AS THE DÁIL gets set to return, RTÉ Radio One has announced a reshuffle which will see Claire Byrne host a new current affairs programme on Saturday afternoons.

Starting on 29 September, Saturday with Claire Byrne will air from 1pm to 2pm and cover topical current affairs.

The presenter said the aim of the new show is to “question agendas, dissect the week gone by, and debate the likely issues of the week to come”.

“We want to hear from the newsmakers and from those whose lives are impacted by policy makers in Ireland,” she added.

Meanwhile, Audrey Carville will take over on the late late evening politics and current affairs programme, Late Debate, from Tuesday night. Byrne had presented the show last season.

Carville, who made her name as a BBC World Service broadcaster, has presented Late Debate in the past and has also filled in for Mary Wilson on RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime.

She commented: “The next few months will be critical as the country prepares for a very tough budget. Late Debate will provide vital analysis at this crucial time.”

After two months off, TDs return to the Dáil and here’s what to expect>

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