Podcasts

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.

Latest episodes

The Last Word On The US: Trump And Musk Feud Reignites Over 'Big, Beautiful Bill'

2 hours ago - 18 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Conor McGregor Withdraws Application To Introduce New Evidence In Appeal

3 hours ago - 13 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Meath, Kerry, Donegal And Tyrone Advance To The All-Ireland Gaelic Football Semi-Finals

a day ago - 24 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Last Word On Travel: Dubrovnik

a day ago - 11 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

BBC Says It Regrets Not Cutting Live Stream Of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury Set

a day ago - 10 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

The Week Trending: The Rise Of Mamdani, The €48m Bezos Wedding & Will The BBC Show Kneecap At Glastonbury?

4 days ago - 26 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Should The Crèche Investigated In RTÉ Documentary Be Closed Down?

Gardaí will investigate issues raised in last night's RTÉ Investigates programme on a Dublin crèche chain. The 'Crèches Behind Closed' Doors documentary looked into the standard of care provided at the Hyde and Seek Childcare crèche chain and found a number of problems, from poor treatment of children and staff to sub-standard food. The programme revealed distressed children being left to cry, and being fed watered-down milk. Dr Sheila Garrity, lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre at NUIG, described it as "a harrowing experience to watch young children being manhandled and abused." She noted the "deception of parents" and "the lack of any positive or nurturing environment". Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of The Children's Rights Alliance, said "every aspect" of the crèche chain's care was questionable. "It was really obvious the children were getting no stimulation and were being left to cry." "They cut corners in every aspect of their operation, actually endangering children as a result." They both joined us on The Last Word to discuss what should happen as a result of the revelations, and whether the crèche should now be closed down. Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.