Lunchtime Live

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

New figures from The Central Bank of Ireland have shown that motor insurance premiums rose by an average of 9% to €623 last year.Despite a drop-off of 1,000 in the number of private motor claims last year, the total cost of settlements rose by €42 million to a record €896 million, up 38% on the pre-Covid average…If there are less claims, why is car insurance on the rise and how can we tackle these rising costs?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Hanley, Director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, Editor with Completecar.ie, Shane O’Donoghue, Moyagh Murdoch, CEO of Insurance Ireland, as well as listeners.

When you make changes to your home’s interior, there are some mistakes you can make that even a professional can fall into.This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss those mistakes, and how you can avoid them!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Tanya Neufeld Flanagan, Interior Designer and podcast host.

Parents who have children in hospital have enough worries to deal with than to think of what they should have for lunch. With catering in hospitals, staff would have no problem but to help ease the burden by providing something as simple as tea and toast to parents. However, if you are not breastfeeding your child, you must fend for yourselves.Joining Andrea to discuss is Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Suzanne Crowe, Certified lactation consultant and member of Association for Improvements in Maternity Services in Ireland, Maria O’Sullivan and Irish Times Journalist and host of the Conversations with Parents Podcast, Jen Hogan and more.

Hurricane Melissa has been called the “storm of the century”.It’s one of the most powerful in Atlantic history, and has left a path of destruction in the Caribbean, hitting the Bahamas, Cuba and Jamaica.So far, dozens of people have been confirmed dead.In Jamaica, it's estimated up to 90% of homes in the devastated town of Black River have been stripped of their roofs.Orlagh Kilbride lives in Kingston, the island’s capital, with her family, and joins Andrea to discuss.Image: AP

Would you give your seat to the disabled or elderly on public transport? Newstalk Reporter Kyle Butler noticed some worrying behaviour after he moved to Dublin, and joins Andrea, as well as Mark Fennel, Author & Life Coach, to discuss.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through some of Westlife’s greatest hits as the band celebrates their 25th anniversary!

Nearly €450,000 was spent on an ad campaign to entice Irish builders to come home. Ads were posted on billboards and on social media with tag lines like ‘You’ve built Sydney, now come and build back home’.Is this money well spent? Or an enormous waste when housing targets here aren’t being met?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

As Halloween week creeps in, many people are getting into the spirit by settling in for a good scare with their favorite horror movies. For some, that means spending most of the film peeking through their fingers, bracing for whatever terrifying moment might jump out from the screen.Well, if you are in any way anxious, scary movies may be your best friend. Research carried out has discovered that fictional tales of terror may bring some psychological benefits, including reducing the anxiety we feel about events out in the real world.Would you watch a scary movie if it reduced your anxiety?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Sarah Cleary, Karen Beckett, Chartered Psychologist and Researcher and Patrick Osborne, author and Screenwriter.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Kildare Freelance Photographer Aisling Hyland posted on Instagram in recent days to voice her disgust over the lights being switched off at both Camogie and Football Ladies County Finals in St. Conleth’s Park…She joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Deirdre Hurley, Chair of Laurence's Ladies, Ciara Wheeler, St. Laurence's player, Niamh Tallon, Founder of Her Sport and Róisín Forde, Maynooth Camogie player.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to answer some listener questions!

With Halloween week well underway, many parents and children are decorating their homes and prepping their costumes to take to the streets on Friday night to Trick or Treat.The dreaded fear for most parents is just how many sweets their children will consume on Friday night. Is there a way to manage the amount of sugar our children will eat this Halloween?Joining Andrea to discuss some healthy tips for this spooky season is Siobhan Berry, known on Instagram as @mummycooks.

Noel is the primary carer for his father. After becoming his father’s carer, he had to reduce the amount of hours that he works so he can spend time at home looking after his dad. Noel works 18.5 hours per week. He has no option but to work remotely so he can be there when his father needs him. Noel has since received a letter from the state to say that he owes them €22,000, as they have told him that he works more than the 18.5 hours…Noel joins Andrea to discuss his story.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Anna Daly is joined by Dermot Wells, Head of Health & General Insurance at Cornmarket and Health Insurance Broker to answer your health insurance questions!

You may have heard this shocking story over the weekend, as well as the video that accompanied it.It shows two Drag Queens recording a video during Cork Jazz Festival where they are being homophobically abused...They are Krystal Queer and Lucina Schynning, and they join guest host Anna Daly to discuss.

