
Lunchtime Live
4,963 episodes — Page 80 of 100
'We're behind the curve': What are the laws around sharing graphic footage online?
On Monday Andrea spoke to Sandra Byrnes, foster-mum of Wassiou who died earlier this summer. And yesterday Andrea spoke to Magda, whose son was attacked in Bushy Park last week. In both cases, the incidents surrounding their sons were filmed and shared on social media - much to the heartbreak of the families. What are the laws around this? Is enough being done to help families stop these kinds of things being shared? Andrea was joined by Senior Counsel and Specialist in Media and Data Law, Ronan Lupton to discuss...

Having a baby solo: 'I really always wanted a family'
Many women these days are opting to have children alone. There is an array of reasons why a woman might choose assisted reproduction. Andrea was joined by Lisa, Kerrie and Lucy Boyd, Nurse Manager in the Sims IVF Clonskeagh Clinic to discuss...

'A potentially damaging stereotype': Is Barbie a strong feminist icon?
Greta Gerwig’s new Barbie movie hits our screens next week, with many lifelong fans already booking out cinemas nationwide. Journalist Mary Kenny has been writing in the Irish Independent that ‘Barbie, once loathed for stereotyping young girls, is now pitched as a feminist icon’ What do you think? Is Barbie an icon or does she actually go against what feminism is meant to be about? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Smartphones ‘way too dangerous’ for use in primary schools
Eight primary schools in Greystones in Co. Wicklow have pledged to ban smart phones. The scheme has now been approved by Education Minister Norma Foley. The Minister has also suggested that this initiative could be rolled out across the whole country. Should this initiative be extended throughout the country? Andrea was joined by Rachel Harper, Principal of St.Patricks National School in Greysones and leader of the ‘It Takes a Villiage’ campaign to ban smartphones from primary schools, Simon Lewis, principal of Carlow Educate Together and host of the 'If I Were Minister for Education Podcast' and other listeners and parents to discuss...

Bushy Park assault: Young boy brutally beaten by gang of youths in 20-minute ordeal
Yesterday The Star’s Paul Healy reported that a 13 year old boy was attacked in Bush Park in Dublin last Thursday. The attack lasted 20 minutes and the boy ended up in ICU. Gardaí are now investigating the attack. Andrea was joined by the boy’s mother, Magda...

'Things you can't control can happen' - Leaving kids and dogs alone together
Dogs Trust in the UK are warning parents of the risks when leaving young children alone with dogs. Last year in the UK 91% of dog bites to children under 14 years are from dogs known to the children in the home. Would you would leave your children alone unsupervised with your dog? Andrea was joined by Samantha Rawson Dog Trainer and Behaviourist, Elizabeth, a vet and other listeners to discuss...

'We should hang onto our accents with great pride' in Ireland
An RTÉ news report on the dead whale found in Kerry is getting huge attention. The report featured an interview with a local man, who’s accent has garnered some attention. Do we hear enough Irish regional accents on TV and radio? Are we in danger of losing our regional accents? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

'I can't accept hatred' - Effigies on loyalist bonfires condemned
Today is July 12th, which will mean Orange Orders and band parading in many parts of Northern Ireland. Yesterday, the Eleventh Night, saw more than 200 bonfires lit in loyalist areas across the North. Among the bonfires was an effigy of Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill in Co Tyrone- where it was to be burned alongside with Irish flags. A picture of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and an Irish flag were set alight again in Tyrone on Saturday. How do we ever have a conversation about a United Ireland when we have effigies of politicians being burned in the north? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

'The answers haven't come from today' - Ryan Tubridy before PAC
Ryan Tubridy and Noel Kelly's marathon sessions at two Oireachtas committees are underway. The first session at the Public Accounts Committee began at 11am, with the second session at the Oireachtas Media Committee getting underway from 3pm. Andrea was joined by Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent and listeners to discuss the proceedings...

Mindfullness: 'It's not a one-size-fits-all approach'
So it turns out, mindfulness really does work. A new study from Cambridge University has show that it can help with depression and anxiety. And can even give you a health boost! But what is it really? Andrea was joined by Michael Ryan, Yoga and Meditation Therapist, nutritional therapist, Fawn Clarke and others to discuss...

