The UTV Podcast

The Stormont Executive has ageed a budget, but the health minister votes against. Robin Swann has warned of the devastating impact the reduction in funding will have on the health service. The First Minister, deputy First Minister and Finance Minister said the budget would always be challenging and said they were disappointed with the health minister's decision to vote against it.UTV's Political Editor Tracey Magee and Health Reporter Deborah McAleese analyse the impact of what has been agreed.

From the Whitehouse to the Courthouse. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson who has been credited with helping to restore power-sharing here, has appeared in court, charged with historical sex offences - including rape, spanning more than 20 years.His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson is also accused of serious charges. Our correspondent Sharon O'Neill reports.

Tori Watson reports on speculation over the upcoming budget and what it might contain. Tracey Magee will have the very latest from Stormont. We'll  hear from some of the parties, as well as former civil servant Ann Watt and the economist Paul Mac Flynn.It's just over a week since UTV brought you the exclusive report of a County Armagh mother who has advanced-stage cervical cancer. Erin Harbinson's case has led to thousands of womens'smear tests in the Southern Trust being re-examined. Sarah Clarke has the latest.Our commentators are the Ireland Editor of PA Media David Young, Anna Mercer from Stratagem, and the commentator Alex Kane.

Erin Harbinson has advanced-stage cervical cancer. But for her and her health, it could have been very different.She had not one, not two, but three smear tests misread over the course of a decade - all had 'normal' results, or so she believed. The mother of four was diagnosed in 2021, but was only told those vital health checks were incorrect just ahead of the announcement of a review into 17,500 women’s smears in the Southern Trust just six months ago.Doctors have told her had her cancer been caught sooner, she would not be in the position she is in today. Others are in the same position while some have already sadly passed away.The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has apologised for failures in Erin's care. It said her case helped lead the establishment of reviews and urged anyone with concerns to get in touch.It added: "For any woman who has unfortunately received a diagnosis of cervical cancer, we review all aspects of their previous smear tests as part of the audit of invasive cervical cancers to identify any learning that will help improve the screening programme."The Trust is working towards completing the Cervical Screening Review in the next few months. It is important to emphasise the fact that cervical screening is not a diagnostic test (rather it is for people without symptoms and aims to detect early changes which could go on to develop into cervical cancer if left untreated). Anyone with symptoms should always seek advice from their GP."The Southern Trust and Public Health Agency continue to urge women to continue come forward for their smear tests when invited. Almost all cervical cancers (99.7%) are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV."The Northern Ireland Cervical Screening Programme introduced full primary HPV testing into the cervical screening pathway in December 2023."The full integration of HPV testing has brought N.Ireland in line with similar programmes in the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland, making the screening more accurate and more effective at identifying those at greatest risk."The screening test, often known as a ‘smear test’, checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of HPV. If high-risk HPV is detected during screening, the sample will also be checked for abnormal cell changes."The HPV test is a better indicator than cytology of identifying which women are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The Cervical Screening Review is looking back at the old model. HPV is a common virus, and, in most cases, it will be cleared by the body’s immune system and have no adverse health impact. It is only when the virus persists, that it can cause cell changes in the cervix which, with time, can develop into cancer."We also urge anybody with concerns to contact our dedicated Helpline for this Cervical Review which is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm on 0800 9520255."Alternatively, you can email cervical.review@southerntrust. hscni.net or visit the Southern Trust Website at www.southerntrust.hscni.net following the link to the Cervical Screening Review Information Page."Erin spoke to UTV's Sarah Clarke.

Carol Jordan discusses the past week in Northern Ireland with Jordan Moates and Louise Small.You can also watch this on ITVX. 

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie writes to the Secretary of State to raise concerns about Sinn Fein's lack of engagement with the inquest into the Kingsmill massacre. Our Political Correspondent Vicki Hawthorne will have the latest.A special report on racism. Sarah McKinley speaks to victims who tell her what they think needs to happen. And in the studio we'll be joined by Muhammad Atif from the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association; Geraldine McGahey from the Equality Commission; and from the PSNI by Superintendent Sue Steen.In his first extended television interview as the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, we talk to Andrew Muir about everthing from Lough Neagh to hunting.Our commentators are Professor Deirdre Heenan from Ulster University; John Manley from the Irish News; and Ben Lowry from the News Letter.

Carol Jordan, and Jordan Moates discuss new leaders, money for the police and trains in this week's UTV Podcast.

Simon Harris has been elected Taoiseach by the Irish Parliament.  He was officially installed in the role in a ceremony with the Irish President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday afternoon. Mr Harris takes over from Leo Varadkar who stood down from the role on Monday night.The 37-year-old becomes the youngest ever Taoiseach.  He told the Dail, it was special for him and said he looked forward to working with the Northern Ireland Executive. Jordan Moates recounts the day's events and UTV Political Editor Tracey Magee looks at the work the new Taoiseach has north of the border.

Where now for Unionism as Gavin Robinson takes over as interim DUP Leader? Marc Mallett has that report. Gavin Robinson tells this programme he has not spoken to Sir Jeffrey Donaldson since Good Friday and does not intend to do so. And He says the Irish sea border will go with faithful implementation of agreements reached. What will Leo Varadkar's legacy as Taoiseach be, and what are we to make of Simon Harris who takes over in the top role tomorrow. Kevin Doyle will have the latest from Dublin.Coming under immense pressure in the polls, so when will Rishi Sunak call that election. I'll be joined from Westminster by Peter Cardwell and Kevin Maguire.Our commentators are Suzanne Breen, Lee Reynolds and David McCann.

This week's UTV Podcast takes a sporting turn with Carol Jordan sitting down with Daniel Duffy and Jordan Moore. They discuss the rise of Conor Bradley after he bagged his first international goal, the sweeping changes at Ulster and Saturday night boxing. You can also watch the podcast in its new home on ITVX.

