Lunchtime Live

Primary schools have warned parents that a growing trend towards taking pupils out of school for holidays is disrupting children’s education and may trigger notifications to social services. New figures compiled by Tusla show the estimated number of such extended absences due to holidays jumped from 60,000-65,000 in 2019 to 350,000 in 2021. What do you make of parents taking children out during term for a holiday? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Did you feel comfortable taking maternity leave? Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said that she is sure 'some people didn't approve' of her taking maternity leave for a second time. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Clontarf Councillor Catherine Stocker, Dr Niamh Flanagan, Assistant Professor of Social Policy in the Department if Applied Social Studies, Maynooth University, Siobhan O’Neill White founder of Mams.ie and Labour Party South Dublin County Councillor Joanna Tuffy...

The Leaving Cert is in full swing but should teachers be able to achieve a H1, the highest grade, in the subject that they teach? Andrea was joined by Jonathan Walker, Principal of Ringsend College, Derval, a secondary school and Graham to discuss...

Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond has warned the public to be vigilant after a group of climate change activists deflated car tyres in the Churchtown area of Dublin Dozens of cars were found with all four tyres flat yesterday morning with an accompanying note, that explained: ‘We have deflated one or more of your tyres...We did this because driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others.' Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners to discuss... Image: Twitter via @nealerichmond

Aslan front man and Irish music ledgend, Christy Dignam, passed away yesterday evening aged 63. His death is a massive loss to the country. I am joined now on the line by fans of Christy’s...

Harry Styles lit up Slane Castle over the weekend, but since the big night, Lunchtime Live has received a number of emails from listeners talking about their experience of buying ‘platinum tickets’. Andrea was joined by Sharon and presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk, Sinead Ryan to discuss...

Five independent Senators say they want to allow the State to award citizens in recognition of exceptional achievement. The proposed system, known as Gradam an Uachtaráin, would comprise of a medal to be worn on special occasions, a lapel button and an entitlement to use the letters ‘GU’ after their name – similar to being ‘knighted in the UK’. The idea is being debated in the Seanad today. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that the Government would be “reluctant” to introduce it here. Andrea was joined by Senator Gerard Craughwell and listeners to discuss...

A new Oireachtas committee, formed to consider the issue of assisted dying, has held it's first public meeting this morning. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Denise, Michael, Noel and others to discuss...

Summer is here and everyone is heading on holidays. But would you go away just for one day and would it be worth the price? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by travel writer Joan Scales, Matthew, Michaela and Katie to discuss...

Noel Anderson, Managing Director at The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge joined Andrea GiIlligan on Lunchtime Live after Hollywood Legend Morgan Freeman paid a visit to the pub over the weekend... Image: @NoelAnderson_ on Twitter

A new bike rack has been installed in the outdoor seating area of Dublin’s Street 66 bar. The bar's application for renewal of outdoor seating was rejected last Friday evening. With just days to go until Dublin Pride, the bike rack was erected over the weekend causing outrage online. Andrea was joined by Siobhan Comny, Owner of Street 66 Bar, Liam De Brún, Journalist with Extra.ie, Paul Keville, Owner of Stoned Pizza Takeaway on Parliament Street, Cllr Claire Byrne, Green Party Councillor in Dublin and many more to discuss... Image: @st66dublin on Twitter

Gone Girl actress Rosamund Pike has said the wellness industry is a 'con'. Has the wellness industry gone too far? Does it put unnecessary pressure on people to look and behave a certain way? Andrea Gilligan was joined by David Robert Grimes, Scientist, Broadcaster and Author of the Irrational Ape, Newstalk’s wellness guru and Presenter of Alive and Kicking, Clare McKenna, Gillian Hynes from BodyProject and many more to discuss...

‘Dublin is a dirty, smelly, sticky old town once again’, so says Una Mullally in today’s Irish Times. She argues that during the summer months, in particular, Dublin suffers from a lack of waste management and that the council seem to include ‘rainfall’ as part of their clean up plans. Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Would you bare all for charity? Tomorrow, for the 10th year in a row, over one thousand ladies are braving the elements for the annual Strip and Dip in aid of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie - Ireland’s National Children’s Cancer Charity. Andrea was joined by Anne Howard, Siobhan Gleeson, Catherine Farrell Finan and Siobhan Gregg to discuss… Image: Strip and Dip

Wicklow has become a hub for TV and movie production in Ireland – both for domestic projects and huge international hits. Most recently including the likes of Cocaine Bear, Disenchanted and popular TV series Vikings. But what makes Wicklow the Hollywood of Ireland? Andrea was joined by Elaine Geraghty, Managing Director of Ardmore Studios and Eoin Naughton from Claremont Screenhub...

As part of Newstalks Summer Tour, Lunchtime Live was LIVE from the picturesque village of Enniskerry, nestled in the Wicklow mountains. Famous for Powerscourt house and gardens, but what else has the village got to offer? Lana Condron from the School House for Art in Enniskerry gave Andrea a guided tour. Andrea also met with Peter Norton, the owner of Poppies in Enniskerry...

