The Explainer

How does Ireland's system of voting work?

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Virgin Media's political correspondent Gavan Reilly sits down with us to explain what exactly proportional representation with a single transferable v...

What exactly are the European elections all about?

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On 7 June, you'll have the chance to vote in the European elections - but what exactly will the end result be? For the latest in a special series of e...

What next for Iran after the death of the country's president?

26 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

DCU's Paola Rivetti, an expert in Middle East politics, joins us to look at the fallout from the death of Iran's president in a helicopter crash last ...

By Noteworthy: Are young people with psychosis getting the help they need?

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Presenter Maria Delaney is joined by News Correspondent Órla Ryan who has been leading our year-long ‘Falling Through the Cracks’ investigation i...

Climate-related emergencies are on the rise but how are we dealing with them?

18 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over recent years, Europe has seen a rising trend of severe weather - some of which can be linked to climate change. This means an increasing need for...

What is Ireland’s history with the European Union?

11 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Dr Barry Colfer, director of research at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), to look back on everything from I...

What is the council’s new transport plan for Dublin city?

04 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're examining the details of the Dublin Transport Plan to examine its aim and how it will achieve that, as well as the overall reaction. We're joine...

How does sentencing work in Ireland?

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by Paul McCutcheon, a professor of Law at the University of Limerick to examine how exactly sentencing works. What factors do judges take...

What does a major review tell us about trans healthcare?

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trans healthcare and a dearth of services for trans people have been in the news lately on the back of a major review of UK services. Assistant News E...

By Noteworthy: Why are our peatlands still being exploited?

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Daly talks with Noteworthy's Steven Fox and German reporter Swantje Furtak about the lack of preservation of bogs in Ireland and Germany. These ...

The State inquiry into the Bill Kenneally case - what have we learned so far?

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Journal's Eoghan Dalton speaks to Laura Byrne about the State inquiry into the abuse of prolific child abuser, Bill Kenneally. It is examining how...

Everything you need to know about how the EU works but were too afraid to ask

06 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The European Union has a massive but often unseen impact on our day-to-day life here in Ireland. Despite that, how exactly it all works can remain a b...

What happens when people need medical attention in Ukraine?

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thousands of people in need of critical medical care but unable to access it in Ukraine have been sent to other EU states for treatment in a mammoth o...

What next for Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael, and Ireland?

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by our Deputy Editor Christine Bohan and Assistant News Editor Rónán Duffy to look at the shock resignation of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. ...

How is Ireland planning to legislate on assisted dying?

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An Oireachtas Committee is set to recommend that the Irish government introduce laws to allow for assisted dying and euthanasia under certain strict c...

What challenges are Irish troops facing in an unstable Middle East?

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by News Correspondent Niall O'Connor, who has just returned from the contested Golan Heights where he visited the Irish peacekeeping miss...

Why was the FAI in front an Oireachtas committee again?

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fiery appearances before Oireachtas committees are all the rage these days, and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is no stranger to them. What...

By Noteworthy: Why is our history falling into the sea?

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Daly speaks to Noteworthy's investigative journalist Patricia Devlin about her latest dive into threats to our monuments and heritage sites. Als...

Everything you need to know about the March referendums

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On 8 March, the public is being asked to have their say in two separate votes - the Family Amendment and the Care Amendment. But are up to speed on wh...

Why is measles on the rise again?

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Scott Walkin, a GP in Co Mayo and the Irish College of General Practitioners’ lead for infection control, explains the impact of low uptake of th...

What is life like in Turkey, one year after the earthquakes?

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by our Senior Producer Nicky Ryan, who has just returned from Turkey, and Diego Cupolo, editor-in-chief of the Turkey Recap newsletter, t...

Power sharing returns to Stormont - how did we get here?

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Power sharing in the north has been stalled for two years due to the DUP's reluctance to participate. With the absence of any Stormont Assembly, North...

Is power sharing in Northern Ireland finished?

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Power sharing talks at Stormont have been going on for some time without ever reaching an agreement, taking its toll on the population. The culminatio...

Why did the US and the UK start bombing Yemen - and who are the Houthis?

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're looking at everything about Yemen that might have flown under the radar in recent years with Dr Elisabeth Kendall, the Mistress of Gi...

How exactly can you get some money back from Revenue?

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Marian Ryan, consumer tax manager with Taxback.com, joins us on this week's episode of The Explainer to demystify the world of income tax returns, sta...

