The Tonight Show

The Government has set aside €8.5 billion for tax measures and higher spending ahead of Budget 2027. But how far will that money go — and does the Government have the fiscal discipline to deliver?Plus, RTÉ's latest pay figures spark fresh debate, with executives making up nine of the broadcaster's top 10 earners.Shane Coleman is joined by Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, James Geoghegan, Pearse Doherty and Dr Emma Howard.

Finance Minister Simon Harris says income tax cuts will be a priority for Budget 2027, but questions remain over whether narrowing the tax base is economically sustainable and who will benefit from a proposed savings scheme.Meanwhile, with energy prices facing renewed pressure from tensions in the Persian Gulf, we ask whether the Government is doing enough to protect households from potential winter cost shocks.Guest Presenter Fionnan Sheahan was joined by: Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist, Institute of International and European AffairsMichael Taft, Researcher, SIPTUMegan O’Brien, Political Reporter, Business PostLucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor, Financial Times

Ireland’s extended heatwave has raised questions about how prepared the country is for extreme weather, as a hosepipe ban was announced, crèches closed early, roads melted and fires raged in Kerry.The panel also examined the angry exchanges in the Dáil over plans for apartments on part of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site, where the remains of 859 children are still unaccounted for. Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: John ConnollyTD, Fianna FáilSenator Laura Harmon, Labour Elaine Dunne, Chairperson, Federation of Early Childhood ProvidersProf. John Sweeney, Maynooth UniversityPatricia Carey, Special Advocate for SurvivorsCllr Terry Shannon (FF), Cork City Council 

Are scramblers and e-scooters becoming an epidemic of reckless behaviour? Can Ireland protect artists from industrial-scale AI copyright theft? And as the World Cup reaches the semi-finals… is it ever acceptable to support England?Shane Coleman was joined by: Michael Murphy TD, Fine Gael Daniel Ennis TD, Social Democrats Orla Ryan, News Reporter, The Irish Times Sarah Glennane, CEO, Screen Composers Guild of Ireland  David Keenan, Singer-songwriter Simon Tierney, Journalist

Sinn Féin’s proposal for a United Ireland preparations bill faces opposition from Government, reigniting debate over who should lead the conversation on a future referendum and the path towards unity.Meanwhile, questions grow over the justice system after a murder accused was left without legal representation during Garda custody, while the family of Shane O’Farrell calls for urgent action on bail reform.And in the UK, Nigel Farage triggers another by-election after resigning as an MP — only to seek re-election again amid questions over his political future.Shane Coleman was joined by:James Geoghegan TD, Fine Gael   Matt Carthy TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Sinn Fein    Emma DeSouza, Journalist Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at Irish Penal Reform Trust Anna Gross, Political correspondent, Financial Times

Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law.Shane Coleman was joined by:Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of StateRichard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before Profit - SolidarityAisling Maloney, Political Reporter, Irish IndependentJohnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, ICCL

Fuel cuts extended to September. Is the Government afraid of more protests? Plus, are the one-off rural housing changes a solid foundation for future generations?Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by: Seamus McGrath TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Fianna Fail Pearse Doherty TD, Spokesperson on Finance, Sinn Fein Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times Ireland  Kevin McPartlan, CEO Fuels for Ireland John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist Donncha Ó hÉallaithe, Chair of BÁNÚ 

The Taoiseach defends the decision to scrap the triple lock amid criticism from Fianna Fáil backbenchers, who argue it represents a fundamental shift in Ireland’s traditional approach to neutrality. The move comes as the Government prepares for a forthcoming EU presidency, where defence spending is expected to be a contentious issue.Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for a proposed meeting involving Palantir founder Peter Thiel in Wicklow to be blocked, following reports of a secretive retreat. The development raises questions about Ireland’s relationship with Silicon Valley and the broader politics of protest.Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and DefenceMairéad Farrell TD, Sinn FéinNiamh Ní Bhriain, coordinator of the War and Pacification Programme at the Transnational Institute