Why was stronger action on scrambler bikes not taken sooner?

Following Colette Fitzpatrick’s Big Interview with Siobhan Lynch, whose daughter Grace died after being struck by a scrambler in Dublin, our panel examines gaps in public safety enforcement and what changes may now follow.

And as US authorities reject appeals on behalf of Irishman Seamus Culleton, we speak to his attorney about what comes next in his detention case.

Guest presenter Richard Chambers is joined by:

• Joe Neville TD, Fine Gael
• Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats
• Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times
• Ogor Winnie Okoye, Principal Attorney BOS Legal, representing Seamus Culleton

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Guest presenter Richard Chambers begins tonight’s programme with the story of Seamus Culleton — an Irish citizen detained in a Texas ICE facility for five months despite having a valid US work permit and no criminal record.

Amid growing concern over the conditions he describes as “absolute hell,” there are increasing calls for Taoiseach Micheál Martin to intervene.

Joining the discussion are Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, Labour TD Duncan Smith, journalist Aisling Moloney, and US-based immigration lawyer John Foley.

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X was a notable no-show as executives from major social media platforms faced tough questioning before the Oireachtas Media Committee. The Taoiseach branded X’s decision not to appear as “concerning” and “disrespectful” — but how far is the Government really willing to go in standing up to Big Tech?

John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming, Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly, and Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, to debate political accountability, regulation and the power of global platforms.

The discussion then turns to growing momentum across Europe for an under-16s social media ban, as the European Commission warns Spain that new national rules on digital platforms may breach the EU’s Digital Services Act. Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, joins the panel.

Finally, the programme looks to the US, where deep cuts at the Jeff Bezos–owned Washington Post are affecting around a third of its workforce, including hundreds of journalists. Former Washington Post fact-checker and author Glenn Kessler reacts to the impact on journalism and media independence.

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Storm Chandra brings renewed rain and flood warnings for counties across the east and south east, leaving homeowners and businesses facing devastation and raising fresh anger over Ireland’s preparedness for extreme weather.

John Lee is joined by Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins, Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford to discuss the flooding and what it reveals about resilience and planning.

The panel also tackles growing controversy over delays in Garda vetting, which may prevent newly trained recruits from taking up duties after graduating. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has acknowledged problems with the process, but questions remain over accountability and reform.

Finally, pressure continues to mount on Bord Bia Chairman Larry Murrin after confirmation that his company, Dawn Farms, used Brazilian beef in its meat products — despite backing from the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture.

Flooding, policing and political pressure — on The Tonight Show.

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The death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch in Finglas has reignited calls for tougher action on scramblers and e-scooters on public roads. After the teenager was fatally struck by a scrambler bike that ran a red light, the Taoiseach acknowledged in the Dáil that proposals to ban scramblers had previously been brought forward — but never enacted. Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan and Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne to discuss whether the Government is now being forced to act.

The focus then turns to the rental sector, as Cabinet signs off on major reforms just weeks before they are due to come into force. The changes include a new six-year minimum lease and a 2% annual rent cap, while allowing landlords to reset rents in certain circumstances. Maurice Deverell of the Irish Property Owners Association joins the debate.

And as Storm Chandra brings severe flooding across parts of Dublin, Wicklow and the south east, questions are raised about Ireland’s preparedness for extreme weather. Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather breaks down what happened — and what comes next.

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One year on from his inauguration, Donald Trump appears determined to follow through on promises to expand US power — with Greenland now firmly in his sights. Asked how far he is willing to go to acquire the territory, the US president responded: “You’ll find out.” What does this mean for Europe, and how should leaders respond?

Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne, Labour TD George Lawlor, and Martina Lawless, Director of the ESRI. They are also joined from Brussels by Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews. The panel reacts to sharp warnings from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has urged Europe to stand united and confront Donald Trump directly.

The programme also examines the sentencing in the fatal one-punch attack on Martin Lynn in Whitehall, and the Lynn family’s call for the six-year sentence imposed on Christopher O’Neill to be appealed.

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Are proposed changes to Ireland’s asylum and immigration laws fair – or too harsh? Guest presenter John Lee is joined by Fine Gael TD Joe Neville, Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín and Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Louise Burne to debate the Government’s reform plans and what they mean in practice.

The focus then shifts to international tensions as Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Greenland, insisting only the US can protect the territory. Danish and Greenlandic ministers have held talks with Vice-President JD Vance, but the meeting ended after less than an hour. Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, newly appointed European Parliament rapporteur for EU–Greenland relations, joins the panel to discuss what happens next.

And from Washington, Niall Stanage, Associate Editor of The Hill, brings the latest on Trump’s claims that the US may have stepped back from military action against Iran.

Immigration, geopolitics and global power plays – on The Tonight Show.

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