In this episode, Niall speaks to education commentator Jana Lundan about the upcoming Convention on Education and the National Conversation on Education, a major initiative that will help shape the future of Ireland’s school system.

Chaired by Anne Looney, the Convention will meet over four weekends in 2026 — March 21–22, May 9–10, September 26–27, and November 14–15 — bringing together 150 participants from four groups: 30 children and young people, 30 parents and guardians, 30 school employees and early years educators, and 60 education stakeholders.

The focus will centre on primary and post-primary education, key transitions within the system, what is working well, what challenges need urgent attention, and what changes may be needed in the years ahead. The recommendations from the Convention will feed directly into a new long-term strategy from the Department of Education and Youth.

But Jana argues there’s a problem.

She believes many parents are largely unaware that this Convention is even happening — and questions whether that lack of visibility is accidental. With the expression of interest process now closed and selected members due to be notified by 28 February 2026, she says parents are being “hoodwinked” out of meaningful involvement in decisions that will affect their children’s future.

The conversation also explores another trend raising eyebrows: the steady increase in homeschooling across Ireland. Niall shares that he recently spoke to a mother who chose to homeschool because she disagrees with aspects of the moral and relationship education curriculum. With no formal qualifications required to homeschool, and some parents having limited educational backgrounds themselves, it raises a challenging question:

Are homeschooled children at an advantage — benefiting from tailored, values-based learning — or are they potentially missing out on broader academic and social development?

It’s a lively and thought-provoking discussion about transparency, parental voice, educational standards, and who ultimately gets to shape the future of Irish education.

In this episode, Niall sits down with social commentator Karl Deeter to examine the Government’s latest commitment to issue a State apology to Ireland’s thalidomide survivors.

After the Taoiseach initially declined to confirm whether an apology would be forthcoming, a subsequent “constructive” meeting with representatives signalled that a formal apology is now on the way — potentially opening the door to further redress.

Over the past two decades, the Irish State has issued a series of landmark apologies: to survivors of industrial schools, the Magdalene Laundries, victims of clerical abuse, and those affected by Mother and Baby Homes, among others. In many cases, apologies have been accompanied by substantial financial compensation schemes, costing the State billions.

There is little disagreement that grave wrongs were done — and that victims deserve recognition. But this conversation goes deeper:

As a society, we inevitably make mistakes — and we will make more. In twenty years’ time, will another generation be apologising for today’s policies?

Should the modern taxpayer continue to shoulder the financial burden of historic failures? Is compensation a moral necessity, or has the State created a model where apology and redress are now inseparable?

And crucially — does the process of apology help us learn from the past, or has it become a political and financial reflex?

It’s a thoughtful, challenging discussion about accountability, justice, public money, and whether saying sorry is enough — or too costly to sustain.

In this episode, Niall sits down with Irish women’s rights activist,Catherine Monaghan a founding member of Wicklow Women 4 Women, for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on some of the most debated issues in Ireland today.

Together, they explore the future of women’s single-sex spaces, the impact and implications of the Gender Recognition Act 2015, and the broader cultural and legal questions surrounding gender identity. Catherine shares her perspective on advocacy, public debate, and what supporters and critics alike can expect from their upcoming speaking event in Dublin on March 7th.

This episode also turns the conversation outward. Niall asks you, the listeners:

Do you believe gender pronouns should always be respected?

Should educators and public services be obliged to use a person’s chosen pronouns rather than those associated with their biological sex at birth?

Expect a candid, respectful discussion that doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. Whether you feel strongly one way or are still making up your mind, this is a conversation that invites you to think critically and engage openly.