Our favourite explanations of 2023

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our team pick their favourite moments from the podcast in 2023.The Explainer is brought to you by The Journal. Providing open access to valuable journ...

The ups and downs of Irish politics in 2023 - and what does 2024 hold?

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined in studio by our Political Correspondent Christina Finn and Political Reporter Jane Matthews to dissect the year that was, and to look at...

Ireland at the Golden Globes - who is nominated, and what are their chances?

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Author and arts journalist Aoife Barry takes us through the history of the awards as well as the familiar faces who are up for Best Actor. We also exp...

Has the COP28 deal really ended the reign of fossil fuels?

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will the new international plan to tackle climate change really achieve anything? Ou reporter Lauren Boland explains what the COP28 deal means, the dr...

What are the big issues facing Joe Biden as he aims for re-election?

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined this week by Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and a political columnist here with us at The Journal, to look at t...

By Noteworthy: Are kids being locked out from jailed parents?

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly talks to investigative reporter Alice Chambers and a former prison governor of...

Out of control - how did an attack in Dublin lead to riots and looting?

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shockwaves from the events of last Thursday are still reverberating around Ireland. A knife attack on three children and their carer on a busy Dublin ...

How has David Cameron made a surprise return to British politics?

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined on this week's episode by Dominic McGrath, PA Media political correspondent, to dissect the former UK prime minister's unexpected comebac...

What caused dozens of overdoses in Dublin recently?

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Austin O Carroll, a GP who specialises in addiction services, speaks to us about nitazine, a potent synthetic opioid suspected to be responsible fo...

Israel and Gaza - what are the big questions that need to be answered?

11 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're now a month into a violent conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and sparking a dire humanitarian ...

How has Taylor Swift become (arguably) the world’s biggest music star?

04 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Arts and culture journalist Louise Bruton explores how Taylor Swift became the powerful force in the music industry that she is today. We look at why ...

What can be done to stop damaging flooding in Ireland?

28 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following devastating floods in parts of Ireland this month, we're joined by Dr Mary Bourke, a flood risk management expert and assistant professor of...

What would an Israeli ground offensive look like?

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We speak to our News Correspondent Niall O'Connor this week to discuss what would an Israeli ground offensive look like, as the conflict in the Middle...

Ireland’s love/hate relationship with the USC

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Budget 2024 this week, we saw the biggest change to the USC in years, with the 4.5% rate cut to 4%. We talk to Barra Roantree, assistant professor ...

What's really on the new SPHE curriculum?

07 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers say the new Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum for secondary schools is long overdue, but some elements of the course h...

Lough Neagh has been hit by an algal bloom disaster - what’s happening?

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The algae has left wildlife dead and led to questions over the safety of drinking water at Lough Neagh. Shauna Corr, environment correspondent and col...

What is the American bully XL and do bans on certain dog breeds work?

23 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We speak to dog behaviourist Nanci Creedon who tells us more about how these restrictions and bans impact the behaviours of both the dogs themselves a...

By Noteworthy: Will home births ever be the norm in Ireland?

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly talks to editor Maria Delaney and Trinity College Dublin researcher Soma Grego...

How will Ireland's new publicly funded IVF scheme work?

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Medical journalist June Shannon joins us on this week's episode to explain how the scheme will work, who is eligible, and how you avail of it. She als...

Luis Rubiales and the Spanish football scandal - what happens next?

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Explainer, we speak to Emma Duffy, sports journalist with The 42, to discuss Luis Rubiales and the scandal that has engulfed Spanish ...

Why is Ireland getting more TDs?

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Art O'Leary, chief executive officer of the Electoral Commission joins us explain how the changes were decided on and what factors were taken into con...

How has the Rose of Tralee festival survived for so long?

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Journal's Carl Kinsella and Kirsty Blake Knox from the Irish Independent explain the enduring popularity behind the Rose of Tralee. Is it still re...

Why is there so much talk about a farmers' party in Ireland?

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist and organic beef and dairy farmer Hannah Quinn Mulligan joins us to look at the growing talk of a farmers' party in Ireland. What are the t...

A forgotten crisis - what is happening to the Rohingya minority fleeing Myanmar?

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We delve into the prosecution faced by the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, and the treacherous journey many make across the Andaman Sea in search of asy...

Who is Robert F Kennedy Jr and could he be the next US president?

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

US correspondent with the Business Post Marion McKeone delves into RFK Jr's campaign so far. What are his rallies like, and what is he like as a perso...

