Lunchtime Live

There are plans to eradicate “cheat foods” like chicken nuggets or sausages from hot school meals.They will kick off from the start of the new academic year this September.So, is it bad to have a ‘cheat day’ in school meals?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Broadcaster Muireann O’Connell joins Andrea to reminisce!

Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell spoke with Pat Kenny this morning about how he feels equality should be given to all members of the public service after The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act (FEMPI) cuts were unwound for all members apart from those in Leinster House.So, should politicians be entitled to more perks, or do they get enough?Joining Andrea to discuss is Pharmacist and former Fine Gael TD, Kate O’Connell and listeners.

Apparently, Irish people are the second biggest spenders when we’re on holiday - we spend twelve times more than Italians do when they go away!The only people who hit their wallets harder are the Austrians.So, are we really such big spenders?Andrea is joined by Meghann Scully, Freelance Broadcaster and Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy to discuss.

Parents are keeping their pockets lined by teaching their children to steal from shops in Limerick. That’s what Shane Gleeson, who runs several Spar branches across the city, said, and that the Child Protection Agency needs to get involved.How big of a problem is this, and what should the solution be?Andrea is joined by Shane, as well as other shop owners, to discuss…

From an international first date with a Longford man to objections to a British billionaire's Waterford mansion, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

AIB and Bank of Ireland have caused uproar in recent weeks with announcements that they expect workers to return to the office.So, is it fair to expect workers to stop working from home?Joining Andrea to discuss is Tracy Keogh, Co-Founder and Chair of Grow Remote, as well as listeners.

When you want to give a room that extra touch of brightness - how do you know which type of lighting to get?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about all things lighting your home!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Founder and Creative Director of Arlene McIntyre Design, Arlene McIntyre.

Once considered a glamorous career among the clouds, the role of cabin crew has evolved into one increasingly focused on sales.Flight attendants, once seen purely as caretakers of passenger comfort, are now often viewed as frontline salespeople, offering everything from snacks to duty-free goods mid-flight.But, has this shift changed the way we perceive cabin crew?Terry Prone, Columnist with the Irish Examiner & Chair of the Communications Clinic, has been writing about this, and joins Andrea as well as former Air Hostess and Author of ‘Confessions of an Air Hostess’ Marisa Mackle and Travel Journalists Joan Scales and Yvonne Reddin to discuss.

A young six-year old child was verbally and physically abused by a group of young teens in Co. Waterford - yet another racially-motivated attack in recent weeks.Anupa Naveen, mother of Nina, joins Andrea to discuss what happened…

Almost 10% of adults in Ireland have had a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot within the last 12 months, new research shows.But, how do these relationships work, and are they really a substitute for genuine connections?Andrea is joined by Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent and Tara Logan Buckley, Chartered Clinical Psychologist 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 Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’!

Megan Slough Royal and her family are dealing with a tough situation: her mother went to undergo an assisted suicide in Switzerland. The catch? The family weren’t informed ahead of time, and were told that their mother was deceased over Whatsapp…Megan joins Andrea to discuss.If any of these issues have affected you, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123.

With the school holidays soon coming to a close, many parents are facing the dreaded back to school costs. Uniforms, electronics and voluntary contributions are just some of the expenses that spring to mind this time of year.A recent survey carried out by Barnardos has highlighted just how expensive Ireland’s free education system is…Joining Andrea to discuss this is CEO of Barnardos, Suzanne Connolly, Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram) and Lucy, a parent in Stillorgan.

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…

Many racially motivated attacks have been happening across the country. Some are so bad that young children are being verbally and physically abused.Why is this happening - and what can be done to stop it?Today, Andrea is joined by members of the Indian and Pakistani community who have been victims of these attacks to discuss, including Dr Santosh Yadav - who was left with a broken cheekbone after an attack…

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 male infertility, and answer listener questions.

Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance at an Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford town yesterday.He played at the well-known Sky & The Ground pub.Massive crowds gathered on the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of him.He was joined by members of the Irish bands Biird and Amble and performed a number of his original songs, as well as traditional Irish trad tunes.To discuss the surprise, Andrea is joined by Caolán Barron from the Sky & The Ground pub, Eamon Murray from the band Beoga and Singer Aaron Rowe.

Should restaurants and shops be adding a ‘carbon free’ fee to bills?A London restaurant has sparked outrage by adding the extra charge to diners' bills.One customer who visited The Pig And Butcher in Islington, UK highlighted a discretionary £1.23 'carbon free' fee that had been added to the total price of their meal.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Michelle Lawlor from the Nude Wine Company to answer all of your wine-related questions!

A test of ten electric cars has revealed the majority charge slower than advertised, causing waits at charging stations...Joining Andrea to discuss this is Shane O’ Donoghue, Editor of CompleteCar.ie and Derek Reilly from Nevo, a company who helps people transition to EVs.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said "no stone" will be left unturned to secure the release of an Irish woman, who was kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti yesterday.Gena Heraty, a native of Westport in Co Mayo, who is in her mid-50s, oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km southeast of the capital, Port au Prince.Ms Heraty was among seven staff taken, as well as a young child, according to Kenscoff Mayor Masillon Jean.So, what happens now?Joining Andrea to discuss is Peter Hanley from Clowns for Haiti, Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst and more.

1 in every 7 women will develop breast cancer in the course of their lifetime.And only 5%-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary.So, more research is needed, and more help is needed.The Very Pink Run is one way to get that help.

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 Debbie Brown, Multi-Raquet Coach to discuss the benefits of pickleball!

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers confirmed in a Dáil statement that there are no plans to alter the tax treatment of tips.It comes after TD Ken O’Flynn accused the Government of penalising low-income workers for doing their jobs well.Do you think there should be a tax on tips for people working in the hospitality sector, or should they be scrapped altogether?Joining Andrea to discuss is Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association, Hairdressing Group Owner Terence Boyle, CEO of Kinore and Accountant Larissa Feeney and more.

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Chef Derry Clarke joins Andrea to reminisce!

A recent survey has determined that over 40% of people adhere to the ‘one month's salary’ when buying an engagement ring. What was once a tough, costly decision has now led to a cheaper alternative, with many people buying token rings or even going abroad to get them at a cheaper price.Have people become stingy when buying an engagement ring?Joining Andrea to discuss is Margaret Brennan of Aidan Brennan Jewellers in Dundalk, Sarah Kennedy, Wedding Expert from ‘The Aisle’ Blog and listeners.

We heard a few weeks ago about the unprovoked attack of an Indian man in Ireland, and that the entire community was feeling it.Since then, listener Faizan got in touch with the show with his feelings on the situation, and joins Andrea to discuss…

Despite the long weekend coming up, you may already be dreading going back to work on Tuesday, including those with “fun jobs.”Andrea is joined by Comedian Julie Jay, Restaurant Critic Katy McGuinness, and DJ Marty Guilfoyle to talk about the perks and downsides of their jobs, and if their work is as glamorous as it sometimes appears.Clinical Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley also joins to discuss why we feel the way we feel about our jobs, and how to shift our perception toward the positive.

35% of men have delayed or avoided speaking to a healthcare professional about potential prostate issues, according to a study by Vista Health in the UK.16% of men who had put off a doctor’s visit did so out of embarrassment, and the poll also found that 27% of men can name more Formula 1 World Champions than signs of prostate issues…Joining Andrea to discuss why men may be embarrassed to talk about their health problems is Dr Maire Finn, GP from Ennis Centric Health, Keith Russell, Blogger, Podcaster & Mental Health Advocate and listeners.

From misbehaving toilets to Braveheart 30th celebrations, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

DIY can be intimidating at the best of times - and of course, there’s the time needed to get certain projects done.Well, the Home Squad are here about jobs you can do in a weekend!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Natasha Rocca Devine, Interior Designer.

