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

Would You Let Your Seven Year Old Daughter Take Up Boxing?Niall talks to Karl Deeter about a family disagreement sparked by the influence of Katie Taylor.Around 80,000 fans are expected at Croke Park this Saturday night to watch Taylor take on undefeated French fighter Flora Pili, but one listener says Katie’s success has caused a row at home.His seven year old daughter is a huge Katie Taylor fan and now wants to join her local boxing club. Her dad thinks it would be fantastic for her confidence, discipline, fitness and ability to defend herself. His wife completely disagrees.She worries that what starts as a childhood hobby could turn into a serious passion, with their daughter continuing to box into her teenage years and potentially exposing herself to serious injury. In her view, boxing is simply too dangerous and “barbaric” to encourage in a young child.So is she right to put her foot down, or is she preventing her daughter from discovering a sport she might genuinely love?We celebrate Katie Taylor as one of Ireland’s greatest sporting heroes, but would you actually be comfortable watching your own son or daughter step into a boxing ring?Niall discusses the dilemma with Karl Deeter.

Should Drivers Be Forced Off the Road at 80?Niall talks to podcaster and restaurateur Paul Treyvaud about a listener’s difficult dilemma involving his 85 year old father, who still insists on driving despite growing concerns about whether he is mentally sharp enough to be safe behind the wheel.The listener says he has repeatedly tried to persuade his father to give up driving, but he refuses to hand over the keys. He now believes there should be a firm legal cut off, once you turn 80, your driving days should be over.But would that be fair?For many older people, driving represents independence, freedom and the ability to live life on their own terms. Should someone lose that simply because they reach a particular birthday, even if they remain perfectly capable behind the wheel?Or should older drivers face regular medical and practical assessments to prove they are still fit to drive?Niall and Paul discuss where the balance should lie between personal freedom and public safety, and ask what families can realistically do when an elderly parent refuses to accept that it may be time to stop driving.Have you ever had to persuade an elderly parent or relative to give up the car, and what happens when they simply refuse?

Should Overtime Be Tax Free?Niall talks to Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins about whether workers should be allowed to keep more of the money they earn from putting in extra hours.Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has proposed taxing qualifying overtime earnings at a flat rate of 20% as part of Budget 2027, arguing that people who work longer hours should not see so much of the additional income swallowed up by tax. Although INdependent ireland was the fist party to propose the ideaNiall asks whether the Government should go even further and abolish income tax altogether on overtime worked beyond 40 hours a week, as well as removing tax on tips.Critics argue that such a move could reduce the money available to fund public services and create complications within the tax system. Supporters say it would reward hard work, encourage people to take on extra hours and put more disposable income into workers’ pockets, much of which would ultimately flow back into the economy through spending and VAT.Would tax free overtime give working people a badly needed break, or is the idea simply too expensive and unrealistic?Niall discusses the proposal with Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins.

Public sector workers are warning that patience is running out over pay, and the threat of industrial action is becoming increasingly serious.Niall Boylan talks to callers about whether Ireland could be heading towards a major wave of strikes across essential public services, and whether workers in areas such as healthcare, education, public transport and social protection should have the same right to withdraw their labour as anyone else.The previous public service pay agreement expired on 30 June 2026 after delivering increases of up to 10.25% over two and a half years. Unions argue that rising prices have continued to erode living standards and that any new agreement must properly reflect inflation. Fórsa has been balloting more than 90,000 public sector members on industrial action, while SIPTU, the INMO and other unions are also moving towards ballots. Prison officers have already backed industrial action, and Unite has warned that Ireland could face a “winter of strikes” unless the Government makes what it considers a meaningful pay offer.Teachers are also becoming increasingly involved. The Teachers’ Union of Ireland has announced a ballot for industrial action in a separate dispute over a 1% salary increase which it says has not been paid as agreed, potentially affecting cooperation with elements of Senior Cycle assessment reform.But where should the line be drawn? If nurses, teachers, transport workers or other essential public servants strike, it is ordinary members of the public who can ultimately suffer. Gardaí are prohibited from striking because of the essential nature of their work, so should similar restrictions apply to other vital services?And then there is the question of pay. Do public servants deserve another substantial increase because of the cost of living, or after receiving increases of up to 10.25% under the previous agreement, is it unreasonable to expect private sector taxpayers to fund another large rise?Niall hears from callers on both sides of a debate that could become one of the biggest industrial relations battles facing the Government this winter.