It was a week of political earthquakes, money for education and some relief for those residents of a stricken apartment block. Those were just a sample of the stories making the news in Northern Ireland this week, discussed by Carol Jordan and Jordan Moates in this week's UTV Podcast.The Executive released funding for the Strule shared education campus this week - with the First Minister describing it as "world leading".Jordan Moates has been reporting on the matter for years - and was at it when it was an Army barracks. He discusses the minefield it has become with costs spiralling and the composition of the campus which is to host 4,000 pupils, when it is built. In the Republic, Leo Varadkar's sudden resignation as Fine Gael leader and taoiseach caused ripples across the world. He has said there is "no scandal" behind his sudden departure. Simon Harris looks set to be crowned his replacement - and with it become Ireland's youngest taoiseach.  It was also a week where pressure grew on the Stormont administration to get help and support to the Victoria Square apartments residents. Rates bills have been paused, as too has legal action against those who have not been paying rates. The residents were forced from their homes in 2019 after serious defects were found in the build. And for this week's View From Stormont, Jordan looked at the debate around assisted dying legislation. This came after the broadcaster Esther Rantzen launched a campaign for new laws and in the Republic a special oireachtas joint committee called for the introduction of legislation. And looking ahead, Northern Ireland's MLAs head off on their Easter break, Carol and Jordan look at what they have achieved in their first few short weeks and the challenges their are facing. As ever you can watch our Vodcast on ITVX and on our social channels and also as a podcast.

We're discussing assisted dying. I'll be joined by campaigner Rebecca Wilcox, daugher of Esther Rantzen and former DUP Health Minister Jim Wells who's vehemently opposed to any law change. The TUV announces a formal election pact with Reform UK. I'll be joined by party leader Jim Allister following the party's weekend conference. We get the latest from London, with Kevin Maguire and Peter Cardwell as the feverish speculation continues over Rishi Sunak's leadership and when an election might be called. Our commentators are Suzanne Breen from the Belfast Telegraph, and Professor Deirdre Heenan from Ulster University

Former IRA man and author Richard O'Rawe on the importance of Stakeknife to authorities.

America turned green for St Patrick's - and with it was the annual exodus of political figures to Washington for the celebrations. That was the main story for this week and discussed in this week's UTV Vodcast.Carol Jordan and Jordan Moates discussed how it was all smiles for the new ministers and a buzz of positivity on their various engagements. But the trip, as Jordan notes, was a bit of a break from normal business and on their return there are many challenges facing the reformed Executive.Carol and Jordan also discuss the horrific case of Roy Reynolds' murder and the frustration of those caught up in the infected blood scandal.And we revisit the tale of the accidental therapy dog who may need to find a new home.

Coming up in the programme, Marc Mallett reports on Stormont's first five weeks back. And In his first broadcast interview since speaking out against Sir Jeffrey Donaldson over the return of Stormont. The DUP MP Sammy Wilson tells us that the party leader has his backing.Our Political Editor Tracey Magee is in Washington. Also there, the Secretary of State. Chris Heaton-Harris tells Tracey that his message to America is that Northern Ireland is the place to invest.Our commentators are Chris Donnelly, Dr Clare Rice and Alex Kane.

More than two thirds of people say they’re concerned about going into Belfast city centre at night, according to new research.No late buses and a massive fall in the number of taxis means getting home is one of the biggest concerns for those planning to go out in the city.The findings come as a night time Czar is being recruited for Belfast as part of a drive to build up the night time economy.In this week's UTV Vodcast, Carol Jordan and Alison Fleming discuss the research.

More lives were probably lost than saved through the Army’s operation of its top agent inside the IRA’s internal security unit during the Troubles, a major independent investigation has found.The interim findings of Operation Kenova examined 101 murders and abductions linked to the Provisional IRA’s so-called “nutting squad” responsible for interrogating, torturing and murdering people suspected of passing information to the security forces during the conflict.Operation Kenova, which was undertaken by Bedfordshire Police and ran for seven years at a cost of approximately £40 million, examined the role of the Army’s prized agent embedded in the heart of the IRA’s Internal Security Unit (ISU), an individual known as Stakeknife.The agent Stakeknife was widely believed to be west Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci, who was 77 when he died last year.Delivering his report Jon Boutcher said the lives saved by the double agents activities were in the single figures. He said the intelligence services' believe Stakeknife was the "golden goose" was the thing of "fables and fairytales".In this week's UTV Vodcast, Carol Jordan and Jordan Moates discuss the report, its findings and the fall out.

Junior doctors prepare for their first ever strike here. Is their action justified; and are they being supported by the public? We have a special report, plus we're joined by Edwina Hegarty from the NI Junior Doctors Committee.Our Political Editor Tracey Magee reports from Alliance's annual conference. We'll also be talking, in-depth, to the party's deputy leader, Stephen Farry.Our commentators are Professor Deirdre Heenan; Sam McBride; and David McCann.

Legacy laws, building projects, health strikes and a famous author's Northern Irish roots feature in this week's UTV Podcast weekly roundup.Carol Jordan is joined by Jordan Moates and Deborah McAleese to discuss the week's news.You can also watch this episode here.

Tracey Magee sits down with the Finance Minister to discuss the state fo Stromont's finances and how they mmight be put on a sustainable footing. Could a rates hike be a possibility.?We're also joined by the Leader of Stormont's Opposition Mathew O'Toole. The controversy continues over how to make up the shortfall in funds for the redevelopment of Casement Park. Eden Wilson has an in-depth report. And you'll hear from former Linfield Manager David Jeffrey. Also commentating on that issue and others will be Brian Feeney, Sarah Creighton and Professor Jon Tonge.