Today, we're diving into the world of live music and concert-going, and asking you: How much would you be willing to pay to watch your favourite band? Has dynamic pricing crowded you out from getting to a gig – and have escalating costs changed the atmosphere in the crowd? For many, live music is the ultimate experience. But, how much are you really paying for the love of music?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Jess Spencer, Presenter with Spin 1038, Dave Hanratty, Host of The ‘No Encore’ music podcast, Freelance Journalist Kate Henshaw and listeners…

According to a recent survey 1 in 3 people allow their dog to sleep in their bed.Many people say it's great company, it's great for the cuddles and, as our heating bills creep up, sharing the bed with a furry friend is certainly one way of staying warmer!But, is sharing a bed with your dog hygienic?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology with the University of Leicester and Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service.

It's How I live well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life...This week Andrea is joined by Sandra Lewis, Librarian with Edenderry Library, to discuss how you can set up your own book club!

When a loved one passes away by suicide, it is often hard to grieve. Knowing what to say and how to process one's emotions can be challenging. Many times, people turn to social media to express their feelings.A County Galway priest has urged people to be mindful of what they post online following deaths by suicide. Fr Mark Quinn appealed to the public to avoid comments such as “he’s in a better place” or “she’s at peace with the angels,” saying that while well-intentioned, such phrases can send harmful messages.He warned that these expressions may imply that death brings peace, which could be dangerous for those struggling with their mental health…Fr Quinn said greater care and sensitivity are needed when offering condolences, reminding people that thoughtful language can help protect those who are vulnerable while still showing compassion to the bereaved.How can we grieve the loss of a loved one? Are we better off to stay away from social media in this instance?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Fr Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Ballinakil, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin, Leslie Shoemaker, Mental Health Advocate and Antibullying Campaigner, Chris Sherlock and Member and Ambassador of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention & Professional Boxer, Lee Reeves.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Conductor and Composer Michael T Dawson, joins Andrea to answer any of your conducting questions!

For the last two days, Lunchtime Live has been focusing on pensions – all you need to know from the very beginning to retirement.Today, Andrea is joined by Co-Founder and Head of Financial advice for Moneycube, Ralph Benson, to discuss the steps you should take with your pension as you approach retirement.

Irish doctors have called for “prioritisation” of further e-scooter regulations after a new study found there was a year-on-year increase in injuries related to the motorized vehicles.These injuries are creating a “growing challenge to healthcare”.Should there be more rules and regulations imposed on these e-scooters, or should they simply be banned from Irish roads completely?Andrea is joined by Colin Baker from Back from the Future IT Support, Cian Ginty Editor of Irish Cycle, Dr Mick Molloy and listeners.

We are less than 48 hours away from runners taking to the start line for the 2025 Dublin Marathon.For many, it will be their first time running in the marathon.Andrea is joined by some of them taking it on, Orla Carney, Producer on The Last Word on Today FM, Broadcaster Mairead Ronan, Stephen Robotham, who is running on behalf of Irish Kidney Association and Running Coach Wes O’Brien!

From a lack of Holy Water to a gigantic Limerick pumpkin, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

A new EU pay directive, set to come in next June, would see greater transparency on job listings, aim to help reduce the gender pay gap and allow employees the right to enquire about the salaries of co-workers with similar duties.So, would you welcome this? Would you like to know what your colleagues earn, and would having the salary figure up front encourage you to be more honest in your job search?Joining Andrea to discuss is Caroline Reidy from the HR Suite, as well as listeners.

When you want to make changes to your home, there are some small things you can do that you may not realise can make a big difference!Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss small (but impactful) interior changes!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Emma Delaney from April & the Bear.

When pensions were covered on the show, there were huge reactions from listeners - showing that the demand is there to know more about saving for your future.So, we’ve decided to break it down into three parts, over the next three days.We’ll discuss the various different stages of your pension – and what you need to know or do at each point.Today, Andrea is joined by Co-Founder and Head of Financial advice for Moneycube, Ralph Benson, to discuss handling your pension mid-way through your working life.

Parents up and down the country might be starting to pick up the odd thing for their little ones ahead of Christmas.But, should you reconsider buying a toy gun for your child? Given the unstable times we live in, are we normalizing violence for young people by giving them fake weapons to play with?Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly has been writing about this in the Irish Independent, and joins Andrea, along with Stephanie Rohen from the Newstalk Newsroom, Siobhan O’Neill White from Mams.ie and Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw.

Citywest and Saggart were hit with more riots last night as protesters took to the streets to express their frustration surrounding Citywest Hotel housing of refugees.Last night was the second night in a row in which Gardaí had to take to the streets to control the mayhem. Property was vandalized and people living in the area were afraid of what was happening on their doorsteps…The pent-up frustration of these rioters has caused havoc on the streets in South Dublin. What needs to be done to tackle these problems and prevent further riots from occurring?Joining Andrea to discuss is Deputy General Secretary of the GRA, James Morrisroe.