What next for Ireland's women's football team?

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sinéad O'Carroll is joined by The 42's Gavin Cooney for a wide-ranging discussion on women in football. What does their performance say about how the...

Do Barbie and Oppenheimer mark the return of the summer blockbuster?

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're joined by journalist and author Aoife Barry, who takes us through the hype machine behind Barbie and how this rubbed off on Oppenheimer. Did it ...

What is the Nature Restoration Law and how will it work in Ireland?

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lauren Boland, climate reporter with The Journal, examines what precisely this legislation is all about and why it sparked so much anger. Do environme...

How do Oireachtas committees work, and how did Tubridy end up in front of one?

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Presenter Laura Byrne is joined this week by Gavan Reilly, political correspondent with Virgin Media News, to look behind the scenes at Oireachtas com...

What does Ireland’s ‘unprecedented’ marine heatwave tell us about our climate?

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland has experienced an event unprecedented in recorded history: a category four extreme marine heatwave in our waters. Oceans play a crucial but o...

What does the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal mean for the future of RTÉ?

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eileen Culloty, assistant professor in the School of Communications at DCU, and Rónán Duffy, Assistant News Editor at The Journal, join us on this w...

What is hydrogen power, and could it replace coal, oil, and gas?

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

James Carton, assistant professor in Sustainable Energy with DCU and an academic advisor to the United Nations on hydrogen, joins us on this week's po...

Hard cash and soft power - what is going on in the world of golf?

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Golf might not appear to be the most exciting sport for non-fans - but it's what's happening off the course that's currently getting the most attentio...

What is it like to sit the Leaving Cert in 2023?

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Luke Saunders, co-founder and CEO of Studyclix, joins us on this week's episode to give the lie of the land for anyone whose own memory of sitting the...

16 years on, what is happening with the Madeleine McCann case?

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Robbyn Swan, author of Looking for Madeleine and who featured in the Netflix series The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, joins us to examine the rec...

What's behind Ireland's love affair with the Late Late?

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Another chapter in the story of Ireland's longest-running television programme is coming to a close, as Ryan Tubridy wraps up before handing over the ...

Interview: HSE doctor speaks about her evacuation from war-torn Sudan

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are now a month into a conflict that has turned Sudan's capital into a war zone. Hundreds have been killed, thousands injured and an estimated 700,...

Why are supermarkets suddenly cutting the prices of milk, butter and bread?

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've all noticed that we're spending more and more on our weekly shop - but in recent weeks, we've seen price cuts to staples like milk, butter, and ...

How does Ireland and the EU fight wildfires?

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Summer is approaching, which means rising temperatures and an increased chance of wildfires. On this week's episode, Pádraic Fogarty of the Irish Wil...

By Noteworthy: Is GSOC fit for purpose?

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, journalist and Examiner columnist Mick Clifford joins the podcast. He and our...

How is Revolut changing and what does it mean for its customers?

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You can now get an Irish IBAN for Revolut - so should we start treating it as a traditional bank? Daragh Cassidy of Bonkers.ie joins us to discuss wha...

What is happening in Sudan?

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tensions in Sudan have boiled over into a violent conflict between the country's army and a rival paramilitary group. There is a fear now it could spr...

Everything you need to know about the trial of Gerry Hutch

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Greaney, courts correspondent with Newstalk and Today FM, joins us on this week's episode to delve into the trial of Gerry Hutch and the fallout...

What's the story with Ireland's neutrality?

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As momentum grows behind a debate on neutrality, we're joined by Diarmaid Ferriter, professor of Modern Irish History at UCD, to look at its opaque hi...

What does Trump being indicted mean for him and 2024 election?

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Byrne is joined by The Journal columnist and University of Galway law lecturer, Larry Donnelly to delve into Trump's indictment. What are the ch...

Why is there concern over how TikTok is using your data?

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Stokel-Walker, UK-based tech journalist and author of 'TikTok Boom: China's Dynamite App and the Superpower Race for Social Media', joins us on ...

What's behind the recent wave of bank failures?

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is this 2008 all over again? As we watch a wave of banking failures, Brooke Masters from the Financial Times joins us on this week's episode to explai...

By Noteworthy: Why is it so tough to access autism services?

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, as a bonus episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly chats with reporter Niall Sargent about the latest ASSESSING A...

What is shrinkflation?

18 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation continues to creep upwards, and so does the price of goods we are buying - but what about the actual value of those items? 'Shrinkflation' i...