In this episode, Niall Boylan speaks to economic journalist with The Sunday Times Ireland, Cormac Lucey, about Ireland’s continuing cost of living crisis and whether Government policy is actually making inflation worse.Prices rose by 3.4% in the year to July, with some household costs increasing far more sharply. Education costs were up 8.9%, clothing and footwear increased by 8.5%, while housing, water, electricity and gas rose by 7.7%.Cormac Lucey argues that the Government is not simply failing to control inflation, but is actively fuelling it through its own spending and economic policies.Niall asks whether politicians have become detached from the reality facing ordinary households, and whether part of the reason there is not greater public anger is that a significant section of society can still comfortably absorb the increases.Is Ireland becoming divided between those who can shrug off higher prices and the so called “I’m alright, Jack” brigade, and those who are quietly being pushed closer to the financial edge every month?Are you still coping comfortably, or is the cost of living finally becoming impossible to ignore?

Should Ireland follow Portugal and ban full face coverings in public?Niall Boylan is joined by journalist John McGuirk to debate whether Ireland should introduce a nationwide ban on clothing that conceals a person’s face in public, including the burqa and niqab.Portugal has now introduced one of Europe’s newest face covering laws. Under Law No. 58/2026, published on 24 August, clothing designed to conceal the face or prevent identification will be prohibited in public streets, public services, businesses, sporting events and demonstrations. The law comes into force on 23 September 2026. Anyone who breaches it can face a fine of €150 to €750 for a negligent offence, or €400 to €3,000 where the breach is deliberate. There are exemptions for health, work, artistic and entertainment purposes, security, weather conditions, places of worship, diplomatic premises and aircraft. The legislation also makes it a criminal offence to force somebody to cover their face because of their sex, with a possible prison sentence of up to two years, increased where the victim is a minor.Portugal is far from alone. France, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Bulgaria and Switzerland have introduced broad restrictions on concealing the face in public. The Netherlands has a more limited ban covering places such as schools, hospitals and public transport, while Germany and Norway have restrictions in particular settings. Italy already has long standing legislation restricting the concealment of a person’s identity in public, while the issue has also been debated in countries including Spain. Across Europe the argument remains deeply divided between religious freedom and individual choice on one side, and security, identification, integration and women’s rights on the other.Supporters of a ban argue that nobody should be permitted to completely conceal their identity while walking through public spaces, entering shops, using public services or dealing with authorities. They also argue that some women may be pressured by husbands, fathers or communities into covering their faces. Opponents say governments should not dictate how people dress and that banning the burqa or niqab disproportionately targets Muslim women and interferes with freedom of religion and cultural expression.Niall asks John McGuirk where the balance should lie. Should Ireland follow Portugal and other European countries and ban full face coverings in public, or would such a law represent an unacceptable intrusion into religious freedom and personal choice?

In this episode, Niall Boylan is joined by journalist Laura Perrins to debate whether the law is tough enough on young drivers who deliberately put innocent lives at risk.The discussion comes after a horrifying series of wrong way crashes in Ireland and Britain. Two weeks ago, eight teenagers travelling in a stolen car drove the wrong way onto the M50 before crashing head on into another vehicle, leaving an innocent motorist seriously injured.Days later, tragedy struck again on the M9 when five teenagers were killed after their car was driven the wrong way down the motorway and collided head on with a family travelling to Dublin Airport. Three women and a seven year old boy were seriously injured.Then, on Saturday in Britain, five young men travelling the wrong way on the A66 crashed into a police vehicle. All five occupants of the car were killed, along with two police officers.Niall argues that deliberately driving the wrong way on a motorway is not simply reckless driving. When someone knowingly sends a vehicle towards oncoming traffic at motorway speeds, innocent motorists have nowhere to go and no way of knowing what is coming towards them.He has called for emergency legislation that could see anyone who deliberately drives in this manner, putting innocent lives at extreme risk, facing a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, regardless of their age.Critics say 20 years would be completely disproportionate, particularly when young offenders are involved, and argue that sentencing must still take account of age, maturity, intent and the circumstances of each individual case.But Niall asks where society should draw the line. If somebody deliberately turns a car into what is effectively a lethal weapon and plays Russian roulette with the lives of innocent families, should being 15, 16 or 17 substantially protect them from the consequences?Laura Perrins joins Niall to discuss punishment, personal responsibility, youth justice and whether the threat of much tougher sentences would actually deter this kind of behaviour.How many more innocent people have to be killed or seriously injured before the law gets tougher? Is 20 years an appropriate punishment for deliberately putting motorists' lives at risk, or would it be an excessive response to an appalling problem?

The Irish Government is considering tougher citizenship rules that could increase the standard residency requirement from five to eight years. Applicants may also have to demonstrate English proficiency, financial independence, good character and an ability to support themselves and their families. These are currently proposals being considered, rather than rules already in force. The Sunday TimesNiall speaks to Nick Delehanty, who believes the proposed changes still do not go far enough. They compare Ireland with Denmark, where applicants must pass a 45-question examination covering Danish society, history, culture, current affairs and national values. Candidates need at least 36 correct answers, including four of the five questions on Danish values. Is Irish citizenship being handed out too easily? Should applicants have to prove that they understand Irish history, culture and values, or would tougher requirements unfairly punish people who genuinely want to become part of the country?

