Most people regard paying an insurance premium as, in David Lane's words, a grudge purchase. Nobody wakes up in the morning delighted to be writing the cheque. But what if the company cashing that cheque was giving its distributable profits away? Not to shareholders, not to directors, but to charitable causes — over €250 million of them in the past decade alone.

That is the reality of Ecclesiastical Insurance, the specialist insurer whose Irish managing director sat down recently with the Education Nation podcast and its host Nicky Cuddihy, to explain a business model that is, in the truest sense, unique.

Ecclesiastical is not a household name in Ireland, at least not in Catholic households. Founded 135 years ago to provide insurance for the Anglican Church, it arrived in Ireland about 45 years ago through the Church of Ireland portfolio, insuring everything from large Cathedrals like Christ Church and St Patrick's, to rural parish churches across the country. For many Irish Catholics, the company has simply been off the radar — associated, if at all, with another tradition.

That, says Lane, is something he is keen to change.

In this episode Fintan offers valuable insights into the context of Catholic education within the Northern Ireland education system—one that mirrors the experience in the Republic in many respects but which differs significantly not only in language but also in terms of structure, funding and governance.

But one unintended consequence means that Catholic schools can no longer give priority to children of Catholic families. In the opinion of Alan Hynes this is the decisive factor that has prevented communities from supporting divestment. Parents are reluctant to relinquish a denominational school if they cannot be assured that their children will have priority access to the remaining Catholic option.

Originally from Kilkee, Co. Clare, Seamus fondly recalls his early school days in “the school around the corner,” where inspirational educators like principal Martin Boland and teacher Tom Lillis sparked his lifelong passion for Celtic mythology and ancient history.

He summarises the core role of CPSMA concisely, “We represent schools and help schools stay out of trouble — or help them reverse out of it as quickly as possible.”

Simon brings something rare to the national conversation on education: the lived experience of growing up in Ireland as part of a minority community, combined with the professional insight gained as both teacher and principal. He demonstrates tremendous energy, confidence, a willingness to listen, to dialogue, to challenge, and the courage to say some of the quiet things out loud.

Our guest, Rachel O’Connor, a long-standing advocate for school leaders, painted a picture of a profession that is deeply committed, increasingly complex, and now facing challenges that would have been unimaginable even a decade ago.

In her current role as Deputy Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies, Rachel certainly has her finger on the pulse.

In the past he says his and others concerns with regards to the medical care of children and young adults were not listened to and now the Cass report seems to be a watershed moment in countries that want to adopt and grow the evidence-based model to get the best outcomes for individuals who are gender questioning – a journey that, if done well, is an incredibly positive journey with good outcomes, he says.

We ask what is the Cass Report and what happens to a person when you stop their sexual development in early puberty and why its yet another medical scandal that God Complex doctors have allowed to happen.

Hosts Michael Kelly and David Quinn also examine why there is so much fear in Ireland’s university campuses where debate is being stifled and speakers shamed and cancelled.

Michael and Wendy are on hand to dive into exactly why certain Irish politicians are so keen on hurrying up the final moments, even when Irish medical opinion is firmly against them. They also look at some of the horrific stories that have come out of jurisdictions that have legalised assisted suicide, like Canada, where the number of people using ‘Medical Assistance in Dying’ jumped 30% last year and the government there wants to open it up to people with mental illnesses.

Michael notes that while those at the end of life deserve the very best palliative care available, many fear that the push for assisted suicide is driven by more economic factors. The highly connected British journalist and former Tory MP Matthew Paris revealed as much last weekend when he said that “we simply cannot afford extreme senescence or desperate infirmity for as many such individuals as our society is producing.”

Campaigner Eilís Mulroy joins the team to discuss the dangerous consequences if the Irish equivalents of Paris get their way. For one of the few government ministers to support assisted suicide the last time it came up for a vote, was none other than our Taoiseach-to-be, Simon Harris.

Whatever happens with Assisted Suicide in Ireland, you’ll find the real story right here, on State of the Nation. If you know someone who is affected by these issues, please spread the word, and forward them this episode.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín and former Fine Gael Senator Fidelma Healy Eames join Michael Kelly to give their perspective on why Varadkar stepped down, what awaits his replacement, and why Fianna Fáil resembles a McDonald's franchise.