Farming industry condemns 'disturbing' abuse of animals exposed by RTÉ report
An RTE Investigates Documentary has revealed the harsh conditions male calves endure at cattle marts. Shocking footage was aired last night causing outrage from those in the industry and animal rights campaigners. Is it time we crack down on animal welfare in the farming industry? Andrea was joined by Dennis Drennan, Deputy President of ICMSA, Gerry Boland, founder and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Catherine Woods, animal rights activist and more to discuss...

Foster mum asks people to ‘stop and think’ after bystanders filmed jet-ski tragedy
The family of a young man who drowned in a jet-ski accident have said that some people filmed his final moments. Wassiou Leon Ayawe was 19 when died after the jet-ski he was on flipped over in Killaloe. His foster mother Sandra Byrnes joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Swinging community in Ireland becoming ‘bigger every week’
How big is the swinging community in Ireland? Is it possible to have an openly sexual community in a country as small as Ireland? Andrea was joined by Gray and Gemma to discuss their experiences in the swinging community...

Parents 'have to be accountable' for their children's crimes
The head of Cork’s Support After Crime Services fears that a bill criminalising the recruitment of children into gangs won’t achieve its aims unless parents are also held to account. Should parents be held accountable for their children’s crimes or antisocial behaviour? Andrea was joined by Sally Hanlon, founding member and Director of Services of Support After Crime Services and other listeners to discuss…

Are we getting outraged about everything to do with RTÉ?
Marty Morrissey has revealed himself as the RTÉ staff member who had a loan of a car from Renault for five years. In a statement yesterday the RTÉ GAA commentator said he did not seek a fee to act as MC at Renault events so they ‘offered me the use of a car’ It is the latest in a number of controversies to rock RTÉ and its star in the last number of days. But, are we now at the point where we are looking to get outraged about everything to do with RTE?

Should adult children have to pay rent?
Andrea was joined on the show by callers to discuss whether or not adult children should contribute to the household...

Did you get an access code for Taylor Swift tickets?
Taylor Swift fans frantically refreshed their emails yesterday to see if they were among the lucky punters to get an access code to the golden tickets! But for many, that email never came. Were you one of the lucky ones? Or are you frustrated with the system? Andrea was joined by callers to find out if they were one of the lucky ones...

Driving test delays: 'The system is broken'
Learner drivers are regularly having to wait about 6 months to get driving tests around the country. The delays often mean that they have a long period between finishing their lessons and doing the test – so they could be out of practice. Is this fair? Andrea was joined by Brenda Bolger, owner of Bolger School of Motoring in Kilkenny and callers who shared their own experiences on the driving test delays...

Father of the bride delays wedding speeches to listen to the Kerry game
I saw a picture doing the rounds on Twitter that has really made me laugh. In it, there’s the father of the bride, at the top table, beside his daughter. But instead of taking in the beautiful surroundings – he has his phone glued to his ear. And it turns out, that’s because he’s listening to last weekend’s Kerry game – which unfortunately clashed with the wedding. He wasn’t going to miss a minute of it, even his daughter’s wedding couldn’t stop him! Father of the Bride, Kevin O’Sullivan joined Andrea on the show...

Just Stop Oil protestors: 'Bunch of attention seeking arses'
Three ‘Just Stop Oil’ Environmental activists have been arrested after two protests disrupted tennis at Wimbledon yesterday. What do you think of the Just Stop Oil protests at Wimbledon? Do you support them? Andrea was joined by callers to share their views on the Just Stop Oil protestors...

All-Ireland Dublin footballer Siobhan McGrath on suffering a stroke
Four Time all Ireland winning footballer with Dublin Siobhan McGrath put exhaustion and aches and pains down to being wrecked after a training session – little did she know that she was having a stroke. Siobhan McGrath joined Andrea on the show to tell her story...

Breastfeeding breaks - Is enough being done to help working mothers?
New employment entitlements for parents come into effect this week, including breastfeeding breaks in the workplace. They’ll be extended from the current period of six months up to two years. A positive move, but is enough being done to help working mothers?

