Lunchtime Live
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Peta comparing eating fish to eating dead cats ‘a new low’
A new billboard by PETA states that eating fish is comparable to eating cats. The advert, which is in the UK, shows a fishmonger holding up a fish which changes to a dead cat. Locals in the area say they are horrified by the sign. What do you think? Is there a difference between eating a fish and eating a cat? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Jennifer White, PETA Media and Communications Manager anod other listeners to discuss… Image: Peta UK
Calls to ban open fires and stoves 'totally wrong' during current crisis
The government will today unveil their first ever Clean Air Strategy which will aim to cut down on air pollution in Ireland. The EPA estimate there are 1,300 premature deaths annually in Ireland due to poor air quality. Should the use of stoves and open fires be banned? Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss…
Cherry Orchard group will ‘tackle the systemic causes of anti-social behaviour'
A board has been set up to tackle anti-social behaviour in Cherry Orchard. It will include people from the local community, the Guards, the HSE, and local authorities. The idea is to support the community, and to try to stop anti-social behaviour and violence in the area. But will it work? Is this what the community needs? Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss...
'There is no incentive to stay in rural Ireland' - Young members of Macra na Feirme
Young farmers have been walking through the night as part of a march to highlight the challenges facing young people in rural Ireland. Members of 'Macra na Feirme' began the 79km walk from their headquarters in Athy to Merrion Square yesterday afternoon. Adrian Kennedy was joined by Liam Hanrahan, Chairperson of agriculture affairs committee in Macra na Feirme, Thomas, Laura and more to discuss...
'A step too far' - Partner of Paul Murphy TD on protests outside their home
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy tweeted a picture of a group of people protesting outside his family home last night. How far is too far? Is protesting outside a politicians house crossing boundaries? Paul Murphy's partner Jess Spear joined Adrian Kennedy to discuss what happened. Other listeners also joined the discussion on Lunchtime Live to discuss... Image: Twitter @paulmurphy_TD
‘I was told no’: Stalking victim refused no-contact order calls for legislation
New legislation for stalking in Ireland has been delayed since last year. A new offence of stalking has been proposed by the Government but has yet to be acted upon. In comparison it’s been announced that since Northern Ireland brought in new stalking laws a year ago, 88 people have been arrested and 47 people have been charged. Adrian Kennedy was joined by Eve McDowell, co-founder of Stalking.ie and Una Ring to discuss...
Gender identity education in schools 'decades behind'
The new junior cycle curriculum will ensure that all secondary schools teach gender identity as part of a revised sexual education programme beginning in September. The Catholic Secondary School Parents Association have accused policymakers of “seeking to promote an ideology that refuses to acknowledge basic biological facts in favour of a new gender self-identity doctrine” while others have welcomed the new approach. Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss...
'We need a plan in place' - Irish doctor whose father was evacuated from Sudan
Fifty Irish citizens have been evacuated from Sudan since yesterday and the Tanaiste has said he thinks there are about 150 there in total. Members of the Army Ranger Wing, the Defence Forces special operations unit have been dispatched to Sudan to help. Adrian Kennedy was joined on Lunchtime Live by Retired Lieutenant Colonel and airport safety and security auditor Kevin Byrne, Doctor Aia Mohammed, Dr Osama Ali, General secretary of the Sudanese Society of Cork and more to discuss...
Tasers 'are a good tool for the Gardaí to have' - former police officer
Frontline members of An Gardaí Síochána believe that they should be able to use tasers in response to the soaring number of assaults on their members. What do you think? Would you like to see Gardaí carrying tasers? Adrian Kennedy was joined on Lunchtime Live by Richard, a former police officer, Liam Herrick, Executive Director with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and other listeners to discuss…
'Traumatised' - Landlord lunged at tenant with saw in attemped eviciton
A video has gone viral online of what appears to be a landlord abusing a tenant, an immigrant doctor with a family of two young children. Dr Muhammed Raheel, the tenant and his colleague, Dr Liqa Ur Rehman joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live on Newstalk to discuss...
'A true gent' - Colm Horkan remembered by his cousin
Stephen Silver has been handed the mandatory life sentence for the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Silver shot Detective Horkan after taking his gun off him as he tried to arrest him in Castlerea, County Roscommon in June 2020. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney and Liam Breheny, Colm Horkan’s cousin…
‘We need a break’ - Carer hasn’t had respite in over 3 years
Being a carer for a family member or a loved one is a full time and often exhausting role. Currently in Ireland respite care is extremly hard come by for those caring for their family. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Kevin, Tracey and Jane to discuss...
