Lunchtime Live
4,791 episodes — Page 81 of 96
'Balanced regional development is hugely important' - Locals welcome funding for regional airports
Should we forget about our regional airports and put the money in to Dublin instead? Junior Minister with responsibility for aviation, Jack Chambers announced funding allocations worth €17 million for capital projects in our regional airports – but are they worth the money? Andrea Gilligan was joined by Paul, Derek and Walter to discuss...
Free school meals: 'The waste is unnatural' - Delivery man for schools
It’s been announced that every Deis Primary school pupil will get a free hot school meal every day from September. For some, this may be the only hot meal they get a day. The scheme will be brought in for all schools by 2030. Is this a good idea? Should all Deis kids get a free school meal? Or is there a better way to target this so there’s no waste? Andrea was joined by parents, teachers and those working in the school meals business to discuss...
Autism services for children: ‘Year on year, it’s getting worse’
Currently in Ireland, there are many children that are being failed by the services for autism, with endless waiting lists. Andrea was joined by mothers Joanne, Pamela and Rosanna to discuss...
Competition in sport: 'Losing is just as important as winning'
Is competition good for children? Or should we be encouraging them to just play for fun? Irish Examiner columnist Jennifer Horgan wrote a column warning that playing to win is the wrong philosophy and asked whether the GAA had become too competitive for younger children. Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners, parents and coaches to discuss…
86-year-old facing eviction 'worried about being put out on the street'
Mary Allen is 86 years old, she’s been living in rented accommodation in Listowel for the past 14 years. In October, she was served notice of eviction from her landlord. Now, with the eviction ban lifting this week – she doesn’t know where she’s going to go. Mary’s son Michael joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss. Mary in Dublin, who's hudband is an accidental landlord also joined the conversation...
Has the term 'woke' become an insult?
An interesting tweet posted by Senator Lynn Ruane reads: "Woke is really not insult you all think it is. I’d rather be woke than a racist. I’d rather be woke than a homophobe, I’d rather be woke than transphobe, I’d rather be woke than classist. I’d rather be woke. Woke is an affirmation not an insult. Big hugs all, woke or not." Do people consider ‘woke’ an insult? Has it become a dirty word? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
Dublin residents given 'no warning' for noisy overnight roadworks
Dave, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live this week because of issues he’s having around late night noise on his road due to overnight roadworks. Dave and other residents in the area joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Restricted dog breeds: 'Laws aren't being enforced'
People who fail to control their dogs will face fines up to €5,000 under plans due to go before Cabinet today. Other dog regulation plans include: Having a central database for dog breeders, recruiting 40 extra dog wardens across the country and also creating a central database for dog microchips The move comes after nine-year-old Alejandro Miszan was left with life-altering injuries following a dog attack last November. Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners to discuss…
‘I don’t think sportspeople should be above questioning’ - Reaction to Kellie Harrington interview
Should sports stars be held up as role models? In an interview on Off the Ball last night, Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington was questioned about a tweet she posted last October, she refused to answer the question when pressed on it. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Off The Ball's Shane Hannon, Niamh Buffini, an ex Olympic taekwondo coach, Trevor Twamley, co founder of Sport Endorse and many more to discuss...
