The Tonight Show

Guest presenter Shane Coleman leads a lively Tonight Show debate. First, the minister for education pauses a controversial review of Special Needs Assistant allocations after backlash from teachers and parents fearing major cuts to classroom support. Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty, Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion, and Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford share their views.Later, Moscow hits back at Irish proposals to board sanctioned Russian vessels, calling the move “piracy,” as tensions rise over maritime security. And we ask — should Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel go ahead as planned, and where should they be played?

Why was stronger action on scrambler bikes not taken sooner? Following Colette Fitzpatrick’s Big Interview with Siobhan Lynch, whose daughter Grace died after being struck by a scrambler in Dublin, our panel examines gaps in public safety enforcement and what changes may now follow.And as US authorities reject appeals on behalf of Irishman Seamus Culleton, we speak to his attorney about what comes next in his detention case.Guest presenter Richard Chambers is joined by:Joe Neville TD, Fine Gael Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times Ogor Winnie Okoye, Principal Attorney BOS Legal, representing Seamus Culleton 

Guest presenter Richard Chambers begins tonight’s programme with the story of Seamus Culleton — an Irish citizen detained in a Texas ICE facility for five months despite having a valid US work permit and no criminal record.Amid growing concern over the conditions he describes as “absolute hell,” there are increasing calls for Taoiseach Micheál Martin to intervene.Joining the discussion are Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, Labour TD Duncan Smith, journalist Aisling Moloney, and US-based immigration lawyer John Foley.

X was a notable no-show as executives from major social media platforms faced tough questioning before the Oireachtas Media Committee. The Taoiseach branded X’s decision not to appear as “concerning” and “disrespectful” — but how far is the Government really willing to go in standing up to Big Tech?John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming, Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly, and Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, to debate political accountability, regulation and the power of global platforms.The discussion then turns to growing momentum across Europe for an under-16s social media ban, as the European Commission warns Spain that new national rules on digital platforms may breach the EU’s Digital Services Act. Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, joins the panel.Finally, the programme looks to the US, where deep cuts at the Jeff Bezos–owned Washington Post are affecting around a third of its workforce, including hundreds of journalists. Former Washington Post fact-checker and author Glenn Kessler reacts to the impact on journalism and media independence.

Guest presenter John Lee leads tonight’s discussion. Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris joins to talk flooding responsibility, the Mercosur deal, and restricting teens on social media. Later, Michael Fitzmaurice, John Gibbons, and Joanna Donnelly debate Ireland’s flood defences. Plus, Enda Brady updates us on Peter Mandelson’s resignation from the House of Lords amid the Epstein investigation.

Storm Chandra brings renewed rain and flood warnings for counties across the east and south east, leaving homeowners and businesses facing devastation and raising fresh anger over Ireland’s preparedness for extreme weather.John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins, Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford to discuss the flooding and what it reveals about resilience and planning.The panel also tackles growing controversy over delays in Garda vetting, which may prevent newly trained recruits from taking up duties after graduating. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has acknowledged problems with the process, but questions remain over accountability and reform.Finally, pressure continues to mount on Bord Bia Chairman Larry Murrin after confirmation that his company, Dawn Farms, used Brazilian beef in its meat products — despite backing from the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture.Flooding, policing and political pressure — on The Tonight Show.