Ireland begins its EU presidency amid growing pressure over defence, neutrality and online regulation. We examine whether Ireland can remain an impartial broker, ask if tech regulation is compromised by its ties to Big Tech, and discuss why illegal scramblers remain a danger despite Grace's Law.

Shane Coleman was joined by:

Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State

Richard Boyd Barrett TD, People Before Profit - Solidarity

Aisling Maloney, Political Reporter, Irish Independent

Johnny Ryan, Director of Enforce, ICCL

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Fuel cuts extended to September. Is the Government afraid of more protests?

Plus, are the one-off rural housing changes a solid foundation for future generations?

Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Seamus McGrath TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Fianna Fail

Pearse Doherty TD, Spokesperson on Finance, Sinn Fein

Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times Ireland

Kevin McPartlan, CEO Fuels for Ireland

John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist

Donncha Ó hÉallaithe, Chair of BÁNÚ

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The Taoiseach defends the decision to scrap the triple lock amid criticism from Fianna Fáil backbenchers, who argue it represents a fundamental shift in Ireland’s traditional approach to neutrality.

The move comes as the Government prepares for a forthcoming EU presidency, where defence spending is expected to be a contentious issue.

Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for a proposed meeting involving Palantir founder Peter Thiel in Wicklow to be blocked, following reports of a secretive retreat. The development raises questions about Ireland’s relationship with Silicon Valley and the broader politics of protest.

Guest Presenter Shane Coleman was joined by:

Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence

Mairéad Farrell TD, Sinn Féin

Niamh Ní Bhriain, coordinator of the War and Pacification Programme at the Transnational Institute

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