A 2019 survey found that about 35% of Irish people had tattoos, and that number has most likely increased in the past six years. The appeal of getting inked transcends demographics like age and gender, but is there still some stigma surrounding tattoos?Andrea is joined by tattoo artists and listeners to discuss.

Is the current school transport system fit for purpose? Listener Eleanor has gotten in touch with the show to share her frustrations while trying to get a ticket for her child…She joins Andrea, along with other listeners impacted, to discuss.

We all may be guilty of stalking people online, perhaps a new person is starting work or your friend has a new guy on the scene…But, what constitutes cyberstalking? According to a study in the UK, cyberstalking has surged by 70% since 2012...Catherine O’Sullivan Senior Lecturer in Law in UCC and Eve McDowell, Co-Founder of Stalking in Ireland join 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 Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ - ahead of their performance at All Together Now!

€66.7 million worth of cans and plastic bottles were not reclaimed by the public last year as part of the Deposit Return Scheme. The scheme, which was set up to encourage people to recycle with the incentive to make money back from their cans and bottles has shown that people are maybe not so inclined to return their plastic.A spokesperson for Re-Turn has said that the €66.7 million not reclaimed is due to people still forming these return habits.We want to know, do you use this scheme and if you don’t, why not?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

England footballer Lucy Bronze has admitted that she played six matches with a fractured tibia. Lucy is not the only athlete who pushed herself in order to succeed, with a lot of us being guilty of this.But, how far is too far when a person has an injury?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clinical Lead with BTL in the UK and Ireland and Chartered Physio, Karl Fullam, former Professional Tennis player Jenny Claffey and Content Creator & Personal Trainer Nathalie Lennon.

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…

If an expensive treatment is available to help save a baby – should the Government be obliged to pay for it?That’s the issue facing one family. Lucy Gavin 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 discuss endometriosis, as well as immune testing after two listeners got in touch with their questions…

People across Ireland are being encouraged to buy curtains for their homes to reduce night-time light pollution. It comes after a study at the University of Galway determined that private windows are the biggest culprit of emitting light after dark, with street lightning coming in second.What does light pollution mean for our environment, and who does it affect?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, David Moore and Climate and Environmental Journalist, John Gibbons.

Figures released by Fáilte Ireland show a decline of 18% in tourists from all major overseas markets between January and April this year versus last year…But, what is causing the decline in tourism?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Flanagan, owner of Silken Thomas Hotel & Restaurant in Kildare Town, Nuala Mulqueeny is the Managing Director, Aillwee Burren Experience, Michael Lennon owner of the Westport Woods Hotel & the Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Alison Byrne, Dream Interpreter and Holistic Therapist to answer all of your dream-related questions!

A listener got in touch last week to tell us about her difficulties trying to get a solicitor - can it really be that hard?Angela in Cork City joins Andrea to discuss, as does Elaine Byrne from Elaine Byrne Solicitors in Athyboy, Meath.

The struggle to find childcare is something often heard on this show. And if you manage to find it, the cost of it can be astronomical…So, with many parents struggling to afford childcare, an army of grandparents have stepped up.But, are we too reliant on grandparents to plug the gaps?Joining Andrea to discuss is Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast, Averil Sheenan from Care-a-lot Childcare in Cork and listeners.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has announced the new Garda Commissioner replacing Drew Harris: Justin Kelly.How significant is this appointment, and what do people want to see from the new Commissioner?Crime Correspondent with the Irish Times, Conor Gallagher and listeners join Andrea 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 Suzanne Rice, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator to discuss the benefits of equine or horse therapy!

A four-week public consultation begins today on proposed planning permission exemptions aimed at easing the housing crisis. The changes would allow certain small-scale projects—like attic conversions and garden cabins—without formal approval, giving homeowners more flexibility and expanding housing options.Do you think this planning permission should be scrapped?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, Peter Finn AKA Pete the Builder and listeners.

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