Calling It

Marie Staunton is here to talk all things clematis today. The beautiful climbing flower that can be tricky if you don’t know how to prune them.

From today, Irish consumers who buy import items from outside of the European Union will be subject to new charges. Under the EU’s reform of its customs operations, 3 euro will now apply to each item imported, if the package is under 150 euro. To tell us more about the changes was Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock.

Joining Claire in studio was Irish-American entrepreneur David  McCourt. David has down his own deep dive into the States in a new documentary Amerigo which will be available to watch on Sky from July 4th.

Are you noticing that your hair isn't as thick as it used to be? Or that your hairbrush has more strands of hair in it then normal? Claire discusses hair loss with Rosemary Coleman, Consultant Dermatologist at Blackrock Clinic.

US President Donald Trump earned more than 1.4 billion dollars in income from his family’s crypto ventures last year. How has he done this? Claire asked Professor David Dunn, Professor of International Politics, at the University of Birmingham. 

It’s almost a week since two powerful earthquakes hit densely populated areas of Venezuela. The latest reports saying that the healthcare system is being pushed to its limits.  The number of those confirmed to have died is close to 2000, with the UN ready to provide 10,000 body bags. We get the latest on the situation there with Claudia Gonzalez, Institutional Relations and External Engagement Manager in World Vision Venezuela.

As of today, the Hospitality VAT cut is in place, reducing the rate from 13.5%, down to 9%, for the sector. Over a 12-month period, this will cost the taxpayer close to two thirds of a billion euro.  So should the government have gone ahead with it? Claire discusses this further with Sligo-based restauranteur, Anthony Gray and Economist at the Nevin Economic Research Institute, Ciarán Nugent. 

The Michael Jackson film has become the highest grossing biopic of all time. The music biopic surpassed Oppenheimer's box office record, earning $977 million so far. Is this a surprise to movie industry. To discuss further with Claire was Chris Wasser, Sunday Independent Film Critic.

If it’s time to start saving, have you struggled to get your partner on board? Or perhaps they’re more of a spender than you are, and you’re trying to get them to cut back? With some help and advice was Columnist with the Irish Independent Michael Houghton.

Legal aid solicitors plan to resign en masse today. As Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is pressing ahead with the plans to introduce a flat fee for legal aid services.  One of those resigning today is Alan Gannon of Claffey Gannon and Co in Roscommon. Alan explained his decision to Claire.  

The government has been advised to tax the mileage on cars, as a way of compensating for the loss in tax income from petrol and diesel. Will this potential charge remove the incentive for people to make the switch to EVs? To discuss with Claire was Partner in Deloitte, Daryl Hanberry and Motoring Correspondent with The Irish Daily Mail, Philip Nolan.  

The sun should be out more often than not, and it’s all about fresh, vibrant food.Chef and DJ Marcus O’Laoire joined Claire to tell us how to spice up the humble household tomato.

World number one Jannik Sinner survived an almighty scare as he began his Wimbledon title defence with a five-set comeback victory over inspired opponent Miomir Kecmanovic. For all this and more, Claire was joined by Colm Boohig from Off The Ball.

Taylor Swift is due to marry Travis Kelce next month and the internet is rife with rumours of their wedding plans.  From renting madison square garden to the celebs on the guest list – everyone wants to know the details.Bethany Minelle, Sky Arts and Entertainment Reporter joined Claire to chat about it.

The government wants to increase the number of homes in rural Ireland by 50%.  In a significant policy shift, rules around who can build houses in rural areas are to be relaxed and a uniform policy will be set so the same rules apply in every county. John Cummins is Fine Gael TD for Waterford, and the Minister of State for Local Government and Planning and he joined Claire this morning.

A high-level American delegation is travelling to Doha today for talks with Iran, but Iran says no meeting has been planned.  The confusion points to a peace deal on the edge with the two countries having less than 60 days to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Sally Lockwood, International Journalist & Presenter joined Claire to discuss.

