Lunchtime Live
4,791 episodes — Page 73 of 96
‘I couldn’t abandon her’: Man who helped his wife avail of assisted dying abroad
A listener, Garret Ahern contacted Lunchtime Live to share his story of his wife availing of assisted dying.His wife, Vicky Janssens was diagnosed with terminal cancer and in her final months she decided to avail of assisted dying in her home country Belgium. He told Andrea the story of travelling to Belgium with his wife for her final days…
'I'm a guest here, it's their house': Tralee woman's house overrun with rats
Vanessa Molloy in Kerry joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live. Vanessa has a big problem with rats in her house at the moment...
'The state has a duty to protect us': Does our bail system need to be reformed?
Former Dublin Lord Mayor Nial Ring has described Ireland’s bail system as a “complete joke”. The Independent councillor made the comments after Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring also called on the State to do “something about bail” at a recent hearing. This all comes after a teenager who received bail for allegedly attacking two British tourists was brought back to court four days later over another alleged offence. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'Too many people, not enough pools' - Children waiting up to three years for lessons
Why is it so difficult for some parents to get swimming lessons for their children? “It feels like the Hunger Games. Fighting for this limited number of spaces. I genuinely think people would step over their own mother to get a place.” - so tells one parent to Deirdre McArdle, writing in the Irish Examiner this week. Andrea was joined by Deirdre, Tim Lombard, Fine Gael Senator and others to discuss...
‘I want to move away’ - Parent of child awaiting spinal surgery at Temple Street
Parents with children for life-altering spinal surgeries have hit out at the HSE and Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) as operations have been postponed. It comes after the HSE announced that it has commissioned a review into parts of paediatric care at Temple Street after one child died and others suffered serious post-surgery complications following spinal surgery there. Andrea was joined by parents and listeners to discuss...
Ploughing: 'The best show in the whole of Europe'
The National Ploughing Championship kicks off its three-day festivities today. It is believed that tens of thousands of people are due to attend the Laois festival with their wellies in toe. What makes it so popular and what exactly do people do at it? Andrea was joined by National President of Macra Na Feirme, Elaine Houlihan, Clive Carter, the Site Owner of the Ploughing Championship land and Louise and Catherine to discuss...
Childcare: ‘We need a public model that’s affordable and accessible’
Andrea Gilligan was at Liberty Hall this morning where the National Women’s Council organised a National Day of Action calling for public, affordable childcare. She met with Vicky Masterson, a mother of two, Engineer and mum of one Sinead Massey and Eilish Balfe, the Care Officer in the National Women’s Council...
'Everybody has a shared responsibility' to ensure road safety
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has defended its ‘be seen, be safe’ campaign for pedestrians and cyclists to wear high-visibility clothing amid accusations of ‘victim blaming’ vulnerable road users. Galway City Councillor and founder of Galway Cycle Bus Alan Curran has slammed the RSA for ‘failing’ in its mandate to protect pedestrians and cyclists. What do you think? Is this campaign by the RSA victim blaming? Andrea was joined by Kevin Jennings, Chairperson of Galway Cycling Campaign and other listeners to discuss...
Making friends in Ireland: 'It's all so superficial'
The Loneliness Taskforce has criticised the Government for “not living up to their commitment to tackle loneliness”. The report published in June found Ireland had the highest rates of loneliness in the EU, with 20% of Irish participants feeling lonely most or all of the time compared to an European average of 13%. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Cut-the-Cost: Here's the best way to save on your broadband bills
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills.Cut-the-Cost will offer tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts.Aoife Kearns, from our news team has done the hard work and sourced the best deals for broadband providers...
'A gut punch': DCU charging students €56 per week to park at accommodation
DCU has come under fire for charging the students living on campus €56 to park there for the week. Previously, students living on campus had to enter a lottery to get allocated a car parking space, which cost €200 last year. But the car park will now be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, and parking their cars overnight full-time will cost students living on campus hundreds of euro extra per year. Andrea was joined by DCU student Jack McDonald and DCU Student's Union President Thomas O'Dowd...Image: Higher Education Authority
People from Northern Ireland 'all tarred with the same brush'
Are we biased against people from Northern Ireland? Talking about the recent no confidence vote in Garda Commissioner, and Northerner, Drew Harris, Sunday Times Columnist Alison O’Connor wondered whether an unconscious bias against people in Northern Ireland was to blame.What do you think? Do we have an unconscious bias against people from the North? Are they ‘othered’? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'I don't think it's fair': Disability advocate may lose benefits when married
Disability advocate Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird has spoke in the Independent about her excitement about getting married, but the issues it could create for her with her disability allowance. Niamh joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
'The priority is tourism' - Are tourists our priority in Ireland?
