The Agenda

Public service workers across the country are set to strike next Wednesday, with disruption expected across hospitals, schools and Government services as part of an ongoing pay dispute.The Labour Party says its TDs will not cross the picket line at Leinster House and is calling on other politicians to do the same. The issue has also been raised at the Oireachtas Business Committee, with some Opposition TDs arguing that Dáil business should not go ahead while staff are on strike.The industrial action follows a work-to-rule involving more than 100,000 public sector workers, with unions seeking progress on pay and the Government under pressure to resolve the dispute.Deputy Ged Nash joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

A DUP MLA has claimed there is a “clear precedent” for criminal proceedings over protests on the Garvaghy Road, as the PSNI investigation moves to its next phase.More than 100 prosecutions for road-blocking offences have been brought in Northern Ireland over the past decade. A number of Sinn Féin representatives and party members have received letters from police, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, while West Belfast MLA Gerry Carroll has been invited to attend a voluntary interview under caution.The PSNI’s decision to move the investigation forward has been welcomed by DUP leader Gavin Robinson.Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Ruairí Ó Murchú, who has been supporting residents on the Garvaghy Road joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has criticised the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee for not meeting with residents of the Garvaghy Road, two weeks after the latest tensions began.He says the peace built over the past 28 years is at risk, following warnings from 11 nationalist residents’ groups that agreements around contentious Orange Order marches could unravel.Deputy Tóibín is calling on the Government to meet residents and urge the British Secretary of State to stop the Orange march.Deputy Toibin us on The Agenda this morning to explain why he believes the Government needs to intervene.

World Mental Health Day takes place this Saturday, with this year’s theme focusing on lived experiences being heard and the importance of real voices driving real change.Aware is marking the day by sharing stories from people who have experienced mental health difficulties and who have used its services and supports as part of their own journeys.One of those people is Peter Johnson from Dundalk, who has volunteered with Aware’s Support Line for more than five years. Peter has his own experience of depression and says it took time for him to feel comfortable opening up about what he had been through.He now speaks openly about his experience in the hope of helping others feel less alone and encouraging people to reach out for support.Peter joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk about his own journey, the importance of breaking down stigma and why speaking about our mental health can make such a difference

The Department of Justice is projecting savings of €682 million next year, largely due to changes in accommodation for Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants.Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan says the savings reflect reforms introduced by the Government, while Budget 2027 also provides for increased Garda recruitment and measures to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.But what do these changes mean for people seeking refuge and protection in Ireland?John Lannon, CEO of Doras, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the impact of the Government’s accommodation reforms and the wider implications for refugees and international protection applicants.

The housing crisis is being brought directly to the European Parliament, with Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly highlighting the experiences of families struggling with rising rents and house prices.During a debate in Strasbourg on the EU’s proposed Affordable Housing Act, Ciaran Mullooly pointed to families in Meath and Galway who are struggling to afford housing despite working and earning a living.He told the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing and Irish Minister of State Thomas Byrne that more action is needed to bring down the cost of housing, including tackling the role of large investment funds and reducing the cost of building and renovating homes.He also called for a review of VAT and other costs which can add significantly to the final price of a new home.Ciaran Mullooly joined us on The Agenda to tell us more about this.

School principals are warning that the free schoolbooks scheme is creating an “unmanageable administrative burden”, despite strong support for the scheme itself.A new survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, which received 300 responses from school leaders, found that 90 per cent believe the administration involved is creating major burden, while 78 per cent say the funding provided to help manage the scheme is not enough.The scheme, which provides schools with funding for textbooks, workbooks, copybooks and other essential resources, was introduced in primary schools in 2023 and expanded to secondary schools the following year.Brian Doran, President of the NAPD, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this.

€660,000 in recurring annual funding has been announced for new mental health crisis services in Louth.The funding will provide four crisis nurses at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, offering specialist support during key out-of-hours periods.A further €300,000 will fund a new Solace Café for Louth, providing a free, safe and non-clinical space for adults experiencing mental health distress or crisis, particularly during evenings and weekends.The investment is being welcomed by Senator Alison Comyn, who says people experiencing a mental health crisis need somewhere to turn outside of the traditional nine-to-five.Senator Alison Comyn joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery that occurred at Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, Co Louth, at approximately 8:30pm on Tuesday 6th October 2026.A man, aged in his 40s, received serious injuries after he was approached by two males who attempted to take his e-scooter. He is being treated at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where he remains in a critical condition.The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.One male (30s) was subsequently arrested and is being detained at a station in the Garda North Western Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact themWe heard more about this shocking incident on The Agenda this morning