Lunchtime Live

Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh has called for cancer survivors to be treated fairly when accessing financial products such as mortgages, health insurance, and travel insurance.But, do all of us, regardless of the type of illness, have the right to be forgotten?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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that we shouldn’t jail shoplifters and other non-violent offenders – and should use community sanctions to ease prison overcrowding…So, should we consider community service over prison?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss, including John Lonergan, former Mountjoy Governor.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Today FM’s Shelly Grey and Host of the ‘No Encore Music’ Podcast Dave Hanratty joined Andrea to review ‘Peak Danger’!Image: BBC

If you have an EV charger at home and you’re looking for a little side hustle – this could be good news for you. Homeowners will be able to rent out their EV chargers through an app, for people who don’t have one.It also means that if you’re thinking of getting an EV, but don’t have a charger – you might now be able to use your neighbours.So, is this good news?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

A tourist tax is being explored by the Government as a method to raise tax for local councils.Venice and Lisbon are just a few of the European cities which already impose such a levy.Would you be in support?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Niall O’Callaghan, Independent Councillor in Killarney and Hotelier, Micheal Lennon, Director of the Skylon Hotel in Dublin, Melanie May, Solo Travel Blogger and more.

Would you support the idea of health warning labels on alcohol bottles, like those on cigarettes?From May next year, Ireland will be the first country in the world to make cancer warnings on alcohol bottles mandatory.Joining Andrea to discuss is Cathal McHugh, Chair of the National Off-Licence Association, Cathal O’Donoghue from Rascals Brewery, Dean McGuinness, Managing Director of Premier International Beers, Shane Boyce, from wine distributor Liberty Wines and Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Gut Health Dietician and operator of the Gut Health Clinic in Blackrock Clinic, Lorraine Cooney, to learn all about maintaining a healthy gut!

Is there a baptism barrier for admission into schools in Ireland?Dublin listener Natalia got in touch with the show as she says her two boys are at the bottom of a secondary school’s waiting list - because they are not baptised…She joins Andrea to discuss.

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

You probably heard the shocking news over the weekend that 34 year old Quham Babatunde was fatally stabbed in Dublin City Centre…It begs the question: is Dublin a violent city?Andrea is joined by Ellen Fitzpatrick, News Reporter with The Sun, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean was at the Baftas last night - where Kneecap won 1 award out of its 6 nominations and Warwick Davis recieved a Fellowship award! But, there was surprise when Mikey Madison beat Demi Moore for Leading Actress...He joins Andrea to discuss!

Are people ignorant of Ireland’s national anthem? Listener Claire was watching the Dublin-Kerry match on Saturday, and noticed that many of the players seemingly didn’t know the words to Amrhán na bhFiann!She joins Andrea, along with other listeners, to discuss…

There was a time that you would pop to the corner shop for some essential items.However, small retailers are now being decimated by bigger chains and are struggling to compete…Andrea is joined by Martin Mulligan, President of the Federation of Independent Retailers as well as shop owners to discuss.

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!This week, Paul Knapp, aka @official_firefightingchef on Instagram, joins Andrea to discuss some protein-rich vegetarian recipes!

The Government is planning a new crackdown on Airbnbs to help with housing.They’re saying it could bring roughly 12,000 short-term lets back on to the long-term rental market.The new laws would mean that landlords will have to register their short stay accommodation or face being fined up to €5,000.What do you think? Would you want a crackdown on Airbnbs?Andrea is joined by Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast as well as listeners to discuss.

Last night a brand new Irish dark comedy drama on Sky called 'Small Town Big Story' by Chris O'Dowd premiered at the IFI. Henry McKean was there and met the star of the new series, actress Christina Hendricks, best known for Mad Men.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Michael McQuillan, CEO & Founder of Pulse Security joins Andrea in studio to answer you questions about being a professional bodyguard

Our listener Siobhan got in touch because the Fairer Fares that had been promised for travel in 2024 still haven't been implemented. She wants to know when the Government are going to act!

