# Explainer

Last year

2022

Roman Abramovich sanctioned: What does it mean for Chelsea?

The sale of the club is now in serious doubt, and while they can continue to play games, they cannot sell match tickets.

6.5k

Mar 10th 2022, 10:55 AM

# Explainer

Why did the US reject Poland's offer of Soviet-era fighter jets?

Security analyst Dr Tom Clonan said the West giving Ukraine fighter jets is much more “provocative” than anti-tank missiles.

28.1k

Mar 9th 2022, 5:40 PM

# Podcast

The Explainer: What is NATO and what's Ireland's involvement in it?

Listen to hear Andrew Cottey from UCC to explain more.

7.4k

Mar 8th 2022, 6:00 PM

# silent treatment

The Explainer x Noteworthy: How is inadequate care impacting people with eating disorders?

Noteworthy’s Maria Delaney tells Susan Daly about the chaotic state of services through people’s experiences.

5.4k

Updated

Mar 5th 2022, 10:00 AM

# Investigation

What are war crimes - and could Putin face trial for Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

An Irish expert believes Putin has committed war crimes but says it will be down to international investigators to make the case.

23.1k

Updated

Mar 5th 2022, 8:22 AM

# Ukraine

Explainer: Why has Ireland not yet expelled its Russian ambassador?

There have been widespread calls to boot out diplomats, but keeping them in place is part of an EU wide approach.

17.8k

Mar 3rd 2022, 4:24 PM

# Explainer

Explainer: How two big new EU laws will try to rein in Big Tech

It doesn’t sound like the kind of thing to get pulses racing – but two new laws will change a lot about our digital lives.

18.2k

Feb 26th 2022, 8:00 PM

# Ukraine

Here are the main points to know as Russian forces continue their assault on Ukraine

Explosions have been heard in Kyiv this morning.

Asset freezes have been placed on both Putin and Lavrov.

More than 130 people died in Ukraine in the first day of Russia's invasion.

There have been over 18,000 assault rifles issued to Ukrainian volunteers.

76.7k

Updated

Feb 25th 2022, 8:38 PM

# Explainer

Russian invasion of Ukraine: Here are the main points to know

Russian troops have captured the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant this evening after a battle with Ukraine’s defence.

Russian troops have captured the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant this evening after a battle with Ukraine's defence

Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs is urging Irish citizens in Ukraine to shelter in place or leave the country if they can safely

US President Joe Biden has announced further sanctions against Russia.

172k

131

Feb 24th 2022, 9:34 PM

# Podcast

The Explainer: Why did Vladimir Putin invade Ukraine?

In the early hours of the morning, Ukraine was invaded by Russia. Listen to our latest episode to hear about why.

10.8k

Feb 24th 2022, 6:00 PM

# Explainer

What does Russia's recognition of two eastern Ukrainian territories mean?

Vladimir Putin this evening recognised the independence of the two regions.

38.7k

Feb 21st 2022, 10:29 PM

# Universal Social Charge

Explainer: Was the USC meant to be a temporary measure?

Some politicians’ stances on the tax have changed over the years.

26.6k

Feb 15th 2022, 2:44 PM

# Podcast

The Explainer: What’s driving the rising prices in Ireland?

Listen in to hear what it has to do with inflation – and what inflation is – on this week’s podcast.

4.8k

Feb 11th 2022, 6:00 PM

# Explainer

Why have petrol and diesel prices increased so much recently?

With pump prices spiking dramatically and oil climbing towards $100 a barrel, the government’s car fuel tax take is facing criticism.

62.9k

Feb 9th 2022, 8:00 PM

# Explainer

'An economic implosion': Afghanistan's hunger crisis explained

Some 55% of the Afghan population is now suffering from hunger, according to the United Nations.

12.5k

Feb 5th 2022, 9:45 AM

# Explainer

What happens to Stormont now that Paul Givan has resigned as First Minister?

The resignation comes amid a festering row over the Northern Ireland Protocol and with elections looming.

20.9k

Feb 3rd 2022, 8:30 PM

Voices

Opinion: Putin's obsession with making Russia great again is driving his approach to Ukraine

Journalist Hannah McCarthy explains the thinking of Russian President Vladimir Putin as his military builds along the border with Ukraine.

21.9k

Feb 1st 2022, 7:00 PM

# Explainer

Explainer: What's the latest with Russia-Ukraine tensions and is an invasion likely?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Ukraine today ahead of talks with Russia on Friday.

Moscow has been accused of massing tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine in preparation for an invasion.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has so far left more than 13,000 dead.

16.5k

Jan 19th 2022, 3:01 PM

# Podcast

The Explainer: What led to violent unrest in Kazakhstan?

Click to listen to our interview with former Kazakhstan resident, and expert in post-Soviet countries, professor Donnacha Ó Beacháin.

4.9k

Jan 13th 2022, 6:00 PM

# Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew’s civil case: What is alleged to have happened and what happens next?

The motion to dismiss the case against the prince was denied by a US judge yesterday.