Do the general public annoy you at gigs?
There has been an abundance of gigs happening around the county over the past few weeks, from Dermot to Kennedy to The Prodigy and everything in between. With so many gigs, brings plenty of opportunities for the general public to annoy us! Andrea was joined by callers who shared their annoying stories...

The latest on the RTÉ controversy
More revelations about spending at RTE this morning. They’re due before the Oireachtas media committee at 1.30 pm today. Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent joined Andrea with the latest...
Should you be allowed grow cannabis for personal use?
Andrea was joined by Rocco who got in touch with the show to hear his story as to why cannabis as to why he grows cannabis for personal use...

Travel Q and A with Barry Kenny
Irish Rail's Barry Kenny answered listeners travel questions...

Darragh O'Brien: 'That's a significant payment and i'd like to see that be expanded'
Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien is a Malahide local. He joined Andrea to discuss the housing in North county Dublin.

Hospitality in Malahide: 'It's like living in a holiday destination'
Malahide boasts an abundance of pubs and restaurants. So how does a small village punch so high when it comes to entertainment and hospitality? Andrea spoke to the owner of Gibney's, Tony Gibney, Senior Executive Officer for Tourism Development for Fingal Council, Declan Power and owner of Bon Appétit, Toro Tapas Bar and the Ribeye Steakhouse in Malahide, Oliver Dunne.

Taking a train tour around Malahide
Upon her arrival in Malahide Andrea met Michael Place the owner of Toots, the Malahide road train. Andrea took a tour of Malahide on Toots and chatted to Michael about what Malahide has to offer.

Being American in Ireland on Independence Day
4th of July marks American Independence Day. Andrea was joined by Vanessa Ridder and Brady Chamberlain from School of Rock, a music group from the U.S whose 50 members have made a trip to Dublin. Andrea was also joined by American callers to hear how they are celebrating.

North County Dublin: 'It's a special, special place'
As part of Newstalk's Summer Tour Andrea was joined in Malahide by presenter of Alive and Kicking, Claire McKenna, Newstalk reporter, Henry McKean and Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal, Louise O’Reilly She asked the north county Dublin locals what are the best things about living in the area?

Four in ten believe a woman's place is in the home
Four in ten people in the EU think the most important role of a woman is to take care of her home and family. That’s according to new research undertaken by the European Commission, who are launching an EU-wide social media campaign tackling gender stereotypes. Andrea spoke to callers to hear their opinions on the new research.

Should we allow children to get bored?
With the school holidays kicking off today, is there pressure on children to always be doing something? Are kids able to be bored anymore? Andrea was joined by, Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytical Psychotherapist, Colman Noctor, Paenting life coach, Laura Guckian and callers.

Consumer Corner: Securing accommodation for Taylor Swift
Rachel got in touch with the show due to her hotel in Dublin cancelling her accommodation in Dublin for Taylor Swift and relocated her over 10km from the city center. Daniel and Chloe also got in touch with similar issues. Sinead Ryan, presenter on The Home Show on Newstalk joined Andrea on the show to discuss…

Seating on Hill 16: 'Don't wait until an accident happens'
Several fans were ejected from Croke Park after a brawl broke out between supporters of Armagh and Monaghan. A video of the fighting was widely shared online over the weekend. The GAA has warned that Hill 16 could be converted to seating if fighting continues. Should Hill 16 be converted to seating? Andrea spoke to callers to hear their opinions.

Summer Memories with Alison Curtis
Our summer memories series returns where we chat with some well-known faces and reminisce over those long summer days! Today FM Presenter Alison Curtis joined Andrea in studio...

Families being priced out of Dingle
Do we prioritize tourists too much over locals? Census figures show that Dingle is the town with the oldest population in Ireland and young families are being out-priced from buying where they’re from. Andrea was joined by Fianna Fáil Councillor in Dingle Breandán Fitzgerald and callers to discuss being priced out of Dingle...

Do you bring a gift when visiting people's houses?
Andrea Gilligan received an email from a listener asking if you’re using someone’s house as your free airbnb, should you bring a gift when visiting? So what do you think? Andrea was joined by callers to discuss...

