The Agenda

Today on The Agenda we spoke to Niamh Kane (player for the Blackhall Gaels in Meath) about the teams decision to stand firm in the skort row.The backlash by camogie players against the wearing of skorts spread to Co Meath after Thursday night's Adult Ladies Camogie Division 1 League clash between Killyon and Blackhall Gaels was abandoned after the visiting side refused to wear skorts and togged out in shorts.We also spoke to Fianna Fail Councillor Caroline O'Reilly, who was commending the team for standing firm against this.

Today on The Agenda we spoke to Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee John Brady, who says that the Dáil‘s spending watchdog will scrutinise expenditure on accommodation for asylum seekers, the new national children’s hospital and on the failed IT system for the Arts Council.Deputy Brady says that one of the most pressing issues he intends to prioritise on the committee is the “massive profiteering” in the provision of accommodation for those seeking asylum in Ireland.

Today on The Agenda we spoke to Alex Cooney from CyberSafeKids about an announcement by Tánaiste Simon Harris that a social media ban for children under 16 will be given “serious consideration”, suggesting ­Ireland could follow Australia which has adopted some of the strictest laws in the world.Alex spoke to us about just how dangerous and damaging social media can be for young children and teens, but she also believes that this ban would be a "blunt instrument".

Today on The Agenda we spoke to Minister of State for Transport, Seán Canney, who has ruled out an “amnesty” for experienced learner drivers to allow them to drive unaccompanied until they are called for a test.But he said “all options” are under consideration to address the backlog in waiting lists. “The service is not right and it needs to be rectified.”

Today on The Agenda we spoke to Zoe Lawlor from the Meath-Palestine Solidarity Campaign about RTE's decision not to pull Ireland out of the Eurovision song contest over Israel’s participation. Zoe also told us about a protest taking place this evening outside the RTE studio gates this evening in relation to this.

Today on The Agenda we spoke to Fr Iggy O'Donovan who served in Drogheda.Fr O'Donovan spoke to us about the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who is an old friend of his and goes back many years. We also heard from the Director of Public Affairs to Irish office of Aid to the Church in Need, Michael Kelly, who is in Rome reporting on all the latest on this.

Today on The Agenda we spoke to Drogheda woman Jessica Hanlon, who issued an appeal for information on the whereabouts of her brother, Anthony Hanlon, who has been missing since Tuesday November 26th 2024.Anthony had been staying in homeless accommodation but was due to move into his own place before Christmas.Jessica fears that something sinister has happened to her brother. Anthony is described as being 5' 5" in height and of slim build, with balding, auburn hair and blue eyes.  Anyone with information on Anthony’s whereabouts is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on (041) 9874200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Today on The Agenda we spoke to the Head of Advocacy & Public Affairs at Age Action Ireland, Camille Loftus, about the thousands of families in Ireland who are facing a potential financial ‘ticking time bomb’ under the Fair Deal scheme to cover nursing home fees – which can cost over €120,000 a year.

Social media has “destroyed social conscience”, the Dáil heard this week as Independent TD Michael Lowry detailed how people are recording tragic incidents instead of assisting those in need.The Tipperary politician said a mother in Cork last week witnessed people “callously filming her son’s final moments” after he drowned in the River Lee in the county.Today on The Agenda we spoke to Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn, who is calling for legislation to be introduced to prohibit the sharing of videos of people “in their final moments”.