Lunchtime Live

Today is Daffodil Day. You’ll see people out on the streets collecting money to raise vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society.Andrea decided it would be a good opportunity to be a bit proactive with her health and go and have her skin checked!

Many new fathers are only given two weeks of paternity leave once their baby is born. With the arrival of a new baby being a precious and challenging time, many fathers feel that two weeks off is not enough to help bond with their baby, as well as help their partner to navigate parenthood.Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and new dad Seán Defoe, content creator, mental health advocate and new dad Aidan Loughlin and Shane O’Connor from Lads to Dads.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.

Cork City Council have sparked debate over their new posters to try to encourage people to pick up after their dog.The controversial poster has the slogan ‘Get your shit together’ which has led to some people saying that it’ll only encourage children to curse.What do you think? Are shock tactics the way to go? Or is it a bad example to set our children?Joining Andrea to discuss is Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie, as well as listeners.

Newstalk's Lunchtime Live is hosting this town hall event to bring together listeners who have shared their stories of caring for loved ones with intellectual disabilities, and putting their questions to our expert panel.Speakers on the night included Tony Murray of the 'Before We Die’ campaign alongside Solicitors Aileen Curry and David Hickey to discuss and answer questions on The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act.

How would you react if you received a 13 minute voicenote? Would you be delighted, or does it fill you with dread? Deirdre Reynolds, Writer and Columnist and Rob Kenny of Rob Kenny PR join Andrea to discuss.

With the weather (hopefully) taking a turn for the better, now is a great time to set your garden up for success, but what’s the best way to go about it?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss how to get the garden ready!Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Burke Woodie's DIY & Garden Expert and RTÉ Super Garden judge and Hazel Burton from The Home Reset.

This month is Endometriosis awareness month. It’s a condition that we’ve talked about at length on the show, so Andrea decided to travel out to St Michael’s Holy Faith in Finglas to listen to - Endo and Me – which is a talk on Menstrual education and endometriosis.How important are these talks? And have we come much further on endo treatment?Also joining Andrea to discuss is Damien Donoghue, Chair of Endo Ireland and Dr Bart Kuczera, Deputy Medical Director at Beacon Care Facility.Image: @itsendoandme on Instagram

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 Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through The Undertones’ self-titled album!

The Newstalk Changemaker Business Awards are back, and there is still time to enter!These awards in association with FBD, recognise extraordinary business achievements across nine different categories.CEO of Open Doors, Jeanne McDonagh, won the Inclusive Workplace category last year and she joins us now...

Many hauliers across the country have taken to the picket lines this morning, calling on the Government to introduce measures to ease the burden of rising fuel costs.With fuel prices now exceeding €2 per litre, hauliers are urging the temporary suspension of planned carbon tax increases, as well as the removal of toll charges on the M50 for both hauliers and motorists.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Eugene Drennan from the Irish Road Haulage Association, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent, Ger Herbert and more.

For a number of weeks, we have been hearing stories from parents of children with intellectual disabilities, with many parents fearing what will happen to their adult children after they are gone…Caroline Roche is the mother of Helena. Helena has Down syndrome, autism, epilepsy, and finds it increasingly difficult to walk.Caroline joins Andrea to share her story…

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…

During the annual St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House, US President Donald Trump called Irish President Catherine Connolly a man in an answer to a question on Iran. This mistake is not the only reason this is in the news: people are talking Taoiseach Michéal Martin did not correct him…So, what do you think, and how often do you see this happening in general?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk Reporter Jamie O’Hara, Dr Mary McAuliffe, Historian and Lecturer of Gender Studies in UCD, Doctor Suzanne Crowe and listeners.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, 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 what to know if you’re travelling while pregnant!

Are you trying to buy a house? What things do you wish people had told you?Buying a home can be long and stressful, and Journalist Céire Sadlier has been writing about the things that actually helped her during the process…She joins Andrea to discuss, as well as listeners.