For the first time ever the number of beds available to tourists on Venice’s main island has surpassed the number of year-round residents. Do we run the risk of going the same road? Are we taking care of tourists too much at a loss to everyone else? Andrea was joined by James Madigan, Stalwart of the Liberties Cultural Association and other listeners to discuss?
'My baby will be coming home' - Missing Cavan teen makes contact with family
Last week, Andrea spoke to Mactalene Palm, whose daughter Amber disappeared while on holiday in Disneyland. Today, Mactalene joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live with an update...
'We need the Book of Kells back in Kells' - Locals campaign for return of cultural treasure
The Book of Kells was in the news this week. Trinity College students blocked access for tourists to the Book of Kells this morning. They’re protesting as part of a ‘Freeze the Rents’ housing protest, we talked about it ourselves on the show on Wednesday. Since then there has been a lot of talk about the Book of Kells and the fact that it is located in Trinity College. There have been some calls for it to be moved to the National Museum, where it could be viewed for free. Others want the Book of Kells actually returned to the town of Kells in Co Meath. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
The Cost of Having a Sick Child: 'It's just relentless'
One of the toughest things a family can go through, is having child that is sick. Particularly one that is sick for a long period of time. As well as the incredible emotional toil it can take, there is a huge financial aspect to this. And it’s often one that isn’t considered unless you’re going through it yourself. Parents have to miss work or sometimes even give up their jobs to take on caring duties, and being sick itself can be expensive Does there need to be more financial supports given to families with a sick child? Andrea was joined by Seamus and Susan to discuss…
Andrea Gilligan takes the Ultimate Donegal Quiz
To celebrate Love Donegal Day, Andrea Gilligan was joined by Kieran Cuddihy in studio and he put her through her paces with a quiz all about Donegal...
'You're from Leitrim' - Andrea Gilligan takes a Genealogy Test
As part of Love Donegal Day Andrea Gilligan took a genealogy test to see just how Donegal she really is. Jennifer Doyle, researcher with ancestry.com joined Andrea in studio to reveal the results…
Car free Dublin: 'Cyclists should be paying a road tax too'
The Draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan is the latest attempt from Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority to deal with the traffic and public transport issues in the city centre. The plan will involve car restrictions, and in some cases total car bans from large parts of the city. Right now, there’s huge congestion and the experience for anyone cyling or using public transport can be hellish. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'They're putting us back in the closet': Cork gay bar's rebrand criticised
Chambers Bar is a well known LGBTQ+ bar in Cork city. It hosts Drag nights and brunches regularly and has always been considered one of the top spaces for those events in the city. For Freshers week this year they have changed their name to 'Sinners' and removed all their gay flags and signs. The speculation seems to be that’s it’s a commercial decision to get a larger crowd in. Andrea was joined by drag queen Krystal Queer, Ailsa Spindler is with me from Gay Project, Evan and Laura to discuss...Image: Google Maps/Con Keating / Drag Queen Krystal Queer
Lack of support for carers is ‘unacceptable’ - Anne Rabbitte
Last week, Gayle told us her heartbreaking experience of being unable to go to her mother’s funeral because she couldn’t get respite for her disabled son. Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State. Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth joined Andrea to give her reaction and discuss future plans for supports for carers.Gayle also joined Andrea after listening to the Minister to give her reaction...
‘Access to accommodation is a barrier to education’ - Trinity students blockade entrance to Book of Kells
Trinity College students have clashed with tourists as they blockade access to the Book of Kells this morning. They’re protesting as part of a ‘Freeze the Rents’ housing protest. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by László Molnárfi is the President of Trinity Student's Union and other students to discuss...
'There will always be a place for them': Do soap operas reflect our society?
