Behind the Story

Big Tech, Big Business and lots of politicians are attending the International AI Summit at the RDS. Fran and Paul are joined by Bloomberg's Tom MacKenzie to discuss AI in Europe. Later, Liz Carolan of The Briefing.ie and Charlie Taylor of the Business Post chat about the ups and downs of AI, dress codes and bad merch! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five and a half years of illegal detention in Iraq, Robert Pether landed in Dublin airport on Monday morning. He was greeted by family and friends and spoke of his time in a Baghdad prison and subsequent struggle to survive before he was allowed leave the country. His lawyer, Irish man Peter Griffin, took up his case, pro-bono in 2021 having heard about Robert's case in his son's school newsletter. Peter speaks to host Karen Creed about the legal fight to secure Robert's release. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The decision by the US Defence Department to live stream the execution of a man convicted of murdering thirteen unarmed soldiers at a military post in Texas in 2009 has sparked global headlines. The Pentagon announced earlier this week it would execute Nidal Hasan in December in the first military execution for more than 60 years. On this episode of Behind The Story we talk to death row lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith who has represented hundreds of people sentenced to death over the past four decades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IVF services have expanded dramatically over the last few decades. Infertility treatments are widely promoted but concerns are mounting over how effective and/or safe some of these 'add-ons' are. RTÉ Investigates Deputy Editor Aoife Hegarty joins Paul to discuss 'Fertility Uncovered' documentary that includes stories of couples trying to have a baby and also looks at public funding for IVF. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ministers Harris and Chambers unveiled Budget 27 in the Dáil this afternoon. Income tax changes, welfare increases, carbon tax paused, just some of the headline announcements but will there be any more money in your pocket when inflation is taken into account? Chief Economist with Deloitte Ireland, Kate English joins Fran and Paul on a whistlestop tour of the key points of the budget. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From next month, another new charge will come into effect on goods bought outside the EU. The €2 'union handling fee' will be implemented on Nov 1st, this is in addition to the €3 customs charge that had applied since July. Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Fiona Mitchell to explain the new fees and how customers may not be aware of the new charges. Later, Chief Royal Correspondent with Newsweek, Jack Royston discuss ex Prince Andrew's decision to take legal action against the police over the search warrants used during his arrest in February this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protein water? protein cereal or how about protein infused vodka? Protein products are everywhere but earlier this week the Bank of America issued a warning to the food industry that the protein craze could have peaked. Dietician Sarah Keogh and RTE business desk reporter Adam Maguire join Fran to discuss the products, proteinmaxxing, who's making money and how much protein does a person really need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of public sector workers began a work to rule in protest at the government's reluctance to talk pay! Teachers, nurses and other sectors are threatening further strike action in the coming weeks. Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan joins Paul to explain what's going on. Later, hacking, leaking and dishonesty at the heart of one of the Premier League's biggest clubs. Football finance expert, Associate Professor Kieran Maguire discusses the allegations of dodging dealings at Manchester City. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stand-off between protestors and the Orange Order continues on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown. Sinn Fein and the DUP clash over the proposed parade with the row threatening to collapse the power sharing executive at Stormont. Host Karen Creed is joined by Prof Deirdre Heenan to analyse the situaton. Later, Political Editor with the Examiner, Elaine Loughlin discusses the online bidding process for buying a house and how concerns are rising around the 'gamification' of bidding and instant alerts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Republic of Ireland are due to play Israel on Sunday in the Nations League tournament in Hungary but pressure continues to mount on the players and the FAI to pull out of the fixture. Fran and Eamon discuss the increasingly tense situation as more protests are planned this weekend against the games. Later, UCD Lecturer in Politics Graham Finlay discuss the speeches made at the United Nations this week and whether the UN is fit for purpose as conflicts continue acround the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cancer diagnosis can cost far more than many patients expect. Cancer survivor Aoife Murphy and Irish Cancer Society CEO Nikki Gallagher join Paul Cunningham to reveal how falling incomes and mounting medical and travel expenses can leave families facing a financial crisis alongside treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research by Safefood shows that 12% of 15-24 years old consume an energy drink once a day. Support is also growing for age restrictions on the sugar and caffeine rich drinks. Dietician Sarah Keogh joins Maggie Doyle to discuss the findings and explains why caffeine is linked to sport performance. Later, Work and Technology correspondent Brian O'Donovan outlines why tech giant Google has been fined over €400 million over the processing of location data. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy award winning actor, producer and comedian Chris Addison joins Paul and Evelyn to discuss his new comedy drama, Tall Tales and Murder. Chris, who is also known for playing 'Ollie Reeder' in the cult TV show, The Thick of it, chats political satire in a Trump dominated world, Nigel Farage and why audiences like a bit of dark comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, US rapper Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran's support acts following comments he made in early September in support of Palestine. Irish artists, Aaron Rowe and Beoga quit the tour in support of Macklemore on Tuesday. Arts and Media correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke joins Paul to explain how this is the biggest controversy facing singer-songwriter ED Sheeran. Later, Suzanne Lynch of Bloomberg analyses EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golf diplomacy came to the fore this weekend, when President Trump announced he would drop tariffs on Irish whiskey as he presented the Irish Open trophy to Shane Lowry. The dropping of the tariff came as a welcome surprise to the sector. Agriculture and Consumer Affairs correspondent Aengus Cox joins Maggie Doyle to discuss the tariff and what's expected dominate the agenda at the Ploughing Championships. Later Euronews reporter Shona Murray explains why Canadian Prime Minister is visiting Europe this week in the hope of deepening the relationship with the EU. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'A damp white loaf' that's how Colum McCann describes US President Donald Trump who arrives in Ireland this weekend. Colum joins Fran to discuss the anniversay of 9/11 and how America has changed since 2001. Colum, who lives in New York with his family shares his thoughts on Mayor Zohran Mamdani, JD Vance and why he remains positive when he thinks about the future of American politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The plan to integrate camogie and ladies football into the GAA appears to have derailed with the resignation of former President Dr Mary McAleese from the Steering Committee. Dr McAleese didn't hold back in her criticism of the leadership of the association. Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA rejected accusations of misogyny and said the organisation was committed to integration. Sinead O'Carroll, Editor of The Journal joins Paul to explain what is going on and why this row is a major setback for women and girls playing on teams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take-away chips, cans of tomatoes, petrol and Netflix - just some of the products that have increased in price and have hit people's pockets. Consumer journalist Caitríona Redmond joins Paul to explain why everything seems to be increasing in price in the supermarket and beyond. Later, Economics and Public Affairs editor David Murphy discusses how the budget might bring some relief for people and the choices that will face Simon Harris as he unveils his first budget as Minister for Finance in a few weeks time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new drama series, The Murder of Mr Moonlight will be coming to screens next year. Commissioned by RTÉ, the cast includes Brendan Coyle as Bobby Ryan, aka Mr Moonlight who was murdered by Patrick Quirke in 2011. Arrested in 2013 and found guilty by a jury in 2019, the Quirke trial was one of Ireland's longest running court cases. The case prompted huge public interest and is now being made into a drama for national and international audiences. Barry Cummins, Author and co-host of the podcast 'Unsolved', joins Fran and Evelyn to reflect on the case and reveal some of Quirke's behaviour in and out of the court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tough talk from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hung over the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Wicklow. On Tuesday, Germany blamed Russia for a failed drone attack on Leipzig airport in August. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said it was clear Russia was trying to divide the EU while EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas labelled the Russia attack as 'state-sponsored terrorism'. Paul and Laura are joined by Eddy Wax of Euractiv and by Keir Giles, Russia expert to discuss the developments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris gave some details today on the new state-backed personal investment account which aims to make investing more accessible to the wider public. Financial planner and podcaster Eoin McGee joins Laura Fletcher to discuss what's known about the scheme and why it differs from previous schemes like SSIAs. And while some details are known, Eoin reveals what he will be looking for on budget day when the finer detail will be announced. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the stroke of a pen, Lake Ontario became Lake 'America' according to US President Donald Trump. This move was in retaliation for Canada announcing it would impose tariffs on the United States following the collapse of trade talks between the two countries. Justin Ling, columnist with the Toronto Sar joins Eamon Horan to talk lakes, trade and the ever-changing relationship between the US and Canada. Meanwhile in Laois, Electric Picnic kicks off with Irish acts dominating the lineup and fans looking forward to a weekend of music and entertainment. RTÉ's Evelyn O’Rourke chats Fontaines DC, CMAT and 'the Green and Red of Mayo' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran is joined by Grammy award winning musician Rhiannon Giddens and by Tennessee native and Communications specialist Amy Seigenthaler to reflect on the extraordinary career of music legend Dolly Parton who passed away on Tuesday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New EU rules come into force today to encourage people to repair rather than replace broken appliances. Work and Technology correspondent, Brian O'Donovan joins host Karen Creed to explain how the new rules work and the types of devices that are covered under the new system. Later, as the US threatens Iran with more sanctions, DCU Associate Professor Michael Breen discusses the so called 'Economic Fury' that the administration is planning to unleash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry and Meghan's surprise announcement that they are moving back to the UK in the coming weeks caught most people by surprise [including the Palace]. Aengus Cox is joined by historian Prof Kate Williams to unravel the complex family relationships that this relocation is going to create. How will William and Kate respond to the move? Later, brand expert with marketing company Core, Ruth Gleeson discusses Harry and Meghan's brand and whether £12 strawberry jam will sell on this side of the Atlantic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New psychoactive substances are being discovered in vape products sold in Ireland. The HSE says 'agile' legislation is needed to deal with this trend. Prof Matthew Sadlier joins Juilette Gash to discuss the concerns around HHC and synthetic drugs or so called 'spice'. Later, documentary maker Jerry Kennelly discusses his new TV doc on the Healy-Raes and how one interview in particular got quite heated! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five teenagers dead, four people from the same family in a serious condition in hospital. The teens were driving a stolen BMW on the wrongside of the motorway when they hit the other car. There have been several other similar incidents over the past few months of teens driving dangerously and posting on social media. Presenter Karen Creed is joined by Robin Schiller of the Irish Independent to get the latest on the crash. Later Professor Niamh Hourigan of MI and UCD Researcher Donal O'Hare discuss the role social media plays in driver behaviour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did a 21-year-old London Irish man who loved his ancestral home of Mayo come to meet a violent death in the place he adored ? Mystery still surrounds how Joe Deacy ended up on the driveway of a rural house in the early hours, with serious injuries nine years ago. Barry Lenihan speaks to Fran and explains the complex and tragic story of what happened to Joe and how the family are desperate for help to find justice for their son. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump was secretly moved off Air Force One and put on another plane owing to a credible threat from Iran on July 8th. But how did the plan come together? Fran is joined by former US Secret Service agent, Bobby McDonald who reveals the thinking behind some of these decisions. Later, journalist and entrepreneur Mark Little, who travelled on Air Force One when working as RTÉ's Washington correspondent, discusses the elaborate plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The continuing dry spells and increasing temperatures are proving a challenging environment for farmers. Host Aengus Cox speaks to Tom Curran of Teagasc to hear how farming may have to adapt to warmer summers in the future. Later, Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor with the Financial Times, discusses the forthcoming Clacton by election where Count Binface is mounting a charge against Nigel Farage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As some pubs and venues in the UK move to ban Meta glasses, Fran is joined by tech reporter, Kelly Earley to chat about the growing demand for smart specs, the use of Kylie Jenner in Meta's branding and why concerns loom large over features like secret recording. Later, Dr Julie Norman, Middle East Fellow with Chatham House speaks to Fran about Hamas and how Northern Ireland's decommissioning process is featuring in the talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures from Met Éireann show July was one of the hottest, driest and sunniest months on record. But will Irish society have to adjust to cope with the changing climate? And what does it mean for food production? Also, some of the world's largest oil companies announced huge profits despite the US-Iran war. Oisin Coghlan, policy advisor to the Irish Environmental Network joins Fran and Juilette to discuss the changing climate and what it means for government policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moore St, GPO, James Weir building, RTÉ campus: just some of the many listed buildings that are part of Ireland's heritage, but are restrictions on their use and climate obligations holding up future development of these buildings? UCD Assistant Professor of Architecture Orla Hegarty joins Fran for a chat about why buildings are protected and what can be done with some of the ones lying idle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more football associations express opposition to Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell off part of the FIFA World Cup, Infantino himself is coming under pressure. Fran and Eamon are joined by Sky's Rob Harris who broke the story that a senior FIFA advisor resigned today over the plans. Rob shares his insights into the pressure coming on the FIFA President now. Later, Jim Clarken of Oxfam discusses the $71 billion price tag to rebuild Gaza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash today. His sudden death has shocked fans and the music world at home and abroad. Music journalist, John Meagher of the Irish Independent joins Tommy Meskill to reflect on his legacy. Later, Tommy speaks to reporter Kate Varley who is in Bordeaux about the wildfires and the battle to contain them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayo banished decades of losses and a rumoured curse to lift the Sam Maguire trophy and become All Ireland Football Champions after a wait of seventy five years. Host Brian O'Donovan speaks to reporter Damian Lawlor who was pitchside for the historic win. Later, sports psychologist to the Mayo team, Dr Rachel Sheehan talks to Brian about the win and how she worked with the players and manager Andy Moran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has described as "extremely significant" the discovery of a bomb in car that was stopped while being driven across the border. Robin Schiller of the Irish Indo joins Fran to outline what it's known so far about the investigation. Later, fashion historian Laura Fitzachary explains why the news of Jonathan Anderson deciding to show the Autumn-Winter collection of Dior in Trinity College Dublin is global news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT said one of it's models had gone rogue during security testing and hacked another company, calling it an 'unprecedented cyber incident'. Professor Barry O'Sullivan of UCC Computer Science joins host Brian O'Donovan to explain the cyber hack but also whether or not, it's as big a deal as being protrayed. Later, Chief Economist with Deloitte, Kate English discusses her favourite July activity - the Summer Economic Statement! