The Agenda

he could impose serious tariffs on Europe, or even halt trade in certain areas, if he considers the EU’s plans for closer ties with Canada to be a “hostile act”.The warning follows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s suggestion that Canada could become an associate member of the EU, as Canada looks to strengthen its economic and security relationship with Europe.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, with the changing relationship between Canada, Europe and the US firmly in focus.What could this mean for EU-US relations, and could Ireland and Irish businesses feel the impact of another trade dispute?Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us about it.

Pedestrians and cyclists are being put at an “unacceptable risk” along the N53 at Newtownbalregan, according to Dundalk councillor Sean Kelly.The stretch of road, between the M1 Junction 17 interchange and the cul-de-sac at Newtownbalregan, has no footpath or hard shoulder, meaning residents are forced to walk or cycle alongside what is an increasingly busy national road.Councillor Kelly says the issue has been a serious and ongoing concern for local residents for years, particularly for children, older people and those accessing nearby homes and amenities.He is calling for Louth County Council to arrange an on-site meeting with the National Transport Authority to assess the situation and look at what can be done to provide a safe pedestrian route.Councillor Kelly joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae was released from hospital on Wednesday evening after being assaulted in Dublin city centre.The attack, which happened while he was sitting in his car near the Coombe Hospital, has been widely condemned by politicians across the political spectrum. Gardaí believe the incident was spontaneous and have said there is no indication that the attacker was connected to any protest group.The incident has also raised wider questions about the safety and security of public representatives, and whether TDs and councillors are increasingly vulnerable when carrying out their work in public.We’re joined on The Agenda this morning by Independent TD Mattie McGrath, who has condemned the attack, and we’ll also be discussing the wider issue of safety and security for politicians in Ireland.

A woman who lost €850 in a sophisticated online scam is warning others to be on their guard after fraudsters posing as Booking.com appeared to know the details of a genuine hotel reservation she had made.The scammers convinced her they were processing a refund, but instead of money coming into her account, €850 was taken out — with several further attempts reportedly made to take even more.She says the experience has left her feeling physically sick, particularly because the scammers were so convincing.But how did they know the details of her genuine booking, and just how easy is it to fall victim to a scam like this?We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Rhona Cullinan to tell us more.

The growing number of vape shops appearing across Drogheda town centre has been raised directly with the Taoiseach.Senator Alison Comyn says urgent action is needed to address what she describes as both a planning and public health issue, particularly where vaping products are being sold alongside sweets and brightly coloured displays that could appeal to younger people.She says the rapid increase in these outlets is changing the look and feel of town centres and is concerned that some businesses may be deliberately targeting younger customers.Senator Comyn has called for stronger planning measures to restrict the proliferation of vape shops in urban areas and says the Government needs to take action before the problem becomes even more widespread, and Senator Comyn joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more.

The family of James ‘Shey’ Ryan is speaking out as the woman jailed over his death is due to be released from prison next week.Olesja Hertova was sentenced to two years and nine months for the manslaughter of her partner of 17 years, after pleading guilty to the charge.The sentence was backdated to August 2024, meaning she is due to be released less than two years after Mr Ryan’s death.The court heard Hertova pushed Mr Ryan forcefully outside their home in Balbriggan, causing him to fall and suffer catastrophic head injuries. He later died in Beaumont Hospital.His family have strongly criticised the sentence and are now calling for Hertova, who is originally from the Czech Republic, to be deported following her release.James’ daughter Karen joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us about the family’s reaction and their calls for action.

The number of people presenting for treatment for nitrous oxide misuse has more than doubled since records began in 2022.New figures show 69 cases were recorded last year, compared with just 30 in 2022 — and more than half of all cases over that period involved people under the age of 18.Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as laughing gas, is increasingly being used recreationally, but health experts warn that misuse can have serious consequences, including nerve damage, paralysis and severe burns.The figures have been described as a growing concern, particularly given the number of young people involved.Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward raised the issue through a parliamentary question.Deputy Ward joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the figures and what he believes needs to be done.

Oasis have confirmed they’re returning to Slane Castle next September, more than 30 years after first taking to the stage at the iconic Co Meath venue.The Gallagher brothers will play two shows on September 4th and 5th as part of a newly announced 2027 tour, with dates also planned across the UK, Europe and the USA.Tickets in Ireland will range from €181.25 to €501.25, including booking fees, and there will be no general ticket sale — fans will have to register their interest in advance.There’s already huge excitement around the announcement, so to get a sense of the reaction locally. We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Fianna Fáil councillor for Slane, Wayne Harding.We also spoke to reporter at The Irish Sun, Michael Doyle, to talk about the controversy over the price of tickets.