How important are soaps in discussing national issues? Between Fair City introducing a far right character to discussions surrounding storylines like teen pregnancies, addiction and gay rights – soaps have always tried to reflect the society we live in. But do they continue to have a place in our society?Andrea was joined by Alan Flannagan, Hollyoaks writer and Jay Brannigan, director of soaps like Fair City and Eastenders…
RTÉ: 'There's too many people too well paid'
RTÉ has refused to publish a list of its top 100 earners, saying it would be “inappropriate” to ask staff for permission to release their names alongside their salaries. The broadcaster told an Oireachtas media committee that “It remains inappropriate to ask staff for permission to release their names alongside their salaries."Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Castletown House 'going to be a no-go for a lot of people'
Communities in North Kildare are protesting today about access to a major public site being cut off. Access to the Castletown House estate in Celbridge will be completely cut off from one side. It’s annoyed the local community and residents have blocked the road this morning believing the owners intended to renovate the site immediately. Andrea was joined by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy and other local reisdents to discuss...
Student deferred univerisity course due to lack of 'affordable' accommodation
Third level students around the country are struggling to find accommodation for the start of the academic year. UCD and Trinity students union have been handing out fliers around Dublin to encourage people to rent out rooms in their homes. There are stories in nearly every university and college of the difficulties their students are facing. Andrea was joined by Charlie, Mohammed, Sam and more to discuss...
Morocco earthquake: ‘The waves were coming through the concrete floor’
Following the devastating earthquake in Morocco, the death toll is now close to 3,000 people. It was a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in the North African country's history, that struck 72km southwest of the city of Marrakesh. Andrea was joined by Russell, from Bangor in Down who is living in Marrakesh and Asia from Cork who has since returned home…
People 'more likely to indulge' when working from home
Working from home is apparently playing havoc with our diets! We’re far more likely to snack on indulgent things and eat more often when doing the day job from the comfort of your own home. That is according to a new survey by Compass Group Ireland. Andrea was joined by Keelin O'Dwyer, Behavioural Psychologist to discuss...
School Uniforms: 'I don't agree with the little suits'
The school day routine has arrived back in families lives with a bang. However, uniforms are still a contentious issue among parents. How do you feel about school uniforms? Are they old fashioned? Or do they still serve a purpose? Andrea was joined by parents and listeners to discuss...
'We couldn't get any help' - Young mother dies following gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey
Mother of four Shannon Meenan Browse from Derry sadly died last month following gastric sleeve surgery abroad. Her family wants to tell Shannon’s story to warn others of the possible risks of having this surgery overseas. Shannon’s Dad Shane and Brother Conneith joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss…
Character references 'shouldn't be allowed' in sexual assault or rape trials
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have apologised over the weekend after character letters they wrote for their former That 70’s Show co-star Danny Masterson were made public. Masterson was sentenced last week to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women at his Californian home in the early 2000s. In their character letters, Kunis and Kutcher described Masterson as a decent human and a “role model” for others. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'It's pretty loud' - Should busking be regulated?
A video of ‘buskers’ in Cork has gone viral because people are complaining about the quality. It’s someone dressed up as a leprechaun, blaring a dance edit of the song ‘Stand by Me’. Should the standard of street performers be subject to regulation? Andrea was joined by David Owens, busker and musician, Oliver Moran Green Councillor for Cork City North East, Kevin Hurlihy, from Cork Business Association and Iman from Dulce Bun House in Cork to discuss...
Cut-the-Cost: Here's the best way to save on your electricity bills
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills.Cut-the-Cost will offer tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts.Caoimhseach Connolly, from our news team has done the hard work and sourced the best deals...
Calls for ‘some sort of training’ for owners of restricted dog breeds
Should certain breeds of dogs be fully banned? The UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has announced she has commissioned urgent advice on outlawing American XL Bully dogs after she highlighted an “appalling” attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham. Is it time that certain breeds were fully banned? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'It could potentially lead to escalation': Ryanair's Michael O'Leary gets pied
As you may have heard Ryanair Michael O’Leary was hit in the face with two cream pies yesterday while preparing to deliver a petition to the European Commission president in Brussels. Is it ok to pie someone you don’t agree with? What do you think – is this an acceptable form of protest? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Calls for 'qualified youth workers' to be employed as Dublin's safety wardens
A new plan for Dublin’s North Inner city will see community safety wardens on the streets. They’ll focus on areas like Wolfe Tone Square and O’Connell Street. It comes after weeks of crime in the city centre being put under the spotlight. The wardens would be employed by Dublin Town to observe and report issues of anti-social behaviour. Andrea was joined by Gerry Farrell, Operations Director at DublinTown and other listeners to discuss...