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Burnham became Britain's 7th prime minister in a decade. He gave his first speech outside Downing Street and RTÉ's Fiona Mitchell joins Evelyn and Brian to discuss the day's events and what Burnham's premiership might mean for Ireland. Evelyn and Brian also discuss the significant changes to the laws around E scooter use, including banning their use for under 18s and mandatory requirement to wear hi-viz jacket and helmet from August. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government plans to roll out a new digital wallet which could contain a person's driving license and other important identity documents. Tech Editor with the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler explains how the wallet might work. And with a massive weekend of sport ahead, Fran and Eamon chat to a man who works behind the scenes at Croke Park and hear what happens on match days! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, Bill and Alison Chawke were given a custodial sentence for assaulting two men in a hotel in 2023. Limerick Leader senior reporter, Sandra Quinn was in the circuit court as the sentence was handed down and joins Paul to explain the case and how the brother and sister reacted to the jail sentence. Later, as the Dáil rises for summer, Political correspondent Mícheál Lehane runs through some of the highs and lows of the term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intel announced a €5billion investment in it's facility in Kildare and is promising hundreds of new jobs. The turnaround in the company's fortunes is significant. RTÉ's Brian O'Donovan joins Evelyn to chat about the announcement and how the US government played a role in the renewed success of the chip maker. Later, Entertainment journalist, Brian Lloyd remembers Sam Neill, the Irish-NZ actor who died recently and had a hugely successful career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As wildfires rage in Spain, several countries have issued heatwave warnings for the next few days. New research from Oxford University indicates that it may be time for governments to adopt specific measures to help people cope in extreme heat. Shiv Yucel joins Fran to discuss how heat is impacting people's daily lives. Later, RTÉ's Conor McCauley outlines the background to the Moygashel bonfire and where those pallets come from! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's just over a week since solicitors walked out and refused to handle legal aid cases in a row over a new payment scheme. Reporter Dyane Connor joins Paul from the district court in Dublin and shares stories from today's sittings where in some cases, people are representing themselves or being sent back to jail as they have no legal representation. Later, reporter Tania Reut discusses how many years of salary buys a home in Ireland versus Europe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty three year old Kelly Marie Lynch was found dead near Horseshow Bridge in Monaghan on St Patrick's Day 2024. While an initial post mortem report concluded that Kelly had died by drowning, subsequent reviews by other pathologists disagreed with this conclusion. The Lynch family are seeking answers regarding what really happened their daughter that weekend. Documentary maker, Alan Bradley has made a documentary 'The Girl in the Water' about the case and he joins Paul Cunningham to discuss the case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 250th anniversary of American Independence is celebrated this weekend and millions of people are taking part in events around the country. But first, global superstar Taylor Swift is marrying NFL Star Travis Kelce in a 'intimate' ceremony in Madison Square Garden! US Correspondent Jackie Fox joins host Eamon Horan to discuss the celebrations. Later, broadcaster Cormac Ó hEadhra chats about a new documentary focusing on the pivotal role Irish people played in the American Revolution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ireland's takes over the Presidency of the EU, Paul Cunningham and Juilette Gash go inside Dublin Castle to see what's happening at the opening ceremony. RTÉ's Europe Editor, Tony Connelly and Irish Times Europe correspondent Jack Power discuss the speeches and what hosting the Presidency means. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cuts in excise on diesel and petrol are due to expire at the end of July, however the Government will decide over the next twenty hours what the timeline will be to gradually phase out the reductions. Political Correspondant Michéal Lehane joins host Adam Maguire to discuss the decision facing Ministers. Later, Deirdre Malone, Employment Law Head at EY Law Ireland explains the changes to the retirement age that are coming into effect today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was this day 30 years ago that saw one of the most shocking killings in the history of the Irish state - the murder of crime journalist Veronica Guerin. Fran is joined by the Irish Independent's Paul Williams to mark the anniversary. Paul discusses the day itself, its aftermath and the legacy that lives through to today in how the state tackles gangland crime. He also discusses his own experiences being a crime journalist at the time and the threats made to his life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Joint Committee on Drugs Use has recommended the decriminalisation of possession of all drugs for personal use - Fran and Paul discuss exactly what is in the report and whether it will even come to pass. Later, Lisbon-based journalist Alison Roberts joins the pod to outline the experience from Portugal - which became the first country to adopt the measure in 2001. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.