During the FIFA World Cup, several brands have been making headlines after being banned, or being forced to hide their logos. Outside the Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, the iconic Levi's logo has been covered up with a white tarpaulin. Inside the press box, Heinz logos on ketchup bottles have been taped over. Trevor Twamley, who is CEO & Co-Founder of Sport Endorse joined Claire to chat about it. Image: Creative Review

Whatsapp has announced that users will be able to chat with a username rather than a phone number in the coming months.  The company says that some users are uncomfortable with their numbers being visible in group chats  So what will the change mean for you?  Adrian Weckler – Irish Independent Technology Correspondent joined Claire to discuss.

In the last six months of 2025, almost 1,900 women were turned away from domestic violence refuges due to a lack of beds.This report is from Safe Ireland and their interim CEO Christine Lodge joined Claire this morning.

The Prosecution yesterday closed their case in the trial of Riad  Bouchaker and Newstalk’s courts correspondent Frank Greaney joined Claire to discuss. More details on the proceedings at the Central Criminal Court today can be found on Frank's podcast All Rise: The Riad Bouchaker Trial on the GoLoud app, or wherever you find your podcasts.

From breakfast to bedtime, it is hard to ignore the impact that screens have on our daily lives and on our children’s lives.But how do we, as parents, break the scroll and get our children away from them? Claire was joined by Claire Crowe, Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.

Some retailers are calling for the minimum wage increases to be stopped as there are fears it is preventing young people from getting work. Retail Excellence Ireland says that the cost is now too high for certain shop owners, and that a generation are being locked out of getting their first job. To discuss this, Claire was joined by Chair of ISME, Finbarr Filan,  and Associate Professor with the ESRI, Paul Redmond.

Big changes are on the way to planning rules that could make it easier for people to build houses in rural areas and in the Gaeltacht.  The guidelines are expected to be approved by cabinet today. To talk through that and the rest of the cabinet agenda this morning Claire was joined by Cónal Thomas, Political Correspondent with the Irish Independent.

Joining Claire to talk about AI in veterinary medicine is Vet at Nutgrove Veterinary Hospital, Darragh O’Hanlon. You can find Darragh online as @the topical vet.

All summer we’re celebrating Irish food producers and all the gorgeous grub this island has to offer. Joining Claire in studio was three dairy producers from all over this Island. Will Taylor from Glastry Farm in County Down, Catherine Kinsella - Founder of Saltrock Dairy in Wexford and Valerie Kingston, Co-Owner of Glenilen Farm in West Cork. 

It was quite the weekend of quarter final football in the GAA, and for many, it proved difficult for some to watch on GAA+. One person who experienced those fustrations was Larry Donnelly is law lecturer at the University of Galway, Columnist with The Journal.ie. Also to discuss was Colm O’Rourke, Sunday Independent Columnist and former Meath footballer.

We take a look back at all the weekend sporting action with Off The Ball’s Mick McCarthy.All with thanks to Visa.

How do we pack to go abroad when some of the places we’re visiting are going to be even hotter? Joining Claire in the studio to tell us was Aoife Duncan, The Style Bob.

Starting Wednesday, a €3 duty will be imposed on all small parcels valued at below €150 coming from non- European countries which are imported into the European bloc.  To explain this custom tax is Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent for the Irish Times.    

A lack of public dentists has led to nearly 360,000 appointments in the last five years being denied to children eligible for free dental care.   A Fianna Fail Senator is now calling for a €200 tax credit in the Budget for those who didn’t get treatment.   Speaking to Claire with more on this was Fintan Hourihan the Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association.  

From today, any employee who wants to work until the age of 66, even if their contract says they should retire at 65, has the right to stay in the job. The new rules aim to close the gap between retirement and the age when you are entitled to the state pension, on your 66th birthday. To explain all was Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise.