Tens of thousands of people took to the city of Dublin yesterday to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Tourists and locals alike gathered in their droves, with many celebrating on the streets while others filled bars and restaurants, partying well into the night.This morning, those returning to the city center were met with the aftermath of the festivities. Streets were strewn with litter, broken glass, and, in some cases, vomit lining the paths, offering a stark glimpse into the scale of the celebrations…How filthy is Dublin city today, and what does this say about the people living or visiting our capital?Joining Andrea to discuss is owner of Martin Gear Jewelers, Martin Gear, Mary Harkin from Rory’s Fishing Tackle in Temple Bar, as well as listeners.

Dr Brian King from Drumcondra Medical joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Jessie Buckley has made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win Best Actress at the Oscars when she scooped the award for her performance in Hamnet! Brendan Fuller, cousin of Jessie Buckley, Mayor of Killarney Councillor Martin Grady, Joan Butler, Music Teacher at Jessie Buckley's former Secondary School, Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles and Marie Linehan from the Kerry Film Festival all joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to discuss.

Postnatal Depression can affect anybody, but recognizing the signs isn’t always easy. Dr Clodagh Campbell, The Wellness Psychologist, is with me to talk about her experience. 

Almost 39,000 participants walked a record of 6.9 million steps in January this year as part of the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge.  Despite it being one of the wettest January’s on record. Many GAA clubs did not let that stop them as they braced the wind and rain to take on the challenge.   Rory O’Connor, Known by many of you as Rory’s Stories on social media was one of the ambassadors of the Healthy Clubs steps challenge and joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to discuss.

It’s the Pod Squad time! Ciaran Bradley from our Digital Team and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom joined Andrea Gilligan to discuss Alan Carr’s Life’s a Beach’ podcast.

A new survey about the Government's hot school meals programme has found that three-quarters of respondents reported their children do not enjoy the variety of food. The survey commissioned by Fine Gael, found that parents were very critical of how the food is presented and feel that a cold lunch alternative should be given.  We want to know, what do you think? Are these hot school meals fit for purpose or should they be completely changed?  

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Director and author Neil Jordan, who has directed films such as Michael Collins, Interview with a Vampire, The Crying Game and more joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Sun, sea and… Cheltenham?Why are so many people flocking to sunnier climates to watch the Cheltenham races?Joining Andrea to discuss is Johnny Ward from Off the Ball’s Racing Pod, Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach and listeners.

Many families will be sitting down to watch some telly over the weekend and Louis Theroux’s new documentary ‘Inside The Manosphere’ is essential viewing.It raises questions around misogyny, toxic masculinity and will leave parents wondering what can be done to protect their sons and daughters…Joining Andrea to discuss is Irish Times Columnist and Mother of 7, Jen Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Dr Richard Hogan, Dannielle McKenna, Project Manager of Rialto Youth Project and more.

All week we’ve been discussing different aspects of living with ADHD as an adult, from getting a diagnosis, parenting with ADHD and navigating relationships. Today, we’re looking at how we as a society can make things better…Joining Andrea to discuss is Fiona Meehan, Principal at Beaumont BNS in Mahon, Jon Slattery from Trilogy Media and Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.

More than 8,600 homes were advertised as short-term lets nationwide in March, compared with just 2,100 listed for private rent on Daft.ie.The figures, from housing charity Threshold, highlight growing pressure in the rental market and have prompted calls for the Government to enforce new short-term letting rules later this year.But it also raises a question: while many people are frustrated by the shortage of rental homes, do we also contribute to the problem when we book short-term accommodation ourselves when travelling?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

We might be all chat about Jessie Buckley today, but it’s not Kerry’s first brush with Hollywood!Freelance journalist Édaein O' Connell and Newstalk’s resident Kerry man Josh Crosbie join Andrea to discuss some of the movies that have been filmed in the Kingdom.

While it may be Jessie Buckley fever in her hometown of Killarney today, the last minute preparations for stylists and design teams in LA are also in full swing.So, what can we expect to see Jessie Buckley in for the Oscars ceremony, and could she wear something from an Irish designer?Designer Don O’Neill, who dressed stars including Oprah for the Academy Awards, and Stylist Corina Gaffey join to discuss.

Killarney attracts huge tourist numbers every year, and one of the big attractions is the Jaunting cars. Andrea wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and puts her feet up to see Killarney in style! Calvin Tangney from Killarney Jaunting Cars joins Andrea!

