The Agenda

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

Budget 2027 has been criticised for falling short of the kind of major measures and giveaways seen in previous years, despite increases in overall Government spending.Overall Government spending is increasing by €7.1 billion, bringing total expenditure for 2027 to €125.6 billion, with some measures already coming into effect.Some key promises have been delivered, while other increases and extensions have been less generous than expected.So, what does the Budget really mean for families, workers and communities across the country, and how is the Government defending its decisions? We were joined on The The Agenda this morning by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence and Meath East Fine Gael TD, Helen McEntee, to tell us more

Labour’s Finance spokesperson & Louth TD Ged Nash has delivered a scathing response to the Government’s Budget, accusing Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil of failing working people and those struggling with the cost of living.He says the Budget does little to tackle rising energy costs, housing, child poverty and pressure on household incomes, while accusing the Government of prioritising investors and businesses over workers, pensioners and families.He also criticised the €10 increase in weekly social welfare payments, the measures around Help to Buy, and the decision not to introduce a targeted energy credit.Mr Nash says the Government had the resources to make a real difference, but chose instead to deliver what he describes as a Budget lacking ambition and vision.He also points to what he says is an over-reliance on corporation tax revenues to fund day-to-day spending.Deputy Nash joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this.

A new episode of Local Lens is focusing on the work being done across Meath to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.The episode looks at the work of Meath’s Local Community Safety Partnership and the importance of different organisations working together to support victims and survivors and prevent domestic abuse.It also focuses on an upcoming conference in Navan looking at the risk of domestic homicide, hosted by Willow Domestic Abuse Services.The Zero Tolerance Meath project is also encouraging communities to recognise the signs of abuse and understand how they can play a role in prevention.Frances Haworth, CEO of Willow Domestic Abuse Services, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this.

Dating apps have transformed the way people meet, making it easier than ever to connect with potential partners from the comfort of your phone.For many, they can be a great way to meet someone they might never have crossed paths with otherwise, and there are plenty of success stories. But there can also be a less glamorous side — from ghosting and catfishing to scams, unrealistic expectations and the challenges of trying to build a genuine connection online.With so many different apps and dating trends out there, it can be difficult to know what works, what to watch out for, and whether swiping is really the best way to find love.So, what are the good, the bad and the ugly sides of dating apps, and how can people navigate the world of online dating safely?We were joined on The Agenda this morning by matchmaker Sharon Kenny to talk us through all things dating apps.

As families across the country await Tuesday’s Budget, childcare costs are expected to be high on the agenda, with further measures being considered to reduce the amount parents pay through the National Childcare Scheme.There are also proposals to increase the tax-free income threshold for home-based childminders and make higher-rate subsidies available to more families.But for families living with disability, the financial pressures can be considerably greater, with additional costs for equipment, travel, heating, medical appointments and childcare.Tracy and John Carroll live in Meath with their two children, Noah and Willow, who has profound intellectual and physical disabilities. Tracy says families like theirs need greater recognition of the additional financial pressures they face, with some families struggling to make ends meet.Tracy joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us more about this.