The number of secondary students given exemptions from studying Irish has reached a new record high of 60,946, according to the latest figures from the Department of Education and Youth.

The figures show the number of exemptions from studying Irish has almost doubled in the past seven years, leading to fears among some that Irish is losing its compulsory status in schools.

The latest figures from the Department of Education and Youth show that in the 2024/25 academic year, 60,946 children, or 14.3 per cent of the post-primary school population, had an exemption from studying Irish even though it is a compulsory school subject.

This is the equivalent of one in seven secondary school children currently having special permission to excuse them from studying Irish

Currently, a school principal can decide to grant an exemption if a student meets the necessary criteria laid down by the Department of Education and Youth.

The conditions usually apply to children who have special educational needs or are new arrivals coming to Ireland from abroad.

There is no doubt there are more coming from abroad and no doubt many students have genuine learning difficulties but there is also no doubt many are faking it to be exempt from Irish to collage course exemption because they just struggle with the language.

Is it time we stopped making Irish an compulsory language as it’s not necessary for life?

Today on the show, Niall talks to Daragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie about Ireland’s soaring energy costs. SSE Airtricity has just announced a 9.5% hike in its standard electricity prices from next month, adding around €150 a year to the average bill. This is the company’s second increase in 2024, after April’s rises of 10.5% for electricity and 8.4% for gas.

Irish consumers are already paying some of the highest energy prices in Europe. Eurostat figures show household electricity costs in Ireland are almost 30% above the EU average—with the average annual bill now around €1,800, roughly €350 more than the EU average household. While Electric Ireland has surprised customers with a 4% cut in gas prices starting November, the relief only amounts to about €58 a year—a drop in the ocean for many struggling households.

Niall also opens the phone lines to hear directly from listeners. One woman told us she went all last winter without turning on the heating, relying on long hours at work to stay warm because she couldn’t afford both food for her two children and a gas bill. Even the standing charge alone is pushing families on low incomes to the brink.

With so many people feeling the pressure, Niall asks the big question:

👉 “Are you afraid to turn the heating on because it costs too much?”

On today’s show, Niall tackles a heated email from a listener caught in a housing dilemma. Her fiancé wants to buy a house near his family in a north Dublin council estate. She says she doesn’t want to raise children in what she describes as an area full of wasters and antisocial behaviour. But the house is within their budget, and moving outside Dublin may be their only other option.

She admits she’d rather wait than settle there—yet her fiancé is furious, accusing her of being a snob. So who’s right? Is she being realistic about wanting the best environment for her future kids, or unfairly judging a community?

Niall opens the lines to listeners and callers to get their take. Should love mean compromise on where you live, or is this a dealbreaker in disguise?

On today’s show, Niall sits down with Laura Perrins from Gript Media to debate whether curfews could help tackle rising violence and anti-social behaviour in Dublin city centre. With recent knife attacks involving teenagers and growing public concern, Niall asks: could curfews for under-18s really make the streets safer, or would they unfairly punish young people?

Laura shares her perspective on the challenges facing communities and whether curfews have worked elsewhere. After the interview, Niall opens the phone lines to hear from listeners. Callers give their own views—some supporting stricter measures to restore safety, others warning that curfews may not solve the deeper issues at play.

It’s a lively, thought-provoking discussion about law, order, and how best to protect both young people and the wider public.

In this fiery episode, host Niall sits down with outspoken journalist Ian O’Doherty to ask a question at the heart of a growing national debate: “Whose job is it to teach primary school children about sex and sexual orientation — parents, or the state?”

The conversation is sparked by the government’s newly revised primary school curriculum, which for the first time introduces lessons on sexual orientation and earlier discussions of puberty. Education Minister Helen McEntee insists the changes are age-appropriate and necessary for respect and understanding. But many parents are pushing back, saying this is a line the state should never cross.

As Niall and Ian dive into the issue, the phone lines light up — and the callers don’t hold back. Some argue schools should teach only the basics of biology, leaving sensitive conversations about sexuality to families. Others say parents can’t always be relied upon to cover these topics responsibly, and schools have a duty to ensure every child receives the same level of information and respect. A few listeners even suggest a middle ground: that schools provide neutral information, while parents handle the “values” side of the conversation.

Expect sharp exchanges, passionate opinions, and more than a little mayhem as Niall steers through the storm of perspectives.

This week, host Niall opens the phone lines for a heated discussion on the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to raise Ireland’s national minimum wage by 5% — from €13.50 to €14.17 an hour.

Supporters argue the increase is long overdue, pointing out that workers are still struggling to keep pace with rising rents, food prices, and energy bills. Critics, however, warn that small businesses are already under immense pressure, with Retail Excellence Ireland’s CEO Jean McCabe calling the proposal “the nail in the coffin” after a 35% rise in wage costs over the past five years.

As always, Niall brings listeners into the heart of the debate. Callers share their stories from both sides — employees saying they can’t make ends meet, and employers insisting higher wages could force closures and job losses. Expect passionate exchanges, real-life experiences, and no shortage of strong opinions as the nation wrestles with the question: Can Ireland afford another wage hike — or can workers afford not to have one?

Today on the show Niall explores a sensitive and growing conversation: in the wake of the Charlie Kirk shooting, many Christian commentators in America are saying there's been a surge in talk about faith—yet also a fear among believers. Some Christians say they worry about admitting their faith publicly, concerned they’ll be mocked or dismissed.

So the question is: Are people nowadays afraid to say they believe in God?

Niall invites listeners to call in and share their perspectives—whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between. What social pressures, cultural shifts, or personal fears are at play? Is this a uniquely American issue—or one felt globally?

Today Niall sits down with renowned cyber security expert Will Geddes to explore one of the hottest debates online today:

Should you have to verify your identity on all social media and use your real name to register?

With growing concerns about fake accounts, online abuse, and digital security, is mandatory verification the answer—or would it strip away anonymity, free speech, and privacy?

Niall also opens the lines to callers, inviting listeners to share their thoughts and experiences. From everyday users to tech-savvy professionals, everyone has an opinion on whether the future of social media should be real names only or if anonymity still deserves protection.

Tune in for a lively discussion packed with expert insights, real stories, and an important question for anyone who uses social media.