Not only is it buzzing down here ahead of the Oscars, the Killarney St Patrick’s Festival kicks off this weekend too!Andrea is joined by father and son craic merchants, Derry and Tadhg Fleming, who are judging this year’s parade.

Parenthood can be a challenge at the best of times, but how do you navigate the hurdles if you have ADHD?Joining Andrea to discuss is Karen Beckett, Parent doing research on parenting and ADHD in DCU and David Condon, expert in ADHD in children who runs a parenting workshop for kids with ADHD.

Not only is it the home county of Jessie Buckley - Kerry is a tourist destination for many, but how is the summer season shaping up? And, how are things looking for St Patrick’s Day?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Andrea to discuss.

It’s an exciting weekend ahead with Oscar fever hitting Kerry as Jessie Buckley is up for Best Actress award!Andrea is broadcasting from Buckley’s Bar in the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney today and is joined by Sean and Carol Buckley, Brendan Fuller and Fiona Crowley to share in the excitement ahead of the awards!

When you are in a relationship with someone, what can the challenges be if your partner or yourself has ADHD? And, how can you overcome them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Jessica McKnight, Senior Counselling Psychologist.

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 guest host Anna Daly in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Should grandparents be paid for minding their grandchildren?A study in the UK has found that 70% of grandparents want to provide some economic support for their children through babysitting grandkids.So, should the favour be returned?Joining Andrea to discuss is Katie Makk, Broadcaster and host of the Opinions Matter podcast, Broadcaster Claire Ronan and more.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by an expert 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, Andrea is joined by Aoife Kenny, NMH Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation to discuss the common challenges around breastfeeding, and how to navigate them.

The Oscars are this Sunday, and to mark Jessie Buckley’s nomination (and hopefully her big win) we will be broadcasting from Buckley’s Bar in Killarney tomorrow!Newstalk’s own Henry McKean caught up with Jessie Buckley's parents, who are flying out from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus this afternoon…

Does bad weather put you off doing things? Or do you ignore what the weather app says on your phone and make plans regardless of the weather forecast?Former Met Éireann Meteorologist and Forecaster Evelyn Cusack joins Andrea, as well as Journalist with Irish Independent Kirsty Blake Knox, to discuss.

An Irish woman whose boss repeatedly shouted abuse at her in a “strong Irish accent” has been awarded more than £23,000 after an employment tribunal found she had been racially harassed.The Irish Government estimates that around 70 million people of Irish heritage live outside Ireland. From quips in movies and tv shows, to profiling at work, this seems to be happening everywhere.Have you ever had an experience about negative Irish stereotypes, particularly abroad?Andrea is joined by Irish people living abroad to discuss.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Botanist Pat Keville from Plant Store to answer any of your questions about indoor plants!

Whether you’re a bride to be or a bridesmaid, you’ll know that a huge amount of planning goes into a hen weekend...Travel content creator and bride-to-be Éadaoin Fitzmaurice has said she wants to be hands on. So, is it the right way to go?Éadaoin joins Andrea, as well as Sandra Scharlach from Infusion Weddings, to discuss.

What are the pros and cons of giving your children their inheritance before you die? Sinead Ryan, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent and Presenter of The Home Show joins Andrea to discuss…Also joining to discuss is James Sexton of the National End Discrimination and Inheritance Tax Campaign Group, as well as listeners.

Research suggests that there may be an underdiagnosis of ADHD in women, but why?Dr Sarah Carty from ADHDDoc joins Andrea along with Nessa Hill, a Barrister and CEO of Neurodiversity Ireland, who herself has ADHD, to discuss.

It's How I live well time! Andrea will be joined by experts to discuss ways you can improve your life…This week, Andrea is joined by Behavioural Change Specialist, Dr Heather McKee, who is working on an initiative with Irish Life, to discuss maintaining and checking on healthy habits!

A report for Transport Infrastructure Ireland has revealed that the toll for the Port Tunnel could rise to €17 at peak times after the traffic growth was described as “unsustainable”.Do you use the tunnel? Would this stop you using it if the toll is that high?Joining Andrea to discuss is Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent, Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín and listeners.

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