The Agenda

Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne has spoken in the Dáil about her own childhood experience of domestic violence, as she backed calls for the introduction of a domestic violence register.The Louth TD described the abuse her family endured and how her mother’s decision to leave an abusive relationship changed the course of their lives.This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to Joanna Byrne who bravel shared her own personal story and spoke about the proposed legislation, and why she believes stronger protections are needed for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Meath trade unions are calling for the Navan Rail Link to be given critical infrastructure status, saying the decision not to include it could lead to further delays.The Meath Council of Trade Unions says the designation would help speed up the project by reducing planning obstacles and potential legal challenges, as the Government grants the status to other major transport projects.This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to John Regan, Chair of the Meath Council of Trade Unions, about why unions believe the rail link is vital for commuters and why they want progress accelerated.

A major new housing development of more than 1,000 homes has been approved on the outskirts of Dundalk, despite strong local opposition.The development, close to the historic site of Dún Dealgan, is expected to face an appeal and has sparked debate over planning, heritage and the future growth of the town.This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane McGuinness about the decision, the planning process, and why he doesnt want to see this going ahead.

A teacher left with a life-changing chronic pain condition after being assaulted by a student is calling for urgent action to better protect school staff.Sophie Cole says she has been living with complex regional pain syndrome since her hand was slammed into a steel-reinforced table while at work — an injury that has had a lasting impact on her life.Her story comes as new figures reveal teachers have taken more than 3,400 days of sick leave over the past two school years following workplace assaults.This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to Sophie about the moment her life changed, the challenges she has faced since, and why she believes teachers need greater support after being attacked in the workplace.

This morning on The Agenda, we spoke to Aontú Councillor for Navan, Emer Tóibín, following the tragic death of a man in a collision involving a car and an e-scooter in Navan.The incident, which happened on the Kentstown Road in the early hours of Sunday morning, has raised fresh concerns around road safety and the enforcement of Ireland’s new e-scooter regulations.Emer spoke about the impact the tragedy has had on the local community and why she believes stronger measures are needed to improve safety on our roads.

Dublin’s drugs debate has erupted, with councillors rejecting calls for the decriminalisation of currently illegal drugs and demanding a tougher approach to the crisis.Independent Councillor Malachy Steenson says communities have already paid a heavy price from decades of drug abuse, and argues the focus should be on enforcement, tackling drug gangs and increasing access to treatment. Malachy joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the future of Ireland’s drug policy and his thoughts on decriminlisation of drugs for personal use.

Meath meets Italy as Ireland prepares to take on the EU Presidency. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee joins us to discuss a special county partnership bringing together Meath and Italy through culture, education and community connections. We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Minister McEntee.We also discussed the news that there will be €1.5 billion available for reducing tax in the Budget in October, according to the Government's Summer Economic Statement.

New rules coming in for e-scooter users have opened up a wider conversation about road safety and whether similar measures could one day apply to cyclists. This morning on The Agenda, we looked at the debate around mandatory helmets and high-visibility clothing, and whether extra safety requirements would make our roads safer for everyone. We spoke to a Cycling group who told us why they oppose any laws on helmets and high0vis vests for cyclists.