In this episode, Niall asks: Should Ireland place a total pause on immigration until we fix the issues at home? While many agree that illegal immigration needs stronger enforcement, a growing number of voices are now calling for a complete halt to all immigration — legal or not — until the country gets its housing, healthcare, and infrastructure crises under control.

Some callers supported a full stop. They argued that Ireland is already stretched to breaking point, with hospitals under pressure, families unable to find housing, and social services overwhelmed. In their view, the country needs to prioritise its own citizens before bringing in more people.

Others pushed back, saying an outright pause would be un-Irish and ultimately self-defeating. They acknowledged the strain on the system but insisted that shutting the door completely would damage the economy and contradict Ireland’s values. Some stressed that immigration isn’t the core problem — poor planning and mismanagement are.

Niall reflected that while frustration is real and growing, the solution may not lie in absolutes — but in whether we can fix what’s broken without turning away from what defines us.

In this episode, Niall asks: If you found out your father was cheating on your mother, would you tell her? The question comes from a young woman who emailed the show after catching her dad having an affair — and now she’s torn between protecting her mother and protecting her relationship with her father.

Some callers said she absolutely needs to tell her mother. They argued that staying silent makes her complicit, and that honesty is the only way to prevent deeper betrayal. One shared their own experience of exposing a cheating father, saying it was painful but necessary.

Others felt it wasn’t her place to get involved. They said the daughter shouldn’t be put in the middle of her parents’ marriage and warned that revealing the affair could cause more damage than it fixes. One caller pointed out that people make mistakes, and rushing to expose it might destroy what’s left of the family.

Niall reflected that trust, loyalty, and truth don’t always point in the same direction — and sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones with no clear right answer.

In this episode, Niall asks whether 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote. The Social Democrats are set to table a bill to lower Ireland’s voting age from 18 to 16 — but is that too young to make informed political decisions? Are today’s teenagers engaged enough to help shape the future of the country, or are they being used as political pawns?

Some callers argue that if 16-year-olds can work, pay taxes, and drive mopeds, they deserve a say in shaping policies that will affect them for decades — especially when it comes to climate, housing, and education.

Others disagree, saying teenagers are still developing emotionally and intellectually, and shouldn't be handed responsibility over national decision-making. Some feel the proposal is less about civic empowerment and more about political strategy.

As the lines light up, the debate gets heated, with strong views on both sides about maturity, responsibility, and what it really means to be ready to vote.

In this episode, Niall asks a hard question that many are afraid to voice: Are men and women truly treated equally in modern society? The discussion is sparked by an email from a male listener who says he was passed over for a management promotion in favour of a woman, despite having more experience and being told he was next in line. According to a friend in HR, the decision came down to gender — his company already had two male managers, and they "needed a woman" to balance the optics.

The email raises deep questions about gender quotas, meritocracy, and whether attempts to correct historical imbalances are now causing new forms of discrimination.

Some callers believe we are finally seeing long-overdue progress. They argue that women have spent decades fighting for space in male-dominated fields and that occasionally favouring a female candidate is part of addressing past injustice. For them, it’s not about ignoring merit, but correcting systemic imbalance.

Other callers strongly disagree, saying equality should never come at the expense of fairness. They feel gender quotas are increasingly being used to justify hiring decisions that overlook the most qualified person — and that this silent shift is leaving many men feeling sidelined and voiceless.

In this episode, Niall asks: Should learner drivers be allowed to drive unaccompanied? The debate heats up after Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe suggested that current rules — which require learners to be accompanied by a fully licensed driver — are too restrictive, especially for students and young people living in rural areas.

Supporters of relaxing the law say it’s a practical move. In rural Ireland, public transport is limited, and many young people are left stranded or dependent on others for the simplest tasks — from getting to work, to attending college, or even visiting the GP. They argue that responsible learner drivers, especially those with some experience or awaiting a delayed test, should be trusted to drive alone under certain conditions.

On the other hand, critics warn that relaxing the law could be dangerous. They argue that L-plate drivers lack the experience and judgment to drive solo, and the current system exists for a reason — to protect everyone on the road. Some callers highlight the increase in road deaths and say safety should come before convenience. If learners want independence, they say, they should wait until they pass the test.

This episode weighs freedom against responsibility and rural need against national safety. Where do you stand?

In this episode, Niall explores a deeply taboo question: Do people ever regret having children? It's a topic most parents are too ashamed or afraid to speak about publicly—but for some, the feeling is real.

The conversation begins with an email from a listener who admits they love their children but quietly wonder what life might’ve looked like without them. The exhaustion, financial strain, loss of freedom, and relationship breakdowns have left them questioning whether parenthood was the right path.

Callers respond with brutal honesty.

Some say it's a thought they've had late at night when the pressure becomes too much. They talk about how parenthood isn’t always the joyful, fulfilling journey it’s made out to be—especially when support is lacking or when it comes at the cost of identity and dreams.

Others are outraged by the very idea, calling it selfish or ungrateful. To them, children are a blessing, not a burden, and regret is a luxury some can't afford to entertain. They believe that even in hard times, the love and purpose parenting brings outweighs any fleeting doubts.

This episode pulls no punches. It's raw, emotional, and brutally honest—shining a light on one of the last parenting taboos.

Date:

14/05/2025

In this episode, Niall asks: Should Ireland pay illegal migrants to leave the country? The discussion comes after Donald Trump announced plans to offer flights to help undocumented migrants “self-deport,” warning that those who refuse would face the full force of the law. Should Ireland consider a similar approach—offering cash incentives for voluntary departure—or stick to straightforward deportation?

Callers were split. Some argued that offering a one-time payment could save taxpayers money in the long run by avoiding lengthy legal battles, appeals, and costly accommodation. They said it allows people to leave with dignity while relieving pressure on housing and public services.

Others were furious at the idea of rewarding illegal behaviour, insisting it would send the wrong message and attract more people hoping for a payout. “Break the law and get paid for it? That’s madness,” one caller said.

The debate touches on national priorities, border control, and the ethics of migration enforcement. Should compassion guide policy—or common sense?

Date:

13/05/25

In this episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, we’re asking: Should mothers be free to breastfeed anywhere they choose—or should there be limits?

The conversation stems from a viral post showing a mother breastfeeding her baby in public with the caption challenging people to stop demanding mothers be “respectful” while feeding their child. While breastfeeding is legal in public across many countries, including Ireland, mothers still face social stigma, judgmental stares, and even harassment for doing something as natural and necessary as feeding a baby.

Niall invites listeners to weigh in on whether society should normalize public breastfeeding or if discretion is still necessary in certain settings.

Some callers felt mothers should be able to breastfeed absolutely anywhere, without shame or pressure to hide. They argued that feeding a baby is a human right, not a display of indecency—and that people who are uncomfortable need to grow up and mind their own business.

Others felt there should be some boundaries. While supportive of breastfeeding, they said it should be done with “consideration,” like using a nursing cover or opting for private spaces when possible. For them, it’s about respect for others in shared public areas, not denying a baby its needs.