The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

Niall Boylan
  • 5.0 (9)
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Niall Boylan is online, and nobody can hold him back. Subscribe to The Niall Boylan Show and access premium content by visiting https://niallboylan.com

  1. 12h ago

    #906 Four Council Houses Rejected. Is This Mother Taking the Piss?

    In this episode, Niall discusses a controversial email from a mother of three who says she's facing the possibility of losing her Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) after turning down four council houses over the past five years. The woman says she has legitimate reasons for rejecting the properties. She believes her family needs four bedrooms rather than three, one house had no back garden for her children to play in, while another had a kitchen she considered far too small for a family of four. #906 Four Council Houses Rejected. Is This Mother Taking the Piss? Now, she claims the council has warned her that she must accept the next property offered or risk losing her HAP support. She's also worried that she could be forced to move miles away from the community where her children have grown up, attend school and have their friends. But here's where opinions may be divided. With thousands of families struggling to find affordable accommodation, people living in emergency accommodation and others waiting years for a council house, should someone who has already been offered four homes be entitled to turn them all down? Is a back garden, a bigger kitchen or an extra bedroom a reasonable expectation when you're being offered social housing? Or should families accept what's available, even if it isn't their ideal home? On the other hand, should people receiving housing assistance be expected to settle for accommodation that they genuinely believe is unsuitable for their children's needs? Does this mother deserve our sympathy, or is she being unreasonable? Where do we draw the line between providing families with suitable housing and expecting people to accept what the State can realistically offer? Niall opens the discussion to listeners and asks a question that is certain to divide opinion: If you were offered four council houses and turned them all down, should you get a fifth chance?

    #906 Four Council Houses Rejected. Is This Mother Taking the Piss?

  2. 12h ago

    #905 RTÉ: Reform It, Sell It or Shut It Down?

    Should the Revenue Commissioners be turned into debt collectors for RTÉ, or is it time to pull the plug on the State broadcaster altogether? In this episode, Niall is joined by columnist and social and political commentator David Quinn to discuss the future of RTÉ, the controversial TV licence fee and whether Irish taxpayers should continue funding the national broadcaster. Minister of State Niall Collins has suggested transferring responsibility for collecting the TV licence fee from An Post to the Revenue Commissioners in an effort to clamp down on non-payment. But should Revenue really be used to chase people who refuse to pay for a broadcaster they may never watch or listen to? Meanwhile, Minister Patrick O'Donovan has reportedly cut €20 million from RTÉ's agreed State funding for 2027, raising fresh questions about its financial future. Could continued funding cuts eventually spell the end of RTÉ as we know it? Niall and David examine whether RTÉ still provides an essential public service, whether it faces unfair advantages over privately funded broadcasters and whether taxpayers are getting value for money. Is RTÉ worth saving, or has it become a bottomless pit of public money? Should we reform it, dramatically reduce its size, privatise it or simply switch it off? And most importantly, should people be forced to pay a TV licence to fund RTÉ even if they never use its services? What would you do with RTÉ?

    #905 RTÉ: Reform It, Sell It or Shut It Down?

  3. 4d ago

    #904 Mental Health in Ireland: Are We All Talk and No Action?

    Mental Health in Ireland: Are We Really Listening to Those Who Are Struggling? In this episode, Niall speaks to Dr Mary Honan, researcher, broadcaster and mental health advocate, about World Mental Health Day on October 10 and an event she is involved in to raise awareness of mental health, emotional wellbeing and the importance of reaching out for support. Dr Honan has previously been involved in organising mental health and wellbeing conferences in Shannon, bringing together speakers, professionals and members of the community to discuss depression, suicide prevention, isolation and the importance of hope for those experiencing mental health difficulties. But despite years of awareness campaigns encouraging people to talk about their mental health, are we actually doing enough in Ireland? Niall and Mary explore why so many people continue to suffer in silence, whether men find it more difficult than women to open up about their emotions, and why admitting you're struggling can still be seen as a sign of weakness. They also question whether Ireland's mental health services are adequately equipped to help people in crisis. Are waiting lists, the cost of counselling and difficulties accessing professional support leaving vulnerable people without the help they desperately need? And while we're constantly encouraged to talk, is there always someone available to listen? Have you ever experienced depression, anxiety or other mental health difficulties? Did you feel comfortable talking about it, and when you reached out for help, was that help actually available?

    #904 Mental Health in Ireland: Are We All Talk and No Action?

  4. 4d ago

    #903 Should Limerick Student Vandals Be Expelled and Jailed?

    Student Rampage in Limerick: Should Those Responsible Be Expelled from College? In this episode, Niall speaks to schoolteacher Eric Nelligan about the shocking destruction of a house in College Court, Castletroy, Limerick, after videos emerged showing young people tearing apart a property during an overnight gathering. The footage, which has circulated widely on social media, shows furniture being thrown through windows, walls being smashed, ceilings ripped down and bathroom fixtures destroyed, while others laugh, cheer and record the destruction. Gardaí have launched an investigation into suspected burglary and criminal damage following the incident in the early hours of October 7. The University of Limerick has condemned the behaviour and confirmed that its student code of conduct provides for disciplinary action, although it has not been established whether those involved are university students. Niall asks Eric whether anyone found responsible should face immediate expulsion from college, criminal prosecution and financial liability for the damage. Some argue that young adults who behave like this should face serious consequences, regardless of how it affects their education or future careers. Others believe that expulsion could ruin a young person's future over one reckless incident and that alternative punishments should be considered. But is this simply youthful stupidity taken to the extreme, or have we become far too tolerant of destructive and antisocial behaviour? Should every student found responsible be expelled, prosecuted and forced to pay for the destruction, or does everybody deserve a second chance? Have your say on 085 100 22 55.