It’s a difficult time to keep a restaurant afloat, leading to menus that are playing it too safe and a feeling that no matter where you go, you’re eating the same stuff.That’s according to Restaurant Critic Katy McGuinness in her latest review for the Irish Independent.So, have restaurants become too similar? Katy joins Andrea, along with Conor Spacey, Culinary Director of Food Space and author of ‘Wasted’.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Radiohead’s ‘OK Computer’!

When pensions were covered on the show, there were huge reactions from listeners - showing that the demand is there to know more about saving for your future.So, we’ve decided to break it down into three parts, over the next three days.We’ll discuss the various different stages of your pension – and what you need to know or do at each point.Today, Andrea is joined by Co-Founder and Head of Financial advice for Moneycube, Ralph Benson, to discuss getting started!

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

After an attack on a young girl occurred in Citywest on Monday evening, protesters took to the streets to express their feelings. It comes after the Citywest hotel has been used as an IPAS center to house refugees.The protests soon turned into riots, and a Garda car was set alight, Gardaí were out in force to control the situation.We want to know your opinions on the riots. Were you there, were you impacted, and do these riots hold any merit?Andrea is joined by local residents, Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor with the Irish Times and John Lahart, Fianna Fail TD for Dublin Southwest & Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. Later, to discuss if more should have been done to stop it, she is joined by Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte, James Morrisroe, GRA Deputy General Secretary and Cllr Linda de Courcy, Independent Ireland.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss the cervical smear.

In today's digital age, where our lives seem glued to our phones, you might question the relevance of sending greeting cards.But, do they still hold a special place in our hearts?Joining Andrea to discuss is Writer Amanda Brunker and Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Managing Director of Insuremyhouse.ie, Jonathan Hehir, to answer all your house insurance questions.

S Club Seven star Rachel Stevens has opened up about ‘still grieving’ her marriage, three years after the divorce. Andrea was joined by listeners who shared their thoughts about 'grieving' past relationships.

Andrea was joined by Meghann Scully, Presenter of Newstalk's 28 Ways to Save the World, and by listeners to discuss whether Halloween has become too wasteful.

Andrea was joined by Valerie Martin,Sharon Maguire and Dr. John Caird to discuss the importance of knowing the signs of Brain tumours.

It's How I live well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life... This week Andrea is joined by Louise Melinn, project coordinator with Fighting Words in Dublin to discuss creative writing...

Andrea was joined by listeners who gave their say on whether STEM subjects should be Compulsory in Schools.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Running has seen a boom in popularity recently, as people have taken it up not only for its health benefits, but for the social element as well.Many runners use smartwatch technology combined with fitness apps to track their progress, but is this leading to an obsession with stats that takes away from the actual fun of running?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dwayne Edgar, Founder of Inner City Running Club and Laura Burke, online fitness and nutrition coach.

Tomorrow, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is to seek Cabinet approval for a Domestic Violence Register to be established.‘Jennie’s Law’ will allow those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner, to be publicly named on a Register of Judgements.The law has been named in honour of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy in 2021.Kathleen Correia joins Andrea to discuss…If you were affected by this segment in any way, Women's Aid have a 24 hour National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900.

The Health Department announced their long-awaited three-year plan for the treatment of endometriosis over the weekend.For those who don’t know, endometriosis is a disease that affects women, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows instead on other parts of the body.This can lead to patients suffering from chronic, debilitating pain…So, what is in this plan, and is it good enough?Joining Andrea to discuss is Damien Donoghue. Chairperson of Endo Ireland, Dr Hugh O’Connor, Consultant gynaecologist with the Coombe Hospital, as well as listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast Elaine Power and Newstalk’s Ciaran Bradley  join Andrea to review ‘Elis James and John Robins’!Image: BBC

Many aspiring homeowners have been facing multiple challenges. The lack of housing and high costs have left people with no other choice but to look for more affordable housing in different areas across the country. This, however, also has its challenges. One of the major factors limiting potential homeowners are ‘Local Needs’.‘Local Needs’ are where a person cannot build a property if they do not have a local need in that area. Should this be the case, or should it be scrapped to tackle the housing crisis?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Laura Nolan, Professional Dancer from Dancing with the Stars, her partner Matthew McNabb, Town Planner Derek Whyte, Clement Herron from Clement Herron Real Estate and former IFA Deputy, Brian Rushe.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Pitch Manager of Croke Park, Stuart Wilson, joins Andrea to answer any of your pitch managing questions!