The Agenda

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.

Should every schoolchild in Ireland be taught and regularly sing the national anthem?That’s the call from Aontú councillor in Cork Peter O’Donoghue, who wants Amhrán na bhFiann to become a compulsory part of the curriculum in both primary and secondary schools.He says too many people don’t know the national anthem, and believes children should learn it as part of their education and connection with Irish history and culture.His call comes in the year marking 100 years since Amhrán na bhFiann was officially adopted, and he has criticised the Department of Education for failing to respond to an earlier request on the issue.Councillor Peter O’Donoghue joined us on The Agenda this morning to explain why he believes the anthem should be part of every child’s school journey.

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.

Opposition sports spokespersons will today call on the Government to intervene and stop Ireland’s Nations League games against Israel.Sinn Féin’s Joanna Byrne will be joined by representatives from other opposition parties in submitting a letter to the Sports Minister, asking the Government to take action over the planned fixtures.The group will gather outside the Department of Sport in Dublin at one o’clock, before addressing a Stop the Games demonstration organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign.The campaign is calling for Ireland’s matches against Israel to be cancelled, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and wider concerns over Israel’s participation in international sporting competitions.Sinn Fein TD for Louth and spokesperson on sport, Joanna Byrne, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this

The leaders of Sinn Féin, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru have signed a joint agreement calling for greater momentum towards constitutional change across the UK.Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill, SNP leader John Swinney and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth signed the agreement in Cardiff, calling on Westminster to prepare for and facilitate potential referendums on independence and constitutional change.Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú was in Cardiff for the meeting and joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the agreement and what it could mean for the future of the UK

A campaign raising awareness of violence against women is encouraging people across the country to take part in a 15-minute walkout later this month.The Walkout for Women campaign is asking people to leave their homes, workplaces or wherever they are at 11am on September 30th, and share their support using the hashtag #WalkOutForWomen.The campaign was launched in Waterford following the murder of 81-year-old Noreen Daly in the county, and organisers hope the action will encourage a wider conversation about violence against women and girls.Organiser Monica Murphy says the campaign is about challenging attitudes towards violence against women and highlighting the need for change, and Monica joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about the campaign and what she hopes the walkout will achieve.