You may not have it, but wall cladding is something that can add a lot to your home during a revamp.From paneling to soundproofing and heat, the Home Squad are here to talk about all things walls!Andrea is joined by Róisín Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty and Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY to discuss.

Earlier this week, Andrea spoke to parents who were impacted by the lack of public health nurses, and it really hit home with a lot of listeners.It seems there are a lot of babies in the country not getting enough health checks…Joining Andrea to discuss further is People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, as well as more listeners.

The new Bridget Jones movie is set to break box office records.The fourth instalment, ‘Mad About the Boy’, is on course to become the biggest hits of the year - the pre-sales are apparently even bigger than Barbie!So, what is it we love so much about romantic comedies, and how have they stood the test of time?Andrea is joined by Bella Finn from Newstalk’s Newsroom and Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd to discuss.

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Andrea is joined by Patrick Dawson to learn about the Baha’i Faith!

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year that was 1981!

The housing crisis is “delaying marriage and children” for 84% of adults, according to a new study.48% of couples planning to tie the knot and 60% of couples planning to have children said they would have done so before now if it wasn’t for the housing crisis…Are you in a similar situation? Has it delayed marriage or starting a family for you?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Fertility Coach and Trauma Therapist Helena Tubridy, Frances Kelleher, Life Coach and Dating Expert as well as listeners.

For those of you that got engaged over Christmas but have yet to buy the ring... Or are planning a proposal in the coming months and need to start saving, this is for you...For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Jeweller David Wilson to answer any of your ring-related questions!

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris will take part in an emergency meeting of EU trade ministers later about US trade tariffs.US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminium imports.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned the tariffs and promised "firm and proportionate" countermeasures, although the commission has yet to confirm any retaliatory measures.Image: Reuters

A survey released by the INMO today has revealed that eight in ten nurses claim that patients are being treated in “inappropriate settings”.This includes places such as hospital corridors…To discuss, Andrea is joined by Dr John Gilmore, Assistant Professor and Head of General Nursing at UCD, as well as listeners.

Once you reach a certain age, your weekends become filled with hen parties, weddings and baby showers.These events can be all-consuming, and extremely expensive.Andrea’s guest knows all about this…Comedian Anna Clifford joins to discuss, along with Rebecca Dore, Content Editor with One Fab Day as well as 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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Some residents of Dublin’s north inner city have “no sense of pride for their community” and “dump their waste daily” in the street, according to a report from Dublin City Council’s Head of Waste Management, Barry Woods.Janet Horner, Green Party representative for the North-Inner City on Dublin City Council, was critical of these remarks chatting to Newstalk earlier today...What do you think?Is a lack of pride in our local areas contributing to our issues with litter?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill joined Andrea to review ‘What Did You Do Yesterday?’.Image: Keep It Light Media

One in four people believe there is full pay transparency in their workplace, and more than half think discussing salaries is taboo, according to new research from hiring platform Indeed.What do you think? Should we be more open about talking about our salaries?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Mothers in parts of Dublin have been informed that their babies' developmental checks will be delayed or postponed due to a lack of nurses.Instead, they have been told to scan a QR code and check their baby’s developmental milestones online…Andrea is joined by mums to hear their experiences, as well as Dr Krysia Lynch, Chairperson for the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services in Ireland and Kerry TD Michael Cahill.

The landscape for the hospitality industry has changed majorly.Restaurants seemingly close down each day, and yet some seem to thrive…So, what sets the successful apart from the rest, is it a Michelin star?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Declan Ryan, former owner of the Arbutus Lodge Hotel, Ireland’s first Michelin Star, Dee Laffan, Food Writer and Host of the ‘Beár Bia’ podcast, James Moore, Executive Chef and co-owner of D’Olier Street Restaurant and Shane Smith from ‘YesChef’ Ireland.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Dr Shane O'Hanlon Consultant at the Mater Private Hospital and Specialist in Healthy Ageing to learn about how we can ‘age well’!