13.2k

Jan 13th 2022, 1:04 PM

# It Could Be You

Explainer: How will the National Lottery's 'must be won' €19m draw work this Saturday?

The current Lotto jackpot has been rolling since Wednesday 9 June 2021.

65.5k

Jan 13th 2022, 12:40 PM

# unrest

Explainer: What led to the crisis in Kazakhstan and what's happening now?

Order has been restored in the former Soviet state after dozens of deaths and the deployment of Russian troops.

The protests began after fuel prices doubled and tapped into wider discontent in the oil-rich Central Asian nation.

A harsh clampdown saw a 'shoot to kill' policy implemented and the deployment of Russian troops in Kazakhstan.

The Department of Foreign Affairs issued advice to Irish citizens in the country.

11.5k

Jan 10th 2022, 4:20 PM

# Boosted

Q&A: Digital Covid Certs are being updated for boosters - here's what they'll be required for

If you’re boosted, you’ll soon get a new EU pass.

61.9k

Jan 6th 2022, 5:00 PM

# funding fertility

The Explainer x Noteworthy: Why are people still paying thousands for fertility treatment?

Noteworthy’s Maria Delaney tells Susan Daly about how the private fertility sector is making millions as patients are left in debt.

12.0k

Updated

Jan 5th 2022, 7:05 AM

All time

# Explainer

New Covid testing and isolation guidelines: Here's everything you need to know

The changes are aimed at freeing up Covid-19 testing capacity and easing disruption to businesses.

90.7k

Dec 31st 2021, 12:03 PM

# Podcast

The Explainer: RTÉ's Brian O'Donovan looks back on Biden's first year as US President

As he prepares to return to Ireland, the Washington correspondent shares his thoughts on the year in US news.

12.4k

Dec 27th 2021, 3:00 PM

# test and case

Why a jump in Covid cases on a given day doesn't always mean an official 'backlog'

To take away any confusion, just look at five and seven-day averages.

Recent spikes on specific days have led to claims of backlogs but what is actually happening?

It's down to the workflow required to turn positive swabs into official cases.

It shouldn't matter anyway because looking at trends will give you the accurate picture, writes Rónán Duffy.

31.0k

Dec 23rd 2021, 12:03 AM

# Covid-19

Explainer: What we know about Omicron and how effective booster shots might be

A new study from Imperial College London found that boosters are key to mitigating the impact of the variant.

21.0k

Dec 17th 2021, 6:30 PM

# Podcast

The Explainer: Is Euroscepticism stronger or weaker after Brexit?

Has Britain’s experience been a motivating force – or turned people off?

4.2k

Dec 16th 2021, 6:00 PM

# Explainer

Explainer: What's happening on the Russia-Ukraine border and how likely is an invasion?

Nearly 100,000 Russian troops have massed on the Ukrainian border in recent weeks.

14.6k

Dec 10th 2021, 1:08 PM

# wham

Explainer: Why is there uproar over a Number 10 party that happened last Christmas?

A look at why Boris Johnson has launched an investigation into a “cheese and wine” gathering at Number 10.

17.5k

Dec 8th 2021, 2:51 PM

# Explainer

What are face mask requirements for primary school children in other European countries?

Nine to 12 year-olds are now required to wear face masks in Ireland.

32.4k

Dec 5th 2021, 7:30 AM

# article 16

Wielding a gun with no ammunition: The UK, the EU and the battle over the Northern Ireland Protocol

It hasn’t gone away, you know.

29.3k

Dec 4th 2021, 8:00 PM

# Explainer

Pressure grows for patent waiver amid 'Covid vaccine apartheid' - so what's Ireland's position?

A mock funeral will be held outside Leinster House today to protest the Government’s support for EU’s efforts to block the TRIPS waiver.

29.3k

Nov 30th 2021, 12:42 PM

# Explainer

What does the data we have tell us about Covid-19 outbreaks in this school year?

A shift in how Covid-19 cases in schools are being dealt with has taken place this week – so how bad is transmission?

28.5k

Nov 21st 2021, 7:00 AM

# Coronavirus

Here's how Europe is coping with Covid's fourth wave amid weeks of escalating cases

Increasing restrictions and measures targeting the unvaccinated are proliferating on the continent.

34.8k

Nov 20th 2021, 6:30 AM

# Peng Shuai

Explainer: Who is missing Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai and what allegations did she make?

Peng, a former Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion, has not been heard from for two weeks.

21.7k

Nov 18th 2021, 1:04 PM

# Coronavirus

Limited lockdowns and restrictions on unvaccinated: How Europe is dealing with Covid wave

New measures are on the cards in several countries as cases continue to climb.

23.6k

Nov 13th 2021, 6:30 AM

# Podcast

The Explainer: Why is there so much talk about Ireland's cows right now?

You guessed it – it’s climate change related.

3.1k

Nov 11th 2021, 7:00 AM

# Poland-Belarus border

Explainer: Why tensions are flaring between Poland and Belarus over migrant crossings

The situation has escalated rapidly since last weekend.

26.8k

Updated

Nov 10th 2021, 2:07 PM