Lunchtime Live

In some very positive news to bring us into the weekend, Westlife have announced they will be touring across Ireland next year to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary.The first string of five consecutive concerts will take place next September in Dublin’s 3Arena, followed by another three day run in Belfast’s SSE Arena.Shane Filan joins Andrea to discuss!

Ireland ranks as the best country in Europe for ‘work-life balance’.Ireland tops the European index for the second year, thanks to its generous minimum wage and shorter working week compared to 2024 - beating countries like Iceland, Spain and Denmark by a generous margin.But, how accurate is this really. Do you think we have the best work life balance in Europe?Joining Andrea to discuss is Damien McCarthy, Managing Director of HR Buddy, as well as listeners.

A new plan for the treatment of endometriosis in Ireland is set to be announced over the weekend by the HSE.As it’s been discussed before on this show, endometriosis is a disease that affects women, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows instead in other parts of the body.This can lead to patients suffering from chronic, debilitating pain.The Health Minister has previously acknowledged that endometriosis care in Ireland has been underfunded, under-researched, and is not widely understood.This new plan is set to address these new issues, but what provisions does it need to include?Joining Andrea to discuss is Cate O’Connor, Co-Founder of MISE, an educational programme for Irish schools, as well as listeners.

From broken ankles to safe family places, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

A third of children say that they can use screens “whenever they want”. This comes after new research carried out by CyberSafeKids asked children aged between eight and twelve years of age about their screentime habits.With children having access to screens, be it laptops, tablets, phones and TV: do we try to minimise their usage ,or is it an easy life just to leave them to their own devices (literally)?So, do you minimise your child’s screen time?Lecturer in Psychology and author of ’Perfectly Imperfect Parenting: Connection Not Perfection’, Dr Mary O’Kane and listeners join Andrea to discuss.

You have to start somewhere, and when you’re thinking about doing the floor in your home, what is the right way to go about it?Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss rugs and flooring!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O’Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

We’re only in October, but if you think about it, Christmas is only 10 weeks away! And with Christmas comes the Christmas expenses…To get ahead of the panic buying and the overall stress of spending, Andrea is joined by Michelle O’Hara, National Spokesperson for MABS to give a step-by-step guide on budgeting for Christmas.

HSE Dental Surgeons will head to Kilkenny today to voice their concerns over Government proposals to divert children's dental care to private clinics.It comes after a recent survey found that 90% of private dentists would not sign up for a new Government scheme for children’s dental care.Many feel that they cannot afford to access private dental care and as a result, many children are being left untreated…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Chair of the GP Committee of the Irish Dental Association, and a Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow, Caroline Robbins, as well as listeners.

Emma Fogarty is the oldest living Irish person born with Epidermolysis Bullosa: an extremely rare and painful disease.When she was born, she wasn't expected to live beyond a week, yet 41 years later she has just released a book called ‘Being Emma: Living my best life with Butterfly Skin’ in which she details the resilience she and those around her have shown throughout her extraordinary life…She joins Andrea 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 Christy Moore’s album 'Ride On'!

The EU is pushing to scrap seasonal clock changes, risking the creation of a “time border” between Northern Ireland and Ireland.If it does become EU law, it would mean two different time zones on the island of Ireland for six months of the year.What do you think? Would this affect you? Is this a good idea?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss…

David Crosby has been through a lot. He has had a double lung and kidney transplant, fought skin cancer, and was placed in a coma from complications after getting Covid-19…And yet, a few days ago, David completed the Chicago Marathon!He joins Andrea to discuss this amazing feat…Image: Road Runners Club of America

Should bonfires be left in the past, or do they just need better regulation? While there are obvious health and safety concerns associated with them, there’s a lack of public Halloween events in Dublin.So, could regulated bonfires fill the gap?Joining Andrea to discuss is Independent Councillor for Dublin Central, Cieran Perry, Connor Ó Buachalla from the Leap Scarecrow Festival in Cork and listeners.

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…

We are just 9 days out from the Presidential election. For many young people around the country, it’ll be the first Presidential election they have voted in.There has been an increase in influencers posting about who they are voting for and the importance of voting.This brings up the question: what role social media will play in the election?Andrea is joined by Stephen O'Leary, Founder of Online News Media and Social Media Monitoring and Analysis company Olytico, and listeners, to discuss.

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 any of your questions!