Son of Holocaust survivor condemns ‘shocking’ picture of woman posing at Auschwitz
A photo of a tourist visiting Auschwitz has gone viral online. They’re posing in front of the buildings in a way that’s been called inappropriate. People are saying tourists have lost all respect and don’t know how to behave in sensitive sites. Have you ever seen this when visiting historically sensitive sites? Andrea Gilligan was joined by Oliver Sears, Founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland, Dr Emily Mark-Fitzgerald and listeners to discuss...
Parking charges for Phoenix Park 'a step too far'
Motorists parking their car in Dublin’s Phoenix Park may have to pay to do so in the future. The Office of Public Works has flagged to politicians the potential introduction of parking charges “across the entirety of the park”. What do you think of the idea? Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners to discuss..
'I can't develop my skills' - Star motorcylist can’t compete as governing body struggles to get insurance
Aoife Griffin is a shining light in Irish motorcycle racing. However, she has been unable to compete in any racing events this year as the governing body of motorcycling cannot get public liability insurance. Aoife joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss…
Rapid extension of free GP care could cause ‘crisis’ - IMO
Should everyone who earns €46,000 or less get free doctors appointments? The Irish Medical Organisation doesn’t think so – they think it could clog up an already overwhelmed medical service. The expansion of free GP care was announced as part of Budget 2023. The IMO say they would need an extra 1,100 GPs for something like that to work. So should everyone earning €46,000 get free doctors visits? And should there be free appointments for everyone under seven? Andrea was joined by Dr Tadhg Crowley, the chair of the Irish Medical Organisation, and listeners Teresa, Pauline and Lisa to discuss…
Bloody Sunday Bridge: ‘We're afraid to offend the British’
Plans to name a bridge near Croke Park stadium ‘Bloody Sunday Bridge’ have been branded ‘crude’, ‘inflammatory’ and ‘divisive’. Dublin City Council are to debate renaming canal bridge in honour of the 14 killed by Crown forces in 1920. Is naming a bridge at Croke Park ‘Bloody Sunday’ Bridge a good idea? Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Restrictions 'a symptom of much larger problems within our maternity system'
Calls are mounting for better maternity care in Ireland and for restrictions in maternity care imposed during covid-19 to be lifted. Campaigners says partners continue to be restricted from attending antenatal appointments. The calls come as hospitals are considering easing mask restrictions however some restrictions remain for maternity care. Andrea was joined by Rachel Fanagan-Bermingham one of the founders of the Birthright Alliance Ireland, Brenda McGrath and David Rice to discuss…
Legalising cannabis ‘could be a good thing’ - Farmer Hannah Quinn Mulligan
In the Irish Independent today, journalist and beef and dairy farmer Hannah Quinn-Mulligan writes: ‘Pretending there isn’t a substantial market for marijuana is pointless – we should legalise it and let Irish farmers cash in’ To discuss this further Andrea was joined by Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Mike, Donal and Denis…
Channel 4 show Naked Education ‘a tad voyeuristic’ - Amanda Brunker
A new Channel 4 “body positive” show which aims to “normalise all body types, champion people’s differences and break down stereotypes” has received nearly 1,000 complaints to Ofcom. In parts of the show, adults pose nude in front of teenagers in order to teach them about the human body. Do you think this is a good way for children to learn about the human body? Or is it too much? Andrea was joined by Writer Amanda Brunker, Kate from the Irish Naturist Association and many more listeners to discuss… Image: Channel 4
‘People view you based on the colour of your skin’ - Being a person of colour in Ireland
Ireland is progressively becoming more diverse with different cultures, races and backgrounds. However people are continuing to face the question ‘Where are you from?’ or ‘Where are you really from?’ Andrea was joined by listeners Suzanne, Stephanie, Michele and Denise to discuss…
‘I’m Joe!’ - Dundalk shop owners honoured by Biden visit
The Wee county had a big visitor yesterday as US President Joe Biden landed in Carlingford and Dundalk. Andrea was joined by Bobby Wain, from McAteers The Food House in Dundalk and Donal McGeough, Owner of the Windsor Bar in Dundalk to discuss meeting President Biden…
‘Leave our Angelus alone!’ - RTÉ’s Angelus doesn’t air due to Biden visit
Due to RTÉ’s coverage of the US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland, The Angelus was not aired ahead of yesterdays Six One news. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by a range of listeners to discuss whether The Angelus should continue to be aired by RTÉ or scrapped altogether…
'Absolutely backwards' - Electric vehicle grants cut by 30 per cent from July