School’s out for summer and if you’re looking for ways to keep the family busy as the days stretch out ahead, it might be worth considering a wildlife-style holiday?   We get the details from travel expert Sarah-Kim Watchorn.

The new flat fee rate for criminal legal aid is set to be introduced this Wednesday. But in a last-ditch attempt to avoid work stoppages by solicitors, the Justice Minister is looking to increase that fee.  It this enough to stop the protests? Claire asked Cathy McDarby a s Solicitor at McDarby & Co.

Government party leaders will meet this evening to discuss a gradual reversal in the excise cuts on petrol and diesel. Speaking to Claire to discuss this further was this Mairead Farrell, Sinn Fein TD for Galway West and Fianna Fail TD for Kilkenny Peter Chap Cleere.

Here’s the latest episode of my new series, Never Have I Ever, the podcast in which I admit to the things I’ve never done. My guest this week was footballer turned ultimate Faithful, Vanessa Ogbonna, winner of The Traitors Ireland.Search for ‘Never Have I Ever’ wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow or subscribe, so you never miss an episode.New podcasts drop every Wednesday morning. With thanks to O’Briens Wine.

Welcome to The Debrief, where we look back on some of the biggest stories of the week.  Joining Claire this morning was Europe Correspondent for Euronews, Shona Murray Professor of Politics at DCU, Donnacha O’Beachain. Also on the panel was And Columnist and Author, Carl Kinsella. 

Eoin Sheahan from Off The Ball looks ahead to the weekend of sport.All with thanks to Visa.

An oyster farm in Waterford has lost around €9m a year, for the past two years, with over 70% of their oysters dying. Despite extensive research, it is unknown what is causing the deaths. The General Manager and Co-Owner of Waterford Oysters, Clíona Mhic spoke to Claire this morning.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been highlighting the stories of people living with Friedreich’s Ataxia and their calls to fund a drug here that they say could massively improve their lives. The drug is called Skyclary’s and, though approved in other European countries, is not available here. Richie Currier, his wife Maria and his cousin Bernard Clarke told Claire their story.

Minister for Finance Simon Harris met financial content creators about his new savings scheme.  One of those invited to the meeting, was the  MD of DNG Financial Services Cian Carolan.

Fruit juices have been vilified for years. But should we really feel guilty sipping a freshly squeezed OJ? Claire asked  Sarah Keogh, Dietician and founder of Eatwell.ie.

O’Connell Street has been described as ‘troubled’ with ‘visible drug use’ by none other than Lonely Planet. The publication talked about the street struggling with decline, with safety concerns persisting.  Speaking to Claire was the author of the piece Fionn Davenport and also Debbie Lawrence, CEO and Director of Carlton Entertainment Group.

Joining Claire this morning was Spin 1038’s Michaela Hayes to go through with is trending online this week.

The weather has taken a sharp turn, as many counties are under thunderstorm warnings today. Temperatures will still reach the high twenties. Cathal Nolan of Ireland’s Weather Channel gave us an update on what to expect around the country today.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Fine Gael TD for Meath East joined Claire in studio. Up for discussion was the Triple Lock, new custom charges and changes to the Irish passport.

The sun is out; the garden is calling and it's the perfect time for some DIY.  Alan Grant from My DIY.ie joins us with tips and advice.Going Green is with thanks to Repak.

The consumer watchdog is concerned about ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes that allow people to buy things that they cannot afford. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission were in front of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance yesterday.  Claire discusses this further with Charlie Weston the Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent.

Joining Claire in studio this morning was Amanda Geard, author of The Moon Gate, The Midnight House. She has a new novel 'The Glass Key'.  

A leading drug addiction charity has said that more Irish people are turning to drugs to get them through social events. Drugs like cocaine and ketamine are being used to ease social anxiety and nervousness in group settings. To discuss this with Claire was Dawn Russell, Chief Executive of Ana Liffey

One of the toughest things in this heat can be deciding what to eat! To give us some advice was Chef Brian McDermott.