The Cost of Transition Year
At the moment in Ireland, around 70 per cent of secondary school students go into Transition Year after their Junior Cert. There has been plenty of talk of the ups and downs of making it compulsory. But what kind of an undertaking would that be for parents? Parents are apparently paying anything in the region of 100 to 900 in registration fees upon entry. This often doesn’t include trips aboard and extra courses that you have to pay for. Andrea was joined by Tracey, Elaine and David to discuss…
‘Shame on the GAA’ - Waterford club to continue wearing mental health jersey despite ban
Should GAA clubs and counties be allowed to promote charities and causes on their jerseys? There’s been a surprised reaction from many at the move by the GAA to ban the promotion of charities and causes on jerseys in the future. Andrea was joined by Liam Brazzil from Kilrossanty GAA in Waterford, Jimmy Norman from Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, Fergus Finlay, Former CEO of Barnardos and many more to discuss…
‘There’s nothing legal about this’ - Family of eight evicted before ban lifted
A family of eight have been evicted from their Donegal home without any notice or warning. The landlord showed up at their home and changed the locks while the other men packed up their belongings, including baby food and toys, into bin bands and put them outside in the rain. Father of six, Gabriel joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live alongside Sligo-based Fine Gael councillor Sinead Maguire who is helping the family… Image: Supplied
Banning cars in Dublin city a 'sledgehammer approach' - Business owner
Is it time to get rid of cars in cities? Do issues like noise pollution, air pollution, congestion, lack of green spaces mean that having cars in cities is negatively impacting us all? Una Mullally has a piece in today’s Irish Times that says: ‘Cars have to go. People can fight this all they want, but it has to happen’ What do you think? Andrea was joined by listeners and business owners to discuss…
'Insufficient evidence to suggest trans women have an unfair advantage' - Trans athlete on ban
World Athletics have decided that transgender women will not be allowed to compete in female sports categories. Trans women will be banned if they’ve gone through male puberty. Previously transgender females could compete if they had gone through a period of testosterone suppression. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Saoirse Macken, co-founder of Trans Plus Pride, weightlifter Rehana Maniar, Joanna Harper is a Visiting Fellow for Transgender Athletic perfomance at Loughborough University and transgender athlete and others to discuss..
After-work drinks 'nothing like it was' pre-pandemic
With the COVID 19 pandemic came the world of work from home. For many this was a huge positive but has it caused the death after-work drinks and liquid lunches? Is drinking culture fading from our work lives? And, is the social side of work going with it? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
'Teachers and students should have religious freedom,' teacher says
Should religion education be removed from schools? Journalist and teacher, Jennifer Horgan has a piece in today’s Irish Examiner asking ‘Are the 'bouncy castle Catholics' hurting our school system?’ The piece details the realities of Catholic ethos schools in Ireland and how it can affect students and teachers who don’t practice the Catholic faith. Should teachers be allowed to opt out of religious teaching? Or should schools be made completely secular? Andrea was joined by journalist and teacher, Jennifer Horgan and listeners Graham, David and more to discuss…
The business of dogs goes barking mad!
Ireland has gone dog mad in recent years, with ever more restaurants, pubs and even offices catering to furry plus ones. And Irish entrepreneurs who've sniffed out the area are also seeing paws-itive results. Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports with thanks to Square - helping businesses run and grow. See square.com for more.
Dublin schoolchildren’s ‘quality of life has been majorly disrupted’ by airport noise
A Dublin school is worried parents might take their children out of class because of the noise caused by Dublin Airport. Vice Principal of Kilcoskan National School Patricia Finnegan and Breffni Conaty, a parent of students at Kilcoskan National School joined Andrea to discuss…
Pensions: 'People can't seriously expect to retire aged 65 for perpetuity'
The overhaul of the State pension system, taking effect in January 2024, will give people the option to continue working until the age of 70. Those that do so will secure a State Pension of €315 per week, compared with the current rate of €265.30 per week. New research from Lockton People Solutions Ireland shows less than one in four people would be willing to do so. Would you be willing to work to 70 if it meant an extra 50 euro a week in your state pension? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
'It's such an expense for two days!' - Taking annual leave for weddings
