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 Week Trending: Pope Leo XIV, Israel At Eurovision & Calls For Social Media Ban For U-16s

2 days ago - 24 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Lorcan Finnegan On Directing Nicolas Cage

2 days ago - 11 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Tech Thursday: The Best E-Readers And Audiobook Apps

3 days ago - 10 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

How We’ve Become Slaves To Our Mobile Phones

3 days ago - 9 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Personal Finance: Families Swapping Branded Groceries In Bid To Save Money

3 days ago - 9 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Culture Club: Mark McCabe

4 days ago - 33 mins

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Should Wearing Face Masks Be Made Mandatory?

Many countries have made it compulsory for face masks to be worn in public places. Here in Ireland, the government is now recommending that people over the age of 13 wear masks in enclosed spaces such as shops and public transport, but it will not be mandatory. How effective are face masks in stopping the spread of COVID-19, particularly when compared with other measures such as hand washing and social distancing? What type of mask should you wear, and where can you get them? Should they be made mandatory here? Professor Sam McConkey, Infectious Disease Specialist at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, joined us to answer some of these questions. Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.