Where do RTÉ go from here?
Yesterday was another day of revelations from RTÉ as the controversy deepens. RTÉ management was before the Public Accounts Committee and I think it is fair to say it didn’t reflect well on them. They have been accused of using a “slush fund” to spend €275,000 on corporate hospitality in Japan and Spain and on Irish Rugby Football Union tickets. Andrea Gilligan was joined by taxpayers to discuss where do RTÉ go from here?...

E-scooters 'fill a gap' in the Irish transport system
One in seven people want e-scooters banned altogether. A survey by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva Insurance also revealed about a quarter of us think e-scooters should have to pay tax and insurance regardless of how quick they can go. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

‘It’s an added incentive’ - Parents paying teens to stay away from booze
Would you offer your teenager €2000 to stay away from booze? Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy has an article today detailing her plans to offer her 14-year-old son this deal if he doesn’t drink until he’s 18. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Mary McCarthy, Niamh and Patricia to discuss…

Women for Election appoints male CEO: ‘A real pity’ - Doherty
Women4Election yesterday announced their new CEO as Brian Sheehan and it caused a huge backlash online. Is it really a good idea for Women4 Election, an organisation that helps women get elected to the local and national government, to hire a man in their most senior role? Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty, Linda, John and more to discuss...

GAAGO: All-Ireland Quarter Finals ‘should be free to air’
Two of this weekend's big All-Ireland quarter finals will be shown only on GAA GO. Saturday's double-header will be broadcast exclusively on the streaming platform. Kerry vs Tyrone and Armagh vs Monaghan will not be on terrestrial television and will be behind the paywall instead. Despite having played five championship games, Kerry's clash with Clare was the only time they’ve been broadcast on live tv in this series. Andrea was joined by Jerry O'Sullivan, Presenter of the Kerry Today program on Radio Kerry and other listeners to discuss…

'I know my vulnerability can be a strength' - Living with Tourette's
Lewis Capaldi announced this week that he’s taking a break from touring to focus on his mental and physical well being. He spoke about getting diagnosed with Tourettes last year, and how he has struggled with the impact it’s had on him. Tourette’s syndrome is a nervous system disorder that causes repetitive movements, sounds, or tics that cannot be easily controlled. James MacInerney, Make Up Artist and contestant on The Glow Up joined Andrea to discuss his experience with Tourette’s…

Banning smoking in outdoor dining areas ‘a step too far’
Galway County Council are considering a proposal to ban smoking in designated outdoor dining areas across the county. What do you think? Should smoking be banned in outdoor dining areas? Would you like to see this be considered nationwide?

Childcare providers 'need an injection of funding immediately'
Childcare providers from across the country are protesting in Dublin today about funding and fees. They’re saying the sector is in crisis and if something doesn’t change soon, a lot of them will have to close. How hard is it to get childcare in Ireland? When did you put your child on the waiting list? Andrea was joined by Paula Donohoe is the owner of Clever Cloggs Creche in Ballyconnell, John, owner of Bel Childcare in Douglas, Cork and parents to discuss...

'I wouldn't call it meat!': Would you eat lab grown meat products?
Would you eat meat that was grown in a lab? The Unites States has become the second country to go ahead to make lab grown meat commercially available. They have granted approvals to two companies to sell chicken grown directly from animal cells in a lab. Singapore gave lab grown chicken the green light back in 2020. Is it the way of the future? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Fat-shaming: 'People are becoming increasingly unkind'
Podcaster, writer and LGBT Ireland programme manager James O’Hagan told Newstalk Breakfast says his Dublin Pride experience was soured after he was twice approached by strangers ridiculing his weight. Mr O’Hagan said the experiences were "so at odds with what Pride is all about and what we want to be as an LGBTQ+ community". Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss their experiences of fat-shaming…

COVID 'baby boom' boosted population of Aran Island
The government are offering up to €80,000 to purchase a property in one of the country's offshore islands as part of the ‘Our Living Islands' scheme. Andrea was joined by Chloe O'Malley, manager of Inis Oirr Island Co-Op, Jerry in Arranmore, Tom O'Malley on Clare Island and Billy O’Connor on the Blasket Islands...

Intimate Care for Elderly People
Angeline, a listener, got in touch to talk about carers of the opposite sex. Her mother is receiving respite care after having pneumonia. During her stay in the care home she received intimate care from a male member of staff. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Angeline and Stefan, who is a male nurse...