As we head into the busy wedding season and are lucky enough to be invited to a few, you’ll notice the chunk of annual leave that it uses up. Has your annual leave been eaten up by weddings, hens or stags? Do you feel comfortable declining an invite due to the days it takes up? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Dublin Airport drop-off charges are ‘tone deaf’ - Crowe
Dublin Airport have been given the go-ahead to start charging people for drop offs and pick ups. It’s not something they said they’re looking at rolling out straight away, but there are no guarantees it’s not coming soon. Is it fair to charge for airport drop offs? Andrea was joined by Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and other listeners to discuss… Image: Split-screen image shows Cathal Crowe TD and the entrance to Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport. Picture: Twitter @CathalCroweTD
'I still have life to live' - Sligo chef Joe Shannon on his cancer battle
Speaking about death is never easy, but when you’re facing it head on – there’s no avoiding it. Joe Shannon, a chef from Sligo has unfortunately been given a terminal diagnosis. Joe joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss coming to terms with his diagnosis... Image: chefjoeshannon.ie
Dublin pub responds to ‘outrageous’ negative campaign from ‘Guinness blogger’
Do you leave restaurant or pub reviews online? Or do you read them and take them as gospel? The Strawberry Hall Pub recently posted online about a bad review they received and the impact something like this can have on business. Andrea was joined by Ciara Cummins from Strawberry Hall Pub in Dublin, Aidan from Duke's Coffee Company Cork, Klara O’Leary from Care Box Collection and Sarah Hanrahan, known as 'I come undone' on Instagram to discuss
Shoplifting: 'There isn't really adequate consequences'
Shopkeepers are saying there’s a wave of crime and harassment in their shops at the moment. Some are calling for the right to name and shame known shoplifters, in a bid to stop them. Andrea was joined by Shane Gleeson, who runs five Spar shops in Limerick city, Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist in Milltown Total Health Pharmacy, Sheila Clarke, who runs Clarke’s XL shop in Ballina and Eddie in Drogheda to discuss…
Divorce process 'fraught with difficulties' in Ireland
Divorce is always a hard choice but the process that is barely ever talked about is the impact it has mentally, physically and financially. Andrea Gilligan was joined on the show by John, Andrea and Mandy to discuss...
Kildare Councillor says ESB are ‘profiteering from a war situation’
After a year of imposing a succession of huge price hikes on households and businesses around the country over the last year, the ESB reported a profit of €847m in 2022 – almost 170 million more than the year before. Have you been struggling with bills over the last year? Do you think it is fair that the ESB could have such high profits while so many people find it hard to make payments? Andrea was joined by Social Democrats Councillor for Naas, Bill Clear and other listeners to discuss…
Racism: ‘Everyday when I wake up, I know I have to go face prejudice’
The Government will launch a national action plan to tackle racism today It comes as a report has found that racism is embedded at every level of society and experienced by a variety of groups. What do you think, is Ireland a racist country? Andrea was joined by Toby, Eric, Sam and Cllr Úruemu Adéjinmi, Fianna Fáil Councillor in Longford to discuss… Image: Protesters gather during a Black Lives Matter protest in Eyre Square, Galways - Szymon Barylski/Alamy
Children face long commutes in West Cork due to lack of special school
Both parents and children with special needs are suffering from long commuting times to get to their schools due to little or none that can accommodate them in the West Cork area. Andrea was joined by Emma Howlin, Sarah O’ Donovan and Ray O’ Mahony to discuss their children’s situation…
Employers 'turned their nose up at my lack of college education' - Pamela Laird
Although the number of people attending third level education continues to rise in Ireland, there are also still many people opting for a career in entrepreneurship or an apprenticeship. However, is there a snobbery in society around people who don’t have a degree? Andrea was joined by Pamela Laird, CEO and Founder of Moxi Loves and former Apprentice candidate and other Lunchtime Live listeners to discuss… Image: BBC
Tenant moving to emergency accomodation due to 'excrement coming into my flat'
Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by listener Alina who is having issues she’s with the home she’s renting. Nora from CATU, the Community Action Tenants Union also joined the discussion to discuss how they help tenants...
'It’s soul destroying' - Family facing eviction after 11 years
Government party leaders will meet later this evening to discuss how they will respond to Sinn Féin's motion to extend the eviction ban until the end of next January. Andrea was joined by Teresa, Emma, Aoife and John to discuss impact of lifting of the eviction ban will have on them...