A survey shows that a third of Irish workers failed to make full use of their holiday entitlements last year.It also shows that 1 out of 4 people leave over 5 days or more of annual leave…These figures may come as a surprise to you; do you use all of your holiday leave?Andrea is joined by Broadcaster and Celebrant Ruth Scott, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Fáilte Ireland has come out to say that Dublin needs more hotels to reduce the risk of hotel room price inflation. It comes after Dublin City Council has supported plans for a new 143 bedroom apart-hotel for Donnybrook, Dublin 4.With the hospitality sector receiving a VAT cut in the Budget 2026, does this really reflect how this industry is struggling?Does Dublin need more hotels?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dr Ellen McSweeney, IBTS Donor Consultant, to answer any of your blood donation questions!

Doping is usually a taboo topic in the world of sport, but one new competition is bringing it right into the spotlight.The Enhanced Games not only allow, but encourage athletes to take performance enhancing drugs to boost their performance.They are set to take place next May in Las Vegas, with a number of high-profile athletes already set to compete, including one of Ireland's most celebrated swimmers, Shane Ryan.Sport Ireland has expressed disappointment at his decision to take part, so with the games splitting opinions across the sporting world, what are your thoughts?Managing Editor of Off the Ball Adrian Barry, Sport Editor with Tipp FM Paul Carroll and listeners join Andrea to discuss.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The month serves to honour these babies, support grieving families, and raise awareness about this deeply sensitive issue. The Global Wave of Light will take place tomorrow; people are encouraged to light a candle at 7pm local time in membrane and solidarity.Andrea’s guest sadly lost his baby girl Aodhla when she was just 8 weeks and two days old. Peter and his wife Sarah were out for a walk on the Hill of Tara when Aodhla passed away.Peter joins Andrea to discuss.

Irish actor Brendan Gleeson has said that he is tired of watching fatherhood portrayed in negative terms on screens.This comes after he starred in ‘H is for Hawk’ alongside Claire Foy, this film follows Cambridge academic Helen MacDonald who, while coping with the grief of her father's death, builds an unlikely friendship with a stubborn hawk named Mabel.Gleeson went on to say this particular film is so beautiful in the way that that’s what it’s trying to do. The memory of this man is that he was a proper, good man who gave love to his daughter.What do you think? Is fatherhood negatively portrayed on screens?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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 a Financial Consultant with Ask Paul.ie, Paul Merriman, to discuss how you can get your finances in order.

Presidential candidates Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly spoke with Pat Kenny today as part of a Presidential debate ahead of the election on Friday the 24th of October. The two candidates gave their sides to why they should be elected as Ireland’s next President.What was the outcome of this debate? Was there anything that stood out to you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe, as well as listeners.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

You may have seen the footage of the Schalke football fans in Dublin over the weekend…Hooligans were seen marching down streets and attacking photographers.One of those photographers, Carly Clarke joins Andrea and more to discuss what happened…

Dublin and District Schoolboys’ and Girls’ League have announced a silent sidelines campaign that will run once a month until the end of the year.They have said that behavior from the sidelines has a “detrimental effect on the players looking to play and enjoy football”...But, what do you think? Do we need silent sidelines?Joining Andrea to discuss is Jen Hogan, Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast, Antonio Montero, Football Coach and Founder of the Silent Sideline Campaign, Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry and more.

Over a million tonnes of food are wasted here every year, costing households money and adding to climate change.So, what are some things we can do to reduce food waste?Joining Andrea to discuss is Conor Spacey, Culinary Director of Food Space Ireland and author of ‘Wasted’, Machaela O'Leary Sales Manager with Too Good To Go and Chef JP McMahon.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom and Newstalk’s Rory Galvin join Andrea to review ‘Death in Dubai’.Image: BBC

A new Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) has been established by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.The legislation will aim to protect the rights of all parties involved in assisted human reproduction, including parents, donors, and children born through these technologies.What does it mean for those who use surrogacy when having a child?Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO of Equality for Children, Ranae Von Meding, Chairperson of Irish Gay Dads, Seamus Kearney Martone and listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, award-winning Cartoonist Niall O’Loughlin joins Andrea to answer any of your cartoon, animation and caricature questions!

A survey from Bulmers reveals that one third of Irish adults don’t celebrate their achievements…Are we as Irish people bad at celebrating our achievements? Is there something to our society that keeps us from sharing our wins in life?Professor of Psychiatry at TCD Brendan Kelly and Broadcaster Meghan Scully join Andrea to discuss.

Lisa O’Connor has been campaigning to change the laws surrounding pet theft, and has stressed the importance of her petition as she stated, “behind every stolen dog is a broken family.”As it stands, while pet theft is considered a serious crime, it falls under ‘stolen property’ with Lisa stating that pets are not stolen property, but companions and part of people’s families.Lisa joins Andrea, as well as listeners, to discuss.

From gigantic catches to marathon unmatchedness, Alex Rowley from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea with the stories from around the country that you might have missed this week…

Two weeks ago, Paula Crotty joined Andrea to share her story of her daughter who suffered from an eating disorder.She joins Andrea again to delve deeper into this, alongside Angela, who also has experience as a family member of someone with disordered eating.

Donald Trump has made it clear that he thinks he should be the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming that he has been instrumental in stopping multiple awards.He didn’t win it this year, but should he?Joining Andrea to discuss is Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad, Patti Shields, Executive Director, Irish Cultural Centre and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts Jerry McDermott and listeners.Image: Reuters

One listener got in touch with the show with a paint-related question…To answer this and discuss the importance of good paint, the Home Squad are here to discuss picking the right paint!Joining Andrea to discuss is Painter Oisin Butler and Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

The much expected guest announcement for next year’s Slane Castle gig is Luke Combs. Some of you may be surprised, because he has seemingly slipped under the radar in Ireland.So, who is he?Joining Andrea to discuss is Host of Today FM Country Hits on Wednesday nights, Clodagh Lawlor.

Earlier this morning, Post-Doctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin, Clare Moriarty spoke with Newstalk Breakfast about the experience she faced when going through a miscarriage.Many women who experience pregnancy loss have spoken about the deep emotional pain of being surrounded by expectant mothers and the cries of newborn babies while they grieve. In these moments of heartbreak, the hospital environment, which is meant to be a place of care, can instead become a constant reminder of what has been lost.This raises an important and compassionate question: why isn’t there a separate, comforting space for women facing such loss, a space where they can grieve in privacy, dignity, and peace?Andrea is joined by listeners, including Vice President of Safer Births Ireland, Tracy Carroll, to discuss.

Victoria Beckham's brand new documentary premiered today. The three-part series offers an in-depth look at her life, career, family and success.With this vulnerable look at Victoria's life and place in the Beckham family, it made us think of this wider idea of the ‘Beckham Brand’, and how they have built themselves to be one of the most recognizable names in the world. But, are they as big as they used to be?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sinead Dalton, Editor of Evoke.ie, Avila Lipsett, owner of Society PR, beauty editor at Social and Personal and Lorna Weightman, Fashion & Beauty Creator/Stylist Brand Consultant Fashion Reporter on Ireland AM.

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 Tracy Chapman’s debut album ‘Tracy Chapman’!

Tensions remain high as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Doha, Qatar. Israeli officials say a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza is possible, but may take more time to finalise. The proposed ceasefire includes phased hostage releases and Israeli troop withdrawals, but significant hurdles remain - particularly around humanitarian aid access.Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to join the talks this week, adding new momentum to the delicate negotiations. With thousands of lives lost and millions displaced, the world watches closely, hoping for an end to the devastating conflict.How do you feel about this ceasefire - is it enough? Do you agree with its proposed terms?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

This morning on Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman, they spoke about bringing your children to the pub.It's a topic that gathers a lot of mixed reviews amongst people. So, the question is: would you bring your kids to the pub?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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…

Mandy Kelly has been doing everything in her power for the last three years to get her kids back, after their father abducted them in Egypt.News this week has the Government hoping to get an international arrest Red Notice warrant issued for their father soon.Mandy joins Andrea to discuss…

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 debunk myths surrounding autism and pregnancy, and answer your questions!

More young people than ever have been trading and investing in stocks.Revolut reported a 17% surge in young investors across the Irish market.But, why has there been this shift?Joining Andrea to discuss is Emer Walsh, Business Journalist for the Irish Examiner, Senan Delargy, the CEO of the Trinity Student Managed Fund, Mihaela Borta, President of UCD’s Investor and Entrepreneurs' Society and Content Creator Leo Gibson.

Yesterday, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe delivered his statement for Budget 2026 to the Dáil. The reaction by most was one of little surprise, with the budget having little to no effect on the working-class person's day-to-day life.Those who are seeking to buy a house or keep their children in affordable childcare are no better off with little to no incentives to improve the housing market and increase Government support to the cost of early childhood education.People earning a typical salary of €50,000 will see a rise in their taxes as they will end up paying almost €500 extra in income tax, USC and PRSI next year.It was, however, a positive day for those in the hospitality sector, as they will benefit from tax deductions being reduced to 9%.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss how these changes will affect them.

Andrea is joined by the incredible Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter RuthAnne!RuthAnne has been on the show a few times, usually about her experience with endometriosis and her campaigning for better healthcare.But today, she joins Andrea to talk about not only her new album, but also her new book!

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 Aislinn Horgan (@byaislinn.ie on Instagram), who specialises in medical tattoos, to talk all about the practice.