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

In this episode, Niall asks: Should you put a dog down for biting?

A distressed listener wrote in about a painful family dilemma. Her five-year-old dog bit their three-year-old son on the leg badly enough to need stitches. Her husband now insists the dog must be put to sleep to protect their child. She believes it was a one-off incident that could be managed with training or rehoming. Who is right?

Some callers sided with the husband...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should Ireland scrap student loans for graduates who stay and work here for ten years?

The government recently confirmed there will be no cut to college fees, leaving many students and families struggling with the high cost of third-level education. One idea suggested before is to let students borrow the full amount for fees — but if they stay and work in Ireland for a decade, the loan is wiped.

Some call...

In this episode, Niall asks: Would you stand by a loved one if they committed a serious crime?

It is one of the hardest questions any family could face. If your son, daughter or close relative was found guilty of something terrible like rape or murder, would you stand by them or cut all ties? Some say family loyalty comes first no matter what. Others believe there are crimes so serious that the bond is broken forever.

Some callers sa...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should you contest an unfair will, even if it risks tearing the family apart?

A listener got in touch after learning she was left a much smaller share than her siblings in her father’s will. Now she wants to know if she should fight for what she feels is fair or stay silent to keep the peace.

Some callers said she should absolutely contest it if there is no good reason for the unequal share. They argued t...

In this episode, Niall asks: Do you feel safe walking Ireland’s streets?

Official figures suggest that overall crime rates in Ireland have gone down in recent years. Yet many people say they feel less safe than ever, especially with videos of random assaults and antisocial behaviour spreading quickly on social media. Are we really more at risk — or are we just seeing more of it online?

Some callers said they no longer feel safe, blam...

In this episode, Niall asks: Does Ireland really need a president?

With new presidential hopefuls putting their names forward, some are questioning whether the office still serves any real purpose. Is the president an important neutral figure for the country, or just an expensive tradition Ireland can no longer justify?

Some callers said the role is a waste of taxpayer money. They argued the Taoiseach runs the country and the preside...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should Ireland lower the age of consent to 16?

There have already been suggestions about reducing the voting age, with arguments that young people today are mature enough to decide at 16. On the same basis, some believe the age of consent should match the EU average and be lowered from 17 to 16. Would this protect teenagers better or put them at greater risk?

Some callers supported lowering it, saying tee...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should Irish citizens living abroad or in Northern Ireland have the right to vote in Irish elections?

Sinn Féin has put forward a motion to extend voting rights in presidential elections to Irish citizens overseas and in the North. Supporters say it would honour the global Irish community and reflect modern realities. Opponents argue that voting should be reserved for those who live, work, and pay tax in...

In this episode, Niall asks: If your landlord gave you 30 days to get rid of your dog or face eviction, what would you do?

We received an emotional email from a woman whose landlord found out she had a dog in breach of her lease. Now she’s been given a choice — rehome the dog or lose her home. Her husband says the dog has to go, but she refuses. The story has sparked debate about responsibility, rules, and the bond people have with ...

In this episode, Niall asks: Do you oppose all immigration, or just illegal entry?

The media often labels protestors as anti-immigrant, but many say they are only against illegal immigration. So where do you draw the line? Is it fair to oppose immigration entirely, or is the real issue how it is managed?

Some callers said they have no problem with legal immigration. They support people who come to Ireland through the proper channels,...

In this hard-hitting episode, Niall sits down with Dr. Gerry Quinn and Dr. Ronan Connolly to unpack one of the most controversial scientific papers published since the pandemic began. Titled What Lessons Can Be Learned from the Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic, their work challenges the mainstream response to Covid-19 from multiple angles—lockdowns, vaccines, data manipulation, and the silencing of dissent.

Niall reflects on his ...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should Ireland bring in welfare payment cards?

We received an email from a listener who suggested that welfare payments should be issued on a card that can only be used for essentials like food and clothing. The card would block spending on alcohol, cigarettes, or gambling. Supporters say it ensures taxpayer money is spent responsibly. Critics say it is insulting and strips people of basic dignity.

Some c...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should Gardaí be allowed to tell potential partners if someone has a history of domestic violence?

There have been calls for a new law that would let Gardaí share information about individuals who’ve been accused — or convicted — of domestic abuse. Supporters say it could save lives. Critics argue it’s an invasion of privacy and undermines the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”

Some callers said...

In this episode, Niall asks a provocative question: Is shouting at your children a form of child abuse?

The debate was sparked by a top psychologist who claimed that shouting at children — or even arguing loudly in front of them — can be just as damaging as physically slapping them. The expert warned that such behaviour can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects, and even suggested it should be legally recognised as h...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should children repay their parents for college fees?

A mother wrote to the show after a heated disagreement with her husband. Their 26-year-old daughter, now working in a well-paid legal job, had her college fees fully covered by her parents. The mother believes it’s only fair that she repays them now, but the father insists that supporting your child through education is part of parenting — not a loan ...

In this episode, Niall asks: Are Portugal’s new dress rules for tourists over the top?

As Portugal and other tourist hotspots crack down on visitors walking around in bikinis or bare-chested away from the beach, hefty fines are being introduced to curb what locals see as disrespectful behaviour.

Some callers argued the rules are too strict, saying tourists just want to relax and enjoy their holidays. If it’s near the beach and not of...

In this episode, Niall asks: Deporting Children — Do You Feel Sorry for Them?

Last week, 35 people were deported from Ireland, including five children. The opposition is now calling for an amnesty on child deportations, urging the government to show empathy. But does sympathy for children override the rules of immigration?

Some callers argued that children should never be punished for the decisions of adults. Many of these kids have ...

In this episode, Niall asks: Should doctors have the right to conscientiously object to any procedure approved by the medical council — including abortion, assisted dying, or vaccines? The question raises serious debate about the balance between medical ethics, personal morality, and patient rights.

Some callers argued in favour of conscientious objection. They said doctors are not machines, and if a procedure clashes with their dee...

In this episode, Niall asks: Has Ireland just made you state property after death? From June 17th, all Irish citizens will automatically be considered organ donors unless they formally opt out. The move is being hailed by some as a lifesaving, compassionate reform that will help those in desperate need of transplants. But others say it crosses a line — claiming it turns the human body into government property unless otherwise state...