The Tonight Show

Ireland’s extended heatwave has raised questions about how prepared the country is for extreme weather, as a hosepipe ban was announced, crèches closed early, roads melted and fires raged in Kerry.

The panel also examined the angry exchanges in the Dáil over plans for apartments on part of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site, where the remains of 859 children are still unaccounted for.

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

John ConnollyTD, Fianna Fáil
Senator Laura Harmon, Labour
Elaine Dunne, Chairperson, Federation of Early Childhood Providers
Prof. John Sweeney, Maynooth University
Patricia Carey, Special Advocate for Survivors
Cllr Terry Shannon (FF), Cork City Council
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Are scramblers and e-scooters becoming an epidemic of reckless behaviour? Can Ireland protect artists from industrial-scale AI copyright theft? And as the World Cup reaches the semi-finals… is it ever acceptable to support England?

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael
Daniel Ennis TD, Social Democrats
Orla Ryan, News Reporter, The Irish Times
Sarah Glennane, CEO, Screen Composers Guild of Ireland
David Keenan, Singer-songwriter
Simon Tierney, Journalist
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Metrolink moves a step closer after Transport Infrastructure Ireland acquires a major section of O’Connell Street, but questions remain over rising costs and whether Ireland’s biggest infrastructure project could become a financial burden.

Meanwhile, concerns grow over e-scooter safety after almost half of Temple Street’s ICU beds are occupied by children with head injuries linked to accidents, prompting calls for tighter regulation.

And the FAI votes on whether to proceed with the controversial Ireland vs Israel fixtures — but will the decision settle the debate?

Shane Coleman was joined by:
Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil
Aidan O’Farrelly TD, Soc Dems
Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor, Irish Examiner
Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor, Irish Independent
John Joe O'Connell, Vice President, GRA
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Sinn Féin’s proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity.

Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O’Farrell calls for urgent action on bail reform.

And in the UK, Nigel Farage triggers another by-election after resigning as an MP — only to seek re-election again amid questions over his political future.

Shane Coleman was joined by:
James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael
Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein
Emma DeSouza, Journalist
Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU
Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust
Anna Gross, Political correspondent, Financial Times
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Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law.

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State
Richard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before Profit - Solidarity
Aisling Maloney, Political Reporter, Irish Independent
Johnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, ICCL
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.