuirk about growing controversy over Government plans to potentially offer Ukrainian refugees a cash payment to voluntarily return home.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan says no final decision has been made yet, but confirmed the Government is considering “mechanisms” to encourage Ukrainians who wish to return home, possibly with financial assistance. He said Ukrainian officials are anxious for their citizens to return and help rebuild the country, while also acknowledging that some people may choose to remain in Ireland long term.
Supporters of the proposal say it’s a humane and practical solution that could reduce pressure on housing, hotels and public services, while helping families restart their lives in Ukraine. The Government has already confirmed it will phase out tourist accommodation currently housing up to 16,000 Ukrainians and wind down the €600 Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme over the coming months.
But critics say the idea is completely tone deaf at a time when Irish families are struggling with soaring rents, mortgages and the cost of living. Some argue that if people are willing to leave in exchange for a lump sum payment from taxpayers, then serious questions need to be asked about the entire system.
Should taxpayers fund voluntary return payments if it saves money in the long run, or is this another example of a Government completely disconnected from ordinary working people?

Part two

Niall talks to Eric Nelligan about growing outrage after parents at a new secondary school were informed that students will be using mixed-sex toilets.
Some parents, particularly mothers of teenage girls, have described the decision as “disgraceful”, arguing that schools are ignoring privacy, dignity and safety concerns in the name of modern ideology. Critics say many parents are now afraid to speak up for fear of being labelled intolerant, while schools continue pushing policies that the vast majority of families are uncomfortable with.
Supporters however insist the backlash is overblown. They argue unisex toilets already exist in shopping centres, restaurants and other public spaces, and that schools should reflect a more inclusive society that accommodates everyone, including transgender students.
The debate has reignited wider questions around political correctness, gender ideology in schools and whether common sense is being sacrificed to avoid offending a small minority.
Should boys and girls be expected to share toilet facilities in school, or are parents right to say enough is enough?

On this episode of the podcast, Niall is joined by economist and Sunday Times Ireland columnist Cormac Lucey to debate one of the most divisive housing proposals in years, a move by the Labour Party to ban “no fault” evictions for three years during the housing crisis.
Labour housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan says evictions should no longer be “a routine feature of a broken housing system”, but critics argue the Government has already gone too far in stripping rights away from landlords.
The discussion comes as Ireland’s homelessness figures continue to hit shocking new records. Latest figures show more than 17,300 people are now living in emergency accommodation across the country, including over 5,500 children. ()
Niall and Cormac also examine the Government’s recently introduced six year tenancy legislation, which came into effect in March 2026. Under the new rules, many renters now receive minimum six year tenancy protections, while larger landlords face severe restrictions on ending tenancies without specific legal grounds. ()
Supporters say the changes are badly needed to give renters stability and stop families being thrown out of their homes through no fault of their own. Landlords, however, warn that tighter controls and growing restrictions are pushing more property owners out of the rental market entirely, reducing supply and driving rents even higher.
With eviction notices rising sharply and thousands of landlords reportedly leaving the market, the question becomes:
Are stronger tenant protections the answer to Ireland’s housing emergency, or are Government policies making the crisis even worse? ()
Niall and Cormac Lucey debate the economics, the politics and the human cost behind Ireland’s spiralling rental and homelessness crisis.

On this episode of the podcast, Niall talks to callers about growing calls to ban alcohol in airports and on planes after Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said drunken passengers are causing mayhem in the skies.
For years airlines have dealt with aggressive passengers, abuse directed at cabin crew, mid air fights, emergency landings and diverted flights, all linked to excessive drinking before boarding or during flights.
Michael O’Leary says the problem is getting worse and believes airports and airlines need to take stronger action against what many now call “pre flight binge drinking culture”.
But would banning alcohol in airports and on planes go too far?
Many callers argue that the vast majority of passengers enjoy a quiet pint or glass of wine responsibly before a holiday and should not be punished because of a minority who can’t handle their drink.
Others say flying has become unbearable, with loud drunken behaviour, arguments, intimidation and anti social behaviour becoming far too common on flights across Europe.
Some even compared it to smoking bans introduced years ago.
Smoking was once seen as part of the flying experience until it became clear it negatively affected other passengers.
So should alcohol now face similar restrictions?
Niall asks:
Is it finally time to ban alcohol in airports and on planes?
Or is this another example of punishing responsible people because of a badly behaved minority?
The callers strongly disagree.