Early this morning, several schools in Clare were sent a threatening email – claiming a plan to attack schools…Many of the schools closed as a precaution, and texted parents to have them pick up their kids.The schools are now reopening, and Andrea is joined by some of those affected, as well as Páraic McMahon, Head of News for the Clare Echo and Clare TD for Fianna Fáil Cathal Crowe, to discuss what exactly happened.

Dr Afif El Khuffash, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, joins Andrea for a special segment of 'Ask the GP': to talk about the weird things babies do!

Beauty and Health Editor Bethan King has braved the latest celebrity trends to be frozen, heated up and pummeled by machines in the hope of speed­ing up her meta­bol­ism, redu­cing inflam­ma­tion – and even defy­ing the age­ing pro­cess…She joins Andrea to discuss what she’s found from the experience.

Micheál Martin has come under fire for confirming he will visit Washington on Paddy’s Day if invited.Many members of the opposition have called for him not to attend following President Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.What do you think? Should the Taoiseach visit Washington DC on St Patrick’s Day?Daniel Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States, Patti Shields from Democrats Abroad as well as listeners join Andrea to discuss.Image: Reuters

Samantha Mumba has called the Eurovision panel that decided against her entry ‘“rude and vile”.Writing on Instagram, she reckons they “didn’t have the credentials, experience or professionalism required”...Does she have a point?Andrea is joined by Frank Dermody, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club, Charlie McGettigan, former Eurovision winner and more.Image: RTÉ

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!Adrian Martin, owner of Luigi Malones Temple Bar and the Wildflower Restaurant in Dublin joins Andrea this week to discuss viral foods, and how you can make them at home!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

You may have heard of the horrific scenes over the weekend in Stoneybatter.On Sunday afternoon, three men were stabbed in a series of apparently random attacks.A man has been arrested in connection…Joining Andrea to discuss what happened is Sorcha Pollak, Irish Times Journalist, Mary Kennedy, local resident and Director of Atomic Stage School.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Jason Reilly, Chairman of the Irish Strength Association and 3-time winner of the Republic of Ireland Strongest Man Competition joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Stepping into some big shoes can be daunting, but Andrea’s guest seems to take it in her stride...Rebecca O’Connor, who will be gracing Dublin stages as Tina Turner very soon, joins the show to discuss!

Alcohol addiction has been covered on the show before, but it is important to remember that people of any age could find themselves having issues with drinking…A convention is being held in Ennistymon, Co. Clare in the coming weeks which will focus on young people in Alcoholics Anonymous.Andrea is joined by organiser Niamh as well as some young people who have had problems with alcohol to discuss.The Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous - International Convention is being held in the Falls Hotel Ennistymon, Co. Clare on Friday February 28th to March 2nd.If you think you may have an issue with alcohol you can contact Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland on 01 842 0700.Or, you can find your local branch on: www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie.

We all have to drag ourselves through the drudgery of unloading a dishwasher, cleaning out a wardrobe, a press, cooking a meal and then clearing up the resulting mess! In other words: housework, which when viewed through the lens of capitalism is deemed as ‘economic inactivity’. But, we all know it is work, so should it be paid?These are some of the themes explored in the new book ‘Wages for Housework’ from Academic and Historian Emily Callaci.She joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Siobhán O’Neill White from mams.ie and listeners.

From Fota Park to the best work-life balance, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

You probably know someone who has appeared on a jury – it's a civic duty that you may be asked to fulfill.However, with the graphic nature of some cases, hearing details of a murder or a sexual assault, for days, even weeks on end – it must surely take its toll.So, should there be an element of after-care offered to jurors?Andrea is joined by Ann Murphy, Reporter with Irish Examiner, Dr Conor Hanly, Lecturer in Law in the University of Galway and more to discuss.

Do you think your kitchen needs a bit of a renovation and refresh? Well, look no further! The Home Squad are here to discuss doing a kitchen refresh on a budget.Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year' and Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY.