In today’s episode, Niall follows up on a tweet that struck a nerve online.

Last week, he spoke to a man who says his life and education were destroyed by teachers in the 1960s and 1970s. He recalls being beaten, caned, and slapped at school, describing an atmosphere of fear that made learning impossible. He left school at just 14 years of age, traumatised and with no formal education — consequences he says have followed him throughout his life.

Corporal punishment was once legal and widely accepted in Irish schools. But does that make it right? And more importantly, does the state now have a responsibility to those who say they were permanently damaged by it?

The man believes the state owes a formal apology — and financial compensation — to victims of corporal punishment in schools.

So we ask the question:

Is he right? Or should today’s taxpayer not be financially burdened for mistakes made decades ago under a different social and legal system?

This episode explores trauma, accountability, historical injustice, and where — if anywhere — responsibility ends.

In this episode, Niall speaks with Councillor Gavin Pepper about the devastating death of Grace Lynch (16), who died in hospital after suffering catastrophic injuries when she was struck by a scrambler bike while crossing a road in Finglas, on her way to meet her boyfriend.

Grace’s death has sent shockwaves through the community and has reignited urgent questions about the unchecked spread of scrambler and scooter bikes across estates in Finglas and throughout the country. These bikes—often sold on the black market—are being driven by children as young as 12 up to 18, frequently without insurance, licences, or regard for safety, putting themselves, pedestrians, and local residents at constant risk.

While a young man has been arrested by An Garda Síochána in relation to this incident—meaning there are clear limits on what can be said about the specifics—we can talk about the wider and growing crisis. This was not the first serious injury or death linked to scrambler bikes, and without decisive action, it will not be the last.

Niall and Councillor Pepper discuss parental responsibility, community breakdown, and whether some parents have lost control—or abdicated responsibility—for their teenagers’ behaviour. The episode asks a difficult but necessary question:

Should parents be fined or held legally accountable for children involved in antisocial and dangerous behaviour?

This is a raw, necessary conversation about public safety, accountability, and how we prevent more families from suffering the same unimaginable loss.

In this episode, Niall is joined by social commentator Karl Deeter to take a hard look at the cost, scale, and alleged abuse of Ireland’s free legal aid system — and whether reform is long overdue.

They discuss recent comments from Aontú TD Paul Lawless, who has argued that:

“Repeat offenders who repeatedly receive free legal aid should have part of the cost recovered from their social welfare payments or assets. Some individuals appear before the courts 10, 20, even hundreds of times, each time availing of free legal aid at the taxpayer’s expense.”

The conversation is set against the backdrop of the Legal Aid Board’s Annual Report 2024, which highlights the growing demand on the system:

28,050 applications for civil legal aid and advice in 2024

58% of applications related to private family law

11,689 applications were linked to international protection services, up 18% on the previous year

7,423 legal aid certificates issued for court representation through the District Court private practitioner scheme

2,294 family mediation cases, showing rising demand for alternatives to court

Supporters of Lawless’s proposal say this is common sense — arguing that a small cohort of repeat offenders should not have unlimited access to taxpayer-funded legal services.

Critics counter that justice must remain equal before the law, warning that introducing financial recovery risks creating a two-tier justice system — especially when those who can afford top solicitors and barristers already enjoy a significant advantage.

A timely and challenging discussion about fairness, accountability, and the future of legal aid in Ireland.

👉 Is free legal aid in criminal and family law being abused?

👉 Should some of the cost be recouped from welfare payments or assets?