    #903 Should Limerick Student Vandals Be Expelled and Jailed?

  5. 4d ago

    #902 Do Parents Really Know What Their Children Are Being Taught in School?

    In this episode, Niall speaks to Jana Lunden from the Natural Women’s Council about an upcoming Education and Family Forum taking place on October 17, which aims to raise awareness among parents and grandparents about what children are being taught in Irish schools. Jana believes many parents are unaware of some of the materials and resources being used in classrooms, particularly when textbooks and teaching materials are not brought home. She argues that certain lessons covering sexuality, gender identity and relationships are inappropriate for young children and questions whether such subjects should be included in the school curriculum. But where should the line be drawn between educating children about modern society and protecting their innocence? Should schools have the freedom to teach these subjects, or should parents have greater control over what their children are exposed to? Niall asks whether parents are being kept sufficiently informed, whether age-appropriate education is being confused with inappropriate content, and who should ultimately decide what children learn about sex, gender and relationships. Do you really know what your child is being taught in school, and should parents have the final say?

    #902 Do Parents Really Know What Their Children Are Being Taught in School?

  6. 5d ago

    #901 Pet Friendly Ireland or Hygiene Nightmare?

    Niall is joined by Karl Deeter to discuss two very different stories that have sparked plenty of reaction. First, they look at the controversy surrounding the naked Donald Trump statue displayed at the euopean parliment and ask whether political protest and satire have now crossed into cheap provocation. Then the conversation turns to a growing debate about animals in public spaces. The National Transport Authority has proposed a more consistent policy allowing pets on Transport for Ireland services. Under the proposals, small dogs, cats and other small animals could travel in suitable carriers, while larger dogs could travel on a lead and muzzled. More than 2,500 people responded to the consultation, with the vast majority supporting greater access for pets, although concerns were also raised about hygiene, allergies, safety and passenger comfort. But should that approach extend beyond buses, trains and the Luas? Should dogs and other pets be welcomed into cafés, shops and supermarkets, or are there some places where animals simply do not belong? Supporters say Ireland needs to become more pet friendly and that responsible owners should not be excluded from everyday life. Critics argue that public spaces have to work for everyone, including people with allergies, fears of dogs and concerns about hygiene. Niall and Karl ask where the line should be drawn between being pet friendly and respecting everyone else sharing the same space.

    #901 Pet Friendly Ireland or Hygiene Nightmare?

  7. 5d ago

    #900 €20 for a Packet: Has the War on Smokers Gone Too Far?

    Niall is joined by Eric Nelligan to break down Budget 2027, looking at the winners, the losers and whether the Government has actually done enough to tackle the rising cost of living. They examine the changes to income tax, welfare, childcare, housing supports and energy costs, and ask whether the measures announced will make a noticeable difference to households once rising everyday expenses are taken into account. But there is one group that has once again been hit particularly hard: smokers. Budget 2027 increased the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes by another €1, bringing a typical packet to around €20.15, with almost 80% of the retail price now accounted for by tax. Duty on e-liquid products has also increased by 20 cent per millilitre. The Government says higher prices discourage smoking and particularly help prevent younger people from taking up the habit. But Niall asks whether smokers have simply become an easy target at Budget time. Plenty of products and habits can damage our health, yet smokers appear to face substantial tax increases year after year. Alcohol excise, for example, was left unchanged in this Budget. And while increasing the price may encourage some people to quit, what about heavily addicted smokers on lower incomes who simply continue buying cigarettes? Are they giving up food, heating or other household spending instead? Is tobacco taxation really about public health, or has the Government discovered a politically convenient group it can repeatedly tax without much opposition? Niall discusses Budget 2027 with Eric Nelligan and asks: when does encouraging somebody to quit smoking become financially punishing them for an addiction?

    #900 €20 for a Packet: Has the War on Smokers Gone Too Far?

  8. 6d ago

    #899 A Living Wage or a Death Sentence for Small Business?

    Niall talks to business owner and podcaster Paul Treyvaud about the Government’s expected decision to increase the minimum wage by 79 cent to €14.94 an hour from January, and the continuing debate over plans for a €16 living wage. For workers struggling with rent, food, energy and other everyday costs, higher wages may seem essential just to keep up. Supporters of a living wage argue that anyone working full time should earn enough to have a reasonable standard of living. But many small business owners say they are being squeezed from every direction. Energy, insurance, rates, stock, VAT and labour costs have all increased, and another compulsory wage rise could mean higher prices, reduced opening hours, fewer employees or, in some cases, businesses closing completely. On the other side of the argument is a simple question: if a business cannot afford to pay its workers a decent wage, should that business be operating in the first place? Niall asks Paul who should ultimately take priority, the worker struggling to pay the bills or the employer struggling to keep the doors open? And should Ireland move towards a €16 an hour living wage, even if some businesses say they simply cannot afford it?

    #899 A Living Wage or a Death Sentence for Small Business?
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About

Niall Boylan is online, and nobody can hold him back. Subscribe to The Niall Boylan Show and access premium content by visiting https://niallboylan.com

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  • Creator
    Niall Boylan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Niall Boylan Podcast

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