As Newstalk's Summer Tour continues, Lunchtime Live was LIVE from the Powerscourt Hotel & Gardens in Wicklow. While there, Andrea Gilligan got the chance to sit down and chat with 'Lady in Red' singer and local, Chris de Burgh...

The booze industry is huge in Wicklow – adding to the tourism in the area and taking full advantage of the picturesque surroundings. Wicklow has become known for it’s spirits, beers and even wines as discovered last year on Lunchtime Live. Andrea was joined in the Powerscourt Hotel by Simon Lynch, Co-Founder of Wicklow Wolf, John Cashman, Head of Brand at Powerscourt Distillery and Brett Stephenson, Co-Founder and Winemaker at Wicklow Way Wines...

Lunchtime Live kicks off Newstalk's Summer Tour in Powerscourt Hotel in the Garden County - but what makes Wicklow so special? Andrea Gilligan was joined by gardener, Diarmuid Gavin, journalist, Valerie Cox and broadcaster and author, Emer O’Neill to chat...

Living with psychosis is something very few of us will understand. Psychosis refers to a collection of mental health conditions that affect the brain’s “ability to process information”. During psychosis, people experience a loss of touch with reality. Which could mean things like hallucinations – hearing voices or phones, believing you’re being watched, followed or even attacked. Andrea was joined by Lisa, Karen and Conor to discuss...

Ireland has highest levels of loneliness in Europe. That is according to the first ever EU-wide survey on loneliness which found that over 20% of respondents in Ireland responded reported feeling lonely. How hard is it to maintain friendships once you get to a certain age? Is it difficult to make new friends in midlife? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Marks and Spencer have said they’re getting rid of use-by dates from its fresh milk. They’re replacing them with best-before dates. And we’re being told to use the ‘sniff test’ on milk from now on, to see if it’s still good. Milk is apparently the third most wasted food and drink product, after potatoes and bread. Should we be getting rid of best before dates everywhere? Should we be sniffing rashers and yoghurts? Andrea was joined by Angela Ruttledge from Foodcloud and other listeners to discuss..

Do you take your shoes off when you go into someone else's house? Or are you annoyed when people don’t take their shoes off when they come into your house? Journalist Stefanie Preissner joined Andrea to discuss why she has a no shoes indoors policy…

Are secondary school summer holidays too long here in Ireland? Speaking to Newstalk earlier, columnist & teacher Jennifer Horgan argued that secondary school should run a month longer to ease the breakneck pace of our school year. What do you think? Are secondary school summer holidays too long? Would you support a shorter break if it meant a more relaxed pace year-round? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Andrea travelled through both Virginia and Carrick-on-Shannon over the weekend. The heavy traffic in both areas highlights the need for both towns to be bypassed. Plans have been in the pipeline for years but never implemented. Andrea was joined by Councillor TP Reilly, Patrick Farrelly, Chairperson of the Virginia Development Association, Carrick on Shannon Councillor Enda Stenson and other locals to discuss...

Global superstar Harry Styles brings his Love On Tour show to Slane Castle this weekend. With tickets already sold out crowds are expected to descend on the Meath venue from early Saturday morning. Unfortunately for some concert-goers the majority of bus transfers to the gig have been sold out leaving many with no travel options. Sharon and Charlene joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to discuss...

Gardaí were forced to evacuate a Burrow Beach in Sutton, Dublin over the weekend following a mass brawl which broke out between groups of teenagers. With the good weather is set to continue, is this something which is going to become more of an issue? How do we tackle this sort of behaviour on our beaches? Andrea was joined by local residents and listeners to discuss... Image: Padraig O'Reilly Photographer

Samantha O'Connor's husband Darren is suffering from Long Covid since contracting it in October 2021. 18 months on and they’re desperately trying to get him a bed in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Samantha O'Connor joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to tell her story...

Actress Scarlett Johansson has spoken out about suffering from crippling acne for years. She said that when she was 14, she was told that her face looked like the surface of a volcano. Have you suffered from the skin condition? And how has it affected you? Andrea Gilligan was joined by callers dealing with acne...

Damien a taxi driver in Dublin joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to discuss the difficulties facing taxi drivers in dropping off and collecting passengers at Dublin Airport...

The Irish Hotels Federation has said it’s members are reporting a large increase in inquiries from people looking for pet-friendly accommodation. People are no longer willing to pay for the kennel or ask their relatives – so they are bringing their pooches with them! And in response to the demand, many hotels around the country have stepped up their doggy offerings. Andrea Gilligan was joined by callers to discuss if Ireland is dog friendly enough...

Weather presenter, Evelyn Cusack, announced she is retiring today after 42 years at Met Éireann. Andrea was joined by Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather to chat how obsessed Irish people are with talking about the weather.