This week on Not Suitable For Broadcast, Niall Boylan is joined by Eddie Punch for a lively, opinionated and completely uncensored round-up of the stories that got Ireland talking.They begin with the horrific M9 tragedy, where five teenagers died after a stolen BMW was allegedly driven the wrong way along the motorway before colliding head-on with an innocent family. Niall and Eddie ask whether Gardaí need stronger powers, better pursuit training and greater legal protection to deal with drivers who deliberately put lives at risk.They also look at the threatened fuel revolt, as petrol and diesel prices rise again and further tax increases loom. Should protesters be prepared to block roads, fuel depots and city centres to force the Government to listen, or does that simply punish ordinary motorists and businesses?Ireland’s worsening prison overcrowding crisis is also under the spotlight. With more than 5,600 people in custody and some prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor, should prison be reserved primarily for violent and dangerous offenders? Could community service, electronic monitoring and compulsory work replace short sentences for some non-violent criminals?Niall and Eddie debate whether the long-term unemployed should be required to work for their welfare, following Reform UK’s proposal for 20 hours of community work each week for some people who have been unemployed for more than a year.They also examine the continuing decline of Catholic Ireland. With baptisms falling and more children being raised with no religion, is Ireland simply becoming a more modern secular society, or are we losing something important in terms of morality, community and belonging?The M9 tragedy returns in two very different debates. First, can parents still mourn and love a child who has caused devastating harm to others, and where does parental responsibility end? Then Niall and Eddie ask whether politicians are too quick to blame Gardaí, parents and TikTok while avoiding harder questions about youth crime, repeat offenders, sentencing and Government policy.Finally, they tackle the story of a reported OnlyFans creator planning to run for Stormont. Should someone’s career in adult content matter when they seek public office, or should voters judge politicians purely on their policies, competence and character?News, views, no filter. Serious and uncensored. This is Not Suitable For Broadcast with Niall Boylan and Eddie Punch.

In this episode, Niall talks to financial commentator Karl Deeter about whether TikTok and social media are fuelling a new and deadly wave of joyriding, or whether politicians are looking for a convenient scapegoat following the horrific M9 tragedy.Five teenage males were killed in the early hours of Sunday, 16 August, after the car they were travelling in was driven the wrong way along the M9 near Moone in Co Kildare and collided head on with another vehicle. Three women and a child travelling in the second car were seriously injured. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly subsequently warned of a disturbing trend in which dangerous driving is being carried out for social media attention and “likes”.Attention has now turned to TikTok, which has been invited to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. Committee chair Alan Kelly said serious questions have arisen about social media content that appears to glorify dangerous and illegal behaviour on Irish roads. Ireland's media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has also contacted TikTok seeking information about how it deals with dangerous driving content.But is social media really the cause? Ireland experienced serious waves of joyriding throughout the 1980s and 1990s, decades before TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram existed. Recent reporting also suggests Gardaí are dealing with repeat teenage offenders, car thefts and dangerous driving incidents on an almost nightly basis, raising questions about policing, Garda resources, youth diversion programmes and whether offenders face sufficient consequences.Niall asks Karl Deeter whether TikTok is genuinely encouraging young people to take greater risks for online notoriety, whether social media companies should be held responsible for amplifying criminal behaviour, or whether calling TikTok before an Oireachtas committee allows the Government to avoid much harder questions about policing, the justice system and how repeat young offenders are dealt with.Is TikTok part of the problem, or is it simply the latest convenient scapegoat?

New figures suggest Ireland’s relationship with the Catholic Church is continuing to change dramatically, with the annual number of Catholic baptisms across the island falling by around 30% over the past decade.In this episode, Niall speaks to Dr Tom Finegan, Chairman of The Iona Institute, whose organisation compiled the new figures, and Michael Nugent of Atheist Ireland, to debate what is driving the decline and what it could mean for Irish society.The Iona Institute says the fall is not simply about people abandoning religion. Births across the island have fallen by almost 19% over the same period, with the organisation estimating that declining birth rates account for roughly 60% of the reduction in baptisms, while increasing secularisation accounts for the remainder.But the Census figures also show a significant generational shift. In 2016, 78.3% of children aged 0 to 4 were recorded as Catholic, compared with 65.4% in 2022. Over the same period, the proportion recorded as having no religion rose from 9.2% to 15.6%.There are also striking regional differences. Baptisms have fallen by almost 40% in Dublin, more than 40% in the Diocese of Meath, and almost 38% in Down & Connor, while some more rural dioceses have experienced much smaller declines.Tom Finegan argues that despite declining Mass attendance and increasing secularisation, “cultural Catholicism” remains a significant force in Ireland, with large numbers of parents still identifying as Catholic and choosing baptism for their children.Michael Nugent offers a very different perspective, examining whether the decline represents Ireland becoming a genuinely more secular society, whether religion should continue to have such an influence over schools and public institutions, and whether traditional religious identity is gradually being replaced by a society where people increasingly define their morality and values without reference to a Church.Niall asks whether Ireland is simply witnessing the natural decline of an institution that once held enormous power, or whether something important could be lost with it.Does society need religion to provide community, morality and a sense of belonging? Can those things exist just as strongly without God? And when cultural Catholicism eventually fades, if it does, what takes its place?A lively debate about faith, atheism, falling birth rates and the changing face of modern Ireland.

