The Tonight Show

On The Tonight Show with Kieran Cuddihy A sharp decline in people taking out private health insurance is raising serious concerns, as rising premiums push coverage out of reach and add more strain to the public system.In Ballymena, unrest has intensified with arrests and injuries after protests over a sexual assault case turned violent and racially charged.Meanwhile, the Central Bank say they cannot refuse sale of Israeli war bonds.🏛️ Claire Kerrane TD, Sinn Féin 📰 Mary Regan, Political Editor, Irish Independent 🏥 Ger Conalty, Head of Health Insurance, SYS Financial 📰 Eamonn McCann, Activist & Journalist

On The Tonight Show with Kieran CuddihyCabinet has agreed on new rent measures aimed at boosting supply and protecting tenants. Rent caps will now apply nationwide, with stronger protections for existing tenants - but higher rent increases will be allowed in new-build apartments.Will the changes help tenants—or push prices up and drive landlords away?Meanwhile, Donald Trump is being accused of intentionally fuelling unrest in LA after sending in 700 marines and thousands of troops to deal with protests. One opponent called it “the deranged fantasy of a dictatorial president.”🏛️ Micheál Carrigy TD, Fine Gael, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing 🏛️ Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit💼 Carol Tallon, CEO, Property District👨‍🏫 Michael Byrne, Lecturer, School of Social Policy, UCD 🏘️ Marcus O'Connor, Managing Director, MFO The Property Professionals📰 Toni Waterman, News Correspondent, Live from LA

Israel suspends aid into Gaza after more Palestinians are killed while queuing for food, amid claims Netanyahu’s government is using starvation as a weapon of war and undermining the UN. As Trinity College moves to cut ties with Israeli organisations, pressure grows on the Irish government to act.A new EPA report also warns Ireland’s infrastructure is unprepared for the growing threat of climate shocks, calling for urgent action.Guests include Leila Molana-Allen (PBS), Lazar Berman (The Times of Israel), Juliette Touma (UNRWA), Paul McAuliffe TD, Jennifer Whitmore TD, Fintan Drury, Eoghan McNeill and Prof John Sweeney.

In this episode, we examine two major issues shaping Ireland’s justice and migration policies.First, the case of 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald, who died by self-inflicted gunshot wounds after opening fire at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow. Fitzgerald was out on bail, despite Garda objections, for charges related to possession of guns, ammunition, and explosive materials. The Taoiseach says a review of bail laws is now underway, though significant changes may be constitutionally challenging.Then, we look at the government’s decision to scrap plans for an international protection centre at the former Crown Paints Factory in Coolock. Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy said the change reflects a shift towards State-acquired properties and IPAS centres. The local group ‘Coolock Says No’ called it a “great victory.”We’ll discuss the implications of these developments and what they mean for justice and housing policy in Ireland.

On The Tonight Show with Kieran CuddihyRTÉ executives say they weren’t made aware of a €3.6 million write-down over a failed IT project until February.Appearing before an Oireachtas committee, the Director General also hit back at what he called "inaccurate" reporting around a leaked news promo — saying extras were used and the final cost will be under €100,000. Meanwhile, the Dáil rejected a Sinn Féin motion that sought to block the Central Bank from approving the sale of Israeli ‘war bonds’. It was defeated 87–75, though two independents who support the government — Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole — voted in favour.Also, concerns are rising over access to U.S. college places after the Trump administration paused student visas and considers tougher social media screening.🏛️ Malcolm Byrne TD, Fianna Fáil🏛️ Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, the Irish Independent👩‍🎓🏛️ Jenny Maguire, Trinity SU President

On The Tonight Show with Kieran CuddihyAnother wave of resignations from the Children’s Health Ireland board comes as pressure mounts over ongoing issues in children’s hospitals.Meanwhile, the Housing Committee was told government targets will be missed for the next two years. And following a state apology to Shane O’Farrell’s family, bail laws are now set to be reviewed.🏛️ John Cummins TD, Minister of State, Department of Housing🏛️ Mark Wall TD. Labour Party Spokesperson for Children📰 John Lee, Executive Editor, Irish Daily Mail📰 Shauna Bowers, Health Correspondent, Irish TimesÁine Gladney Knox, Mother & Campaigner

This episode shines a spotlight on Ireland’s deepening disability crisis.With over 15,000 children still waiting for an assessment of needs, and the number expected to rise to 25,000, 14-year-old disability campaigner Cara Darmody stages a powerful 50-hour protest outside Leinster House, demanding action.Joining the discussion are Lorraine Dempsey, Family Carer and Former CEO of Inclusion Ireland, Keira Keogh TD, Fine Gael member of the Committee on Disability Matters, and Paul Lawless TD, Aontú, who debate the deepening crisis, broken promises, legislative delays, and whether the latest response is too little, too late.

With air strikes ongoing and a blockade in Gaza now past ten weeks, we ask if Israel should be allowed to compete in this year’s Eurovision.We examine the Government’s approach to dangerous driving following a seven-year sentence for the man behind a fatal Monaghan crash. And with the dry spell set to continue, what impact will it have on Ireland’s water supply?Guests:🏛️ Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State, Fine Gael 🏛️ Louise O'Reilly TD, Sinn Fein📰 Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent 🏛️ Alan Shatter, Former Justice Minister🎤 Brian Kennedy, Singer-Songwriter & Former Eurovision Contestant☀️ Alan O'Reilly, Carlow WeatherMéabh White, Road Safety Campaigner & RTC Survivor

The Irish pub is under threat—can industry plans save your local? We visit one struggling pub in Co. Louth.Also—calls for a total social media ban for under-16s—is it realistic or just another headline grab?Donald Trump’s Gulf tour, a luxury jet, and claims of a “mile-high bribe”.Guests:🏛️ Ryan O'Meara TD, Fianna Fáil🏛️ Ken O'Flynn TD, Independent Ireland📰 Kevin Doyle, Head of News, Irish Independent📰 Nick Harper, U.S. News Correspondent🍽️ Adrian Cummins, CEO Restaurants Association📱 Alex Cooney, CEO, CyberSafeKids🎓 Richard Layte, TCD Professor of Sociology📰Nick Harper, U.S. News Correspondent