Behind the Story

The government published the country's first maritime strategy today, but what's in it? and do we have the money to pay for it? Former Army Ranger and TD, Dr Cathal Berry joins Fran and Paul to tease out the plan.
Later, RTÉ's Brian O'Donovan discusses the possibility that Stripe - the payment firm may buy PayPal, which would be a significant move for the Collison Brothers from Limerick, who own Stripe. And, Punch the monkey gets a mention!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the 4th anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, Professor Donnacha Ó' Beacháin joins Fran and Laura to discuss the situation now. A planned European Union loan of €90bn for Ukraine has been blocked by Hungary so what needs to happen to support the country in the future?
Later, Fran takes a look at a special project at the University of Limerick where Irish, Ukrainian and EU students are making plans to help with the reconstruction of Kharkiv and other cities in the war torn country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the arrest and release of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor by Thames Police, the story continues to dominate world headlines. Historian and author of 'Entitled', Andrew Lownie joins Fran and Maggie to discuss the unprecedented nature of the arrest and his research into the former Prince's activities as a trade envoy.
Fran and Maggie also reveal the story behind the photo that was taken of Andrew's release and how Reuters' photographer Phil Noble got the shot that was flashed across the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Browne, the Director of the National Cyber Security Centre joined Fran and Paul for a deep dive into the cyber risks facing the country. AI is acclerating the number of attacks globally and even the National Cyber Risk Assessment document, published in December is already out of date in parts.
Richard explains the type of threats that are evolving and how some nation states are actively involved in espionage and attacks on critical infrastructure. Closer to home, Richard explains that the NCSC will shortly roll out more support to SMEs to help combat cyberattacks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I have a lift, bye'... the last words of Jo Jo Dullard in 1995 before she went missing. Gardaí declared her case a murder investigation in 2020. Deirdre Jacob went missing in 1998, her case was upgraded to a murder enquiry in 2018. Today, a new search began in a quarry in Co Wicklow, it is the first time both cases have been linked by the authorities. Crime journalist and author Barry Cummins joins Fran and Maggie to explain the new developments which led to today's search.
Later, Fran and Maggie discuss the situation regarding some schools receiving letters indicating they will be losing some of their SNA support.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.