In this episode, Niall Boylan speaks to Daily Mail journalist Ken Murray about a controversial proposal from Reform UK that would force some long term welfare claimants to carry out 20 hours of community work every week in order to continue receiving their benefits.Under Reform UK’s proposed Welfare to Work scheme, people who have been unemployed for more than a year and are considered fit to work could be required to carry out unpaid community work or face sanctions on their benefits. Suggested jobs include cleaning high streets, maintaining parks, working in libraries, carrying out council house repairs and helping charities, with claimants receiving £30 a week towards expenses. Reform argues that more than 330,000 Universal Credit claimants who are capable of working have been unemployed for over a year.Could something similar work in Ireland?The latest CSO unemployment figures estimate that 149,900 people were unemployed in July 2026, giving Ireland an unemployment rate of 5.1%. Youth unemployment was considerably higher at 12.3%.Separate Live Register figures give an indication of the number of people claiming Jobseeker related payments. In June 2026, the seasonally adjusted Live Register stood at 172,600, while 54,477 people had been continuously registered for a year or longer. The number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claims was also up 3.4% compared with the previous year.So should people who have been unemployed for a prolonged period and are capable of working be expected to give something back to the community in return for their welfare payment?Supporters might argue that if taxpayers are supporting somebody financially, asking that person to spend part of their week cleaning streets, maintaining parks, helping community organisations or carrying out other useful work is hardly unreasonable. It could provide routine, experience and a pathway back into employment.Critics will see it very differently. Ireland has been here before with schemes such as JobBridge, which became heavily criticised over concerns about the quality of some placements and whether employers were benefiting from subsidised labour rather than creating properly paid jobs. Youth organisations reviewing JobBridge called for significant reform and questioned whether it always provided genuine progression into secure employment.And that raises the central question: is asking someone to work 20 hours for their welfare payment a reasonable contribution to society, or is it effectively creating a pool of cheap or unpaid labour?Would councils stop employing cleaners, maintenance workers and other properly paid staff if welfare recipients could carry out the work instead? Would it create a race to the bottom in wages? Or have we reached the point where someone who is capable of working but remains on welfare for years should be expected to contribute something in return?Niall and Ken debate whether Ireland should consider its own version of Reform UK’s proposal and ask listeners the simple but highly divisive question: Should unemployed people be forced to work for their dole?

Niall Boylan is joined by columnist and journalist Brenda Power to discuss the horrific M9 crash that has left five teenagers dead and four innocent members of one family seriously injured, including a seven year old boy.The latest information suggests the five teenagers were travelling in a stolen BMW and had allegedly been involved in attempted burglaries and car break ins in the Athy area earlier that night. Gardaí had tried to stop the car at around 2am, but it sped away. Investigators believe the BMW then travelled the wrong way along the M9 on two separate occasions before eventually crashing head on into a Hyundai carrying three sisters and the young son of one of the women. Two of the women remain in a critical condition, while the third woman and child are seriously injured. Gardaí were not pursuing the BMW at the moment of impact.The tragedy comes just eight days after another stolen car carrying nine teenagers travelled the wrong way on the M50 and crashed into an innocent motorist. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has warned that some drivers are deliberately engaging in this behaviour for social media attention, describing it as reckless and devastating.The Garda Representative Association is now calling for proper pursuit training, saying Gardaí are effectively “damned if they do and damned if they don’t”. The GRA says no Garda currently receives specific pursuit training and that deliberately driving against motorway traffic to evade Gardaí amounts to playing Russian roulette with people’s lives.Niall asks Brenda whether the law now needs to change. Should specially trained Gardaí be given greater legal protection and additional powers to forcibly stop a vehicle being deliberately driven the wrong way down a motorway?Or would allowing Gardaí to ram or force such vehicles off the road create an even greater risk to innocent motorists?And after two terrifying incidents in little more than a week, have we reached the point where doing nothing is potentially more dangerous than allowing Gardaí to intervene?