What is it like to be a humanitarian on the ground in Ukraine right now?

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, we hear from one humanitarian aid worker tasked with coordinating and overseeing relief efforts across Ukraine. Claudia Amaral...

Why does Matt Hancock keep making headlines?

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former UK health minister Matt Hancock has been one of the most prominent characters in British politics in recent years - rarely for the right reason...

By Noteworthy: What is the environmental cost of hydropower?

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In an episode brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly chats to reporter Anthea Lacchia about her investigation into the environmental impacts of hydr...

What are 15-minute cities and why do some people think they’re controversial?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The idea of a 15-minute city - where all your daily amenities are just a 15-minute walk away - might seem uncontroversial, but the urban planning conc...

Why is extreme morning sickness drug Cariban still difficult to access?

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a debilitating illness that impacts some people during pregnancy, yet the drug used to treat it is still difficult to access...

Why is Bertie back?

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bertie has rejoined Fianna Fáil - but what's his goal here? Journalist and commentator Lise Hand joins to look back over the rise and fall of Ahern, ...

How could the war in Ukraine end?

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're approaching one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the war shows no end in sight. DCU professor Donnacha Ó Beacháin, an expert in po...

How does Ireland's immigration system work?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Ireland's immigration system comes under increasing strain, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council Nick Henderson joins us on this week's episode to give...

By Noteworthy: Is The State Ignoring Island Depopulation?

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, as a bonus episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly chats with Niall Sargent and John Walsh, chair of the European...

By Noteworthy: How is the Irish public health system coping?

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly chats with reporter Peter McGuire as well as Dr Anne Dee, chair of ...

How did Ireland get so many Oscar nominations?

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our producer Aoife Barry joins us to look at a record day for cinema in Ireland, with Irish films, actors, and production teams receiving more Oscar n...

Who is Andrew Tate?

21 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Debbie Ging, associate professor of Digital Media and Gender in the School of Communication at DCU, joins us on this week's episode to examine influen...

By Noteworthy: Are Irish pensions invested in fossil fuels?

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a new in-depth report by Noteworthy, it was revealed that an ambition for tighter scrutiny regarding the investment of pension funds in fossil fuel...

How can you make your money go further in 2023?

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The ongoing cost of living crisis means many people are looking to make savings and find ways to be more financially secure. Nick Charalambous from Co...

Our favourite explanations of 2022

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the team behind The Explainer look through the back catalogue to bring you some of our favourite explanations from the past year, ranging f...

What did 2022 hold for US politics - and what can we expect in 2023?

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at NUI Galway and The Journal columnist, joins us to take a look back at the year that was in US politics. Was it a good ...

By Noteworthy: What happens to your soft plastic recycling?

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly chats with reporter Alice Chambers and Mindy O'Brien, chief executi...

What is being done for survivors of Ireland's mother and baby homes?

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Órla Ryan, creator and presenter of The Journal's new documentary series Redacted Lives, joins us on this week's episode to explore what survivors of...

By Noteworthy: Are data centres ramping up Ireland’s emissions?

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, as a bonus episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Susan Daly chats with reporter Niall Sargent and Dr Patrick Brodie, an as...

What do we know about an alleged coup plot in Germany?

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist and academic Professor Peter Neumann joins us on this week's episode to look at an alleged coup plot in Germany involving far-right extremi...

What is happening with inflation and how is it affecting our pockets?

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Explainer, we're joined by economist and research affiliate with the ESRI John Fitzgerald to look at how inflation is currently impac...

By Noteworthy: Are migrant fishers exploited in Ireland?

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In another episode by Noteworthy, editor Maria Delaney and visual journalist Geela Garcia tell Susan Daly about Noteworthy's latest project which foun...

What is RSV and why are so many children sick with it?

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a virus we never thought about much pre-Covid, but during the first winter with no restrictions in place, RSV has exploded in Ireland. But what i...

What’s Ceta, and will Ireland hold a referendum on it?

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

David Kenny, associate professor at Trinity College Dublin Law School, is back with us to take us through the EU-Canada Trade Agreement, or Ceta. What...

What’s happening with the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have The42's soccer writer Gavin Cooney in studio to answer some of the many questions surrounding this year's World Cup. Why Qatar? Who...

By Noteworthy: What are the problems with lobbying in Ireland?

13 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In another episode by Noteworthy, reporters Cormac Fitzgerald and Stephen McDermott tell Susan Daly about Noteworthy's latest project which examined l...