Grants for electric cars will be cut by €1,500 to €3,500 for private buyers from July 1st. With the growing interest of electric vehicles, we ask is the infrastructure any good and will the cutting of the grant make buying these vehicles less appealing? Andrea was joined by Garrett, Brian Caulfield - Associate Professor & Head of Department, Trinity College Dublin, Research in Transport, Public Transport, Transport Emissions & Climate Change, Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with Irish Independent and Sunday Independent and more listeners to discuss
Digital Detox: 'I don't get enough time for friends, family, life'
Could you go without your phone for the weekend? Pat Phelan, CEO and co-founder of SISU Clinic has decided to do a digital detox every week from Friday after work to Monday morning. Pat Phelan joined Andrea alongside Newstalk’s Technology correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss…
US foreign policy ‘encouraging war and militarism’ - PBP to protest Biden visit
US President Joe Biden arrived in Belfast last night. He will visit Louth today visiting Carlingford and Dundalk before heading to Dublin tomorrow to address Leinster House and on to Mayo on Friday. But, not everyone is happy that he is here. A number of people will be protesting the visit of the 46th US President. Andrea was joined by Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mark Price, Co-Chair of the Irish Anti-War Movement and founding member of the Irish Neutrality League, and other listeners to discuss…
Surrogacy – what more needs to be done?
Ranae Von Meding, CEO of Equality for Children joined Andrea today to discuss what more needs to happen to help families looking for the support in their surrogacy journey.
Trigger warning on The Snapper
Beloved Irish movie The Snapper was on RTE on Saturday night, did you catch it? Well, if you did you would have heard a trigger warning before the 1993 movie began. It divided viewers over the weekend. Andrea discussed with some of them today to hear their opinions.
Bullying in HSE
As you know we've been covering allegations of bullying in the HSE & how they're dealt with since January of this year. According to Sunday Independent the HSE’s National Investigation Unit has launched high level probes into 83 cases of workplace bullying, sexual harassment and harassment in the health service in three years. We were joined today by David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson to discuss.
Should there be a Dublin allowance?
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has ruled out subsidised housing for healthcare workers. But should we introduce a Dublin allowance for workers struggling with costs of living in the city?
Why does parents rely so much on the screen time given to their children?
Recent survey from the activity group PGL Adventure that two out of three working parents rely on screen time to keep their children entertained. Yet excessive screen use by children, tweens and teenagers is has many side effects, including health risks. Why do parents still rely on it so much?
Finding Religion
Former Boyzone star Shane Lynch will tonight star in a new BBC documentary where he explores his relationship and journey back towards his religion. It’s release of course marks Good Friday and the start of Easter weekend, a time when many turn their attention to their faith. But are we seeing more and more people returning to religion?
Is there a place for Barbie in today’s society?
With the new Barbie trailer released we ask, does Barbie still have a place in society today?
Students ban promotion of horse racing – are they right?
Students at University College Cork (UCC) have voted to ban the promotion of student race days and to no longer condone or endorse events involving horse racing or betting on animals. The motion was passed as a result of a petition by the UCC Vegan Society which argued that the horse racing industry “knowingly and willingly partakes in the mistreatment and abuse of animals” Are the students right?
Should Young People be taught more about the Troubles?
Former Ireland and Ulster Rugby player Tommy Bowe joined Andrea today on the show to share his memories from before the Good Friday agreement and talked about the importance of teaching students about the history of the Troubles.
Are calorie counts on menus causing eating disorder?
A charity has warned posting calorie counts on menus is having a negative impact on those who are recovering from an eating disorder. The research suggested calorie counts left those surveyed feeling pressure to follow dangerous disordered thinking around food.
What is your experience with the Good Friday Agreement?
Today we’ve asked our listeners what have their experiences, or lack thereof, have been in regards to the Good Friday Agreement.
'A scandalous situation' - New teachers being hired on short-term contracts
A new survey of teachers has shown that teaching is no longer viewed as an attractive profession. The survey also indicates that there are unfilled teaching vacancies in almost half of all second-level schools. Why are people not taking up these posts? Is teaching still an attractive job? Andrea was joined by teachers; Adrienne, Warren, Bill and more to discuss…
'I've been sexually harassed by stag parties': Should cities ban hens and stags?