Carers: 'We are completely isolated'
More people are continuing to get in touch with Lunchtime Live about their experiences as carers and the lack of support for them in Ireland.Andrea was joined by Carmel and Chris on the show today to discuss their experiences...
‘Nobody’s listening’ - Parent carers call for more supports
On Lunchtime Live yesterday, Gayle shared her story about caring for son with profound needs. She described how she was unable to attend her own mothers funeral, because of a lack of respite services for her son. Since chatting to Gayle, we’ve been inundated with people sharing their stories. Andrea was joined by parents Ger, Jill and Cliff to discuss their current situations.Fine Gael Senator Mary Seery Kearney also joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss who is responsible for carers and patients…
Smart home devices: Why you need to read the terms and conditions
Those of us that own smart home devices are often being asked for loads of personal information that is then potentially shared with social media companies. The consumer company Which found companies appear to be gathering far more data than is needed for their products to function. Things like smart TVs that ask for users’ viewing habits and a smart washing machine that needs your date of birth. Andrea was joined by Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss...
‘I just want to know that she’s safe’ - Mother of missing Cavan teen
The daughter of a Cavan based family went missing while on holiday in Paris last month. Seventeen year old Amber Victoria Palm was staying in Disneyland Paris. She is thought to have left with a man she’d been talking to online. Her mum, Mactalene Palm joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Farmers protest: 'We're being thrown to the wolves by the Minister'
The IFA have decided that they will picket a proposed meeting called by the Minister for Agriculture today. They are unhappy with a decision by the European Commission to restrict the provision of flexibility on nitrates rules which means many farmers may have to reduce animal numbers. They also want to resolve payment issues from 2023.Andrea was joined by Brendan Golden, National IFA livestock chairman and other farmers and listeners to discuss...
Reduction in speed limits 'a knee-jerk reaction'
Speed limits are set to reduce on Irish roads under new plans, but will it make people slow down? Will this work to make our roads safer? Or what do we need to do? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Tourists being charged €99 for 'evening experience' at the Cliffs of Moher
Clare County Council have been accused of ripping off tourists by charging €99 for watching the sunset from the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher Experience, a visitors centre run by Clare County Council, an “enchanting evening experience” which includes a ‘Crafted in Clare’ box which features a photograph of the landscape, chocolates, lip balm and two types of soap. Is this good value for money? Andrea was joined by Éimhín, Seán and Pat in Clare to discuss...
‘I had no support’: Woman misses mother’s funeral due to lack of care staff for son
Gayle, a listener, reached out to Lunchtime Live about on ongoing issue she is having. Gayle is a full time carer for her 21-year-old son who had autism and is looking for help...
Disabled golfer told buggy could not be accepted on Ryanair flight
A disabled golfer has criticised Ryanair after being told his golf buggy could not be accepted onboard.Ian St John had booked a flight from Cork Airport to Liverpool in the UK last Saturday and joined Andrea to discuss his experience...
'You say goodbye twice': Martin King on his mother’s battle with dementia
Ireland AM Presenter Martin King lost his mother Christina to dementia in 2019 after an eight year battle with the disease. He joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to chat about his family's experience and remember her...
Cyberbullying: 'Policies in schools are not working'
Over a quarter of primary school children and 40% of secondary school children face cyberbullying. They are huge numbers of our children that are being bullied online. Also, Girls are more likely to be victimised online than boys. Andrea was joined by parents and listeners to discuss...
Woman to raffle Dublin City apartment 'for the price of a pint'
Are you feeling lucky? How about entering a raffle to win a house? Karen is putting her house up for raffle and she joined Andrea to tell her how it works...
'It's not fair on our kids': Children with additional needs facing issues with school transport
Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live on Newstalk by parents Aaron Daly and Aisling Hughes to discuss issues their children who have autism are facing with their school buses...