Ireland saw one of the biggest increases in the number of adults living with their parents. Between 2010 and 2019 the number of 25–34-year-olds living with their parents increased by 6% between 2010 and 2019, according to figures released today by EU agency Eurofound . The study coincides with the publication of census findings that show a drop in overall homeownership of 4% between 2011 and 2022. Andrea spoke to callers about their experience being adults living at home and parents who have their adult children living at home.

A naturist in the UK, Helen Berriman, has caused a stir on social media after appearing naked on Good Morning Britain. Currently, Irish law says being naked in itself is not illegal. In order for an offence to be committed the person exposing themselves must intend to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person. Should nude bathing be made illegal? Would you ever bare all when going for a dip? Andrea was joined by members of the Irish Naturist Association and callers to discuss if we should embrace nude beaches in Ireland.

Road rage – is it something you have ever been on the tail end of? Two thirds of Irish motorists have experienced aggressive behaviour on the roads – a new survey has revealed. 29% of motorists have experienced verbal abuse, whilst 3.6% - 32 of those surveyed - said that they have been physically abused on the roads. Is this common on our roads? Or have you had a bad experience of this happen to you? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Tech industry leaders have issued a stark warning about the threat of Artificial Intelligence saying it could lead to the extinction of humanity. Recently, ChatGPT has been used to complete assignments, the controversial use of AI to create art and music. In the jobs market it is claimed that the use of AI could be as transformative as the Industrial Revolution - a recent report by investment bank Goldman Sachs says that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs. Are you worried about the rise of AI? Andrea was joined by listeners and professionals to discuss…

The Census 2022 findings have been released today. It is the first time in 171 years that Ireland's population exceeded the five million threshold. There were 5,149,139 people in the State as of last April 2022, an 8% increase since 2016. There were more interesting findings from religion, working from home, commuting and home ownership! Andrea was joined by Newstalk’s Sean O’Regan, Father Paddy Byrne, Parish priest in Abbeyleix and Raheen in County Laois, Feljin José, Chairperson of Dublin Commuter Coalition and many more to discuss.

Love Island is set to return to our screens on Monday. Andrea was joined by Orlaith Condon the host of the 'My Pod on Paper' podcast and listener Ben to discuss if reality TV shows like this have a role in our society. Are shows like this damaging for young viewers or do they open up conversations that we otherwise wouldn’t have?

St. Vincent de Paul has published new report today which found that 87% of parents cut back or delay spending in order to pay school voluntary contributions. The study polled 1,447 parents, who had made voluntary contributions to schools ranging between €30 to €550. Is there a pressure to pay voluntary contribution in schools? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss their experience with paying the voluntary contribution.

Andrea was joined by Frances to discuss mental health and the importance of checking in on young people. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues discussed, there is help available at www.samaritans.ie or www.pieta.ie

Is it time we looked at redrawing our county borders? Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, Dr Eoin O'Malley thinks so. Andrea was joined by callers to get their views...

It’s the story that just keeps rumbling on – Philip Schofield. This Morning went ahead as usual this morning, with Presenters Allison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary acknowledging that "we know we happen to be in the news at the moment". Brendan O’Loughlin, Presenter of 98FM'S Big Breakfast joined Andrea with the latest...

There are more short-term holiday lets available on Airbnb than long-term rentals listed on Daft.ie in all 26 counties. That is according to new data compiled by Newstalk Chief Reporter Barry Whyte. There are almost 100-times more properties available on Airbnb for short-term let in Co Kerry than rental properties on Daft. In west Donegal, for example, there are 572 properties available on Airbnb - with just one rental property on Daft for €2,800 a month. Is this problem getting out of hand? Just last week we saw homelessness figures reach an all time high 12,259 registered homeless in Ireland in April. Andrea was joined by callers to discuss...

Cork woman, Georgina O’Shea and her husband Ken, have welcomed a new miracle baby girl after 23 miscarriages. Georgina joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss her story...

Have you ever felt intimidated when going to the gym? A new trend on TikTok has seen people addressing and calling out what is known as ‘Gym-Timidation’. Andrea was joined by Gillian Hynes, owner and personal trainer from Body Project and other listeners to discuss...

Writing in the Irish Independent today, Anne Atkins says the implication that a grandparent has nothing better to do with their time than provide free childcare – all day, every day – is downright demeaning. Do you think grandparents should be paid for minding their own grandchildren? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Tina Turner - one of rock's great vocalists and most charismatic performers - has died aged 83, her spokesperson has confirmed. In a statement, they said: "Tina Turner, the 'Queen of Rock'n Roll' has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. Andrea was joined by listeners to hear their memories of the legendary singer…

Dublin Airport has warned passengers that there are no more spaces in its car parks for the coming days. 6,200 spaces that were previously available have been taken out of the system following the sale of the Quick Park facility. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

It’s 11 years today since Wexford Student Nicola Furlong was murdered in Tokyo, a crime that shook the Country. Nicola’s dad Andrew joined Andrea Gilligan on the show...

France has banned domestic short-haul flights where train alternatives exist, in a bid to cut carbon emissions – is that something we should consider too? Andrea Gilligan was joined by callers to discuss...