Amsterdam has warned rowdy sex and drug tourists to ‘stay away.’ The Dutch city have launched a new ad campaign aimed at cracking down on lewd stag and hen dos. The online ads will be triggered when people type in terms like - stag party, cheap hotel or pub crawl Amsterdam. What do you think about Amsterdam taking this new approach to stag parties and hen dos? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
Growing Up in Ireland: 'There's always room for improvement'
Cabinet today will discuss plans to establish a unit aimed at reducing child poverty and improving the well-being of children in Ireland. This new unit will look at issues like the cost of education & childcare, potential welfare reforms, public health measures, preventing family homelessness as well as participation in sport and cultural activities. Is Ireland a good place to be a child? Is it a good place to bring up children? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
Cost of Living: 'Some weeks I would have €10 left to do my shopping'
The pressure on of the rising cost of living on consumers pockets continues to grow with annual grocery bills set to rise by €1,200. Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss how they are being affected...
Career Showers: 'Everything we do is worthy of a celebration'
TikTok Influencer Amy Chan wants to normalise ‘career showers’ for people who get a new job or promotion in their career. Do we put too much emphasis on celebrations around marriage and children and not enough that celebrate single people as well? Andrea was joined by journalist Andrea Smith, Ali, Michael, Maria and Nicole to discuss…
'It was really embarrassing' - Presenter Michaela Hayes abused for using accessible toilet
Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Spin 1038 Presenter Michaela Hayes. Michaela has Crohn's disease and as a result has an ostomy bag. She recently had an experience at an Elton John concert where she was judged by others for queuing for the disabled toilet, because she has an invisible illness. Andrea was also joined by other people suffering from invisible illnesses and disabilities to discuss some of the abuse they receive when using public facilities and other difficulties they face... Image: Twitter - Michaela Hayes @MichaelaKHayes
Limerick shops 'being ravaged by gangs and youths' on electric bikes
A shop in Limerick is losing €250,000 a year through shoplifting and break-ins. Michael Gleeson owns five convenience stores in Limerick city, says he is considering employing security staff with protective gear and body cameras. Andrea was joined by Michael Gleeson, Finbarr Filan, owner of a Centra shop in Sligo and listeners to discuss…
Ask The Expert: Travel Insurance
Planning a trip abroad? From cancelled flights to missing luggage and getting sick abroad, Travel Expert Eoghan Corry joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to answer your travel insurance questions...
Eoin Ó Broin eviction tweet 'a new low' - Retired Garda
A recent tweet by Eoin O Broin has been drawing a great deal of criticism. The Sinn Fein housing spokesperson shared a caricature picture of a famine eviction with masked members of the gardaí superimposed into the scene. Minister of Justice Simon Harris said: ‘It’s offensive, inappropriate and disrespectful to the men and women of An Garda Siochana. Eoin O Broin is standing by the tweet saying it is intended as a criticism of Government policy and not the gardaí. Andrea was joined by listeners, retired Gardaí and artists to discuss…
Voting system: 'Young people can't see themselves in politics at the moment'
Brian Crowley, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live with a suggestion to change the political voting system. He suggests a system whereby people would vote by their age group, instead of their geographical location. Do you think your voice is heard in elections? Are you fairly represented in Government? If not, do you think things would improve if there were more people your age making the decisions? Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Brian, Caillum Hedderman, Adrian Kavanagh is an Election expert and Lecturer at the Maynooth University in the Department of Geography and many more to discuss…
Trump indictment: 'Politics in the States is a circus'
Donald Trump has become the first ever former US President to face criminal charges in court He has been indicted by a grand jury in New York over an alleged hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Republicans have condemned the move while Democrats say that no one is above the law. Donald Trump is at his home in Florida at the moment and Florida governor Ron DeSantis said his state would not assist in any request by authorities in New York to extradite the former president. How does this all reflect on the American political system? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
Irish greyhound racing industry 'dying on its feet'
Youghal Greyhound racing track looks set to close it’s door, with animal rights groups claiming it’s more evidence of the decline in public support for the sport. What does the future hold for Greyhound racing in Ireland? Do you support it? Andrea was joined by Damien Matthews is the Chairman of the Irish Greyhound Owners & Breeders Federation, Nuala Donlon from Greyhound Action Ireland and other listeners to discuss...
Katie Taylor homecoming fight in 3Arena ‘charging exorbitant prices’
Ticket information for Katie Taylor's fight with Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena on the 20th of May have been released. They go on sale next week but you could be paying up to €1,500 for a ticket. Ticket prices come in seven bands, but there are no cheap seats at this fight – the least expensive tickets available will set you back €80. Are promoters asking too much? Is boxing, a traditionally working class sport – pricing the average person out of fights? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…