‘Time will see’ if Irish rugby team can become greatest to ever represent Ireland - Shane Byrne
Eamonn Sweeney wrote an article in the Irish Independent claiming that Andy Farrell's team is the best to ever represent Ireland - and not just in rugby. Do you agree with him? Where does this Grand Slam stand amongst Ireland’s great sporting achievements? Andrea was joined by former Irish rugby international, Shane Byrne, Liam and Jackie to discuss...
Homeschooling: 'I think it gave me a better rounded education'
Tánaiste Micheal Martin has said that the Enoch Burke case highlights why children should be educated in schools and not in the home. Mr Burke’s mother, Martina, a qualified teacher, home-schooled all her 10 children. Micheal Martin said: “I’m not a great fan of homeschooling. I think children need to socialise” Does homeschooling your children lead to problems with socialisation? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
Celebrating the best of small Irish businesses
In honour of St Patrick's Day we’re celebrating the best Irish businesses with thanks to Square – helping businesses run and grow. See square.com for more. Andrea gave a shoutout some of Lunchtime Live listeners favourite small Irish business...
'I was dying' - Woman warns others after botched weight loss surgery in Turkey
Irish patients are being warned against going abroad for a weight-loss procedures. They have been warned against going abroad for a weight-loss procedure that is ineffective and at the centre of a number of cases of botulism in Turkey. Why do people feel the need to travel abroad? Are the HSE not doing enough to help overweight people in Ireland? Andrea was joined by Leanne, David, Dr Michael Crotty, a GP who specialises in the area of weight management and others to discuss...
'There's a wonderful opportunity to be patriotic' on St Patrick's Day
With St. Patrick’s Day inching ever closer, are we patriotic enough as a nation? Or are those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day abroad more patriotic than us at home? Andrea was joined by Sean, Helen, John, Claire in America and Marina in Spain to discuss…
St Patrick's Day alcohol ban for Dublin City Centre 'a stupid solution'
Off licences in Dublin won’t be selling alcohol before 4pm tomorrow. It’s a self imposed booze ban, in order to try to tame down some of the St Patricks Day celebrations. So, is this a good idea? Is it wise to restrict sales so that they city doesn’t become too messy? Andrea was joined by Lunchtime Live listeners to discuss...
Mother of mudered Irish boxer 'horrified' as son's killer moved to UK prison
Andrea Gilligan was joined by Tracy Tully, Mother of Irish boxing champion Kevin Sheehy. Says she has lost faith in the justice system after her son’s killer, Logan Jackson was moved to an English prison... Image: Sportsfile/Seth Daly
Concussion in Sport: 'I wasn't able to go to work'
Is there anything done in Ireland about the rise in concussion in sport? Andrea Gilligan was joined by on Lunchtime Live by Irish Times journalist, Jen Hogan, Brendan McKeogh from Cistercian College in Roscrea, Oonagh Whyte, former Dublin footballer and others to discuss... Image: Sportsfile
'I am at my most complete now!' - Is there time when women are 'in their prime?'
During her Oscar winning speech, actress Michelle Yeoh warned her fellow women to 'not let anyone say you’re past your prime’. In recent years there has been a growing change and shift in what is really deemed the prime age, which is currently 30. Have you ever been told you're past your prime? Andrea was joined by Evie, Maureen, Geraldine and Renee to discuss...
United Ireland: 'I hope that I'm dead and buried long before that happens'
Sinn Fein have taken outs ads today in American newspapers like the New York Times and the Washington Post calling for a vote on Irish unity. They’re saying that as the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement approaches, it’s time to hold the British Government accountable to it’s Good Friday commitments. They’ve timed it for when our Ministers are in America, and all eyes are on Ireland. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'I’ve lost my little boy': Dad has to spoon feed eight year old with Long COVID
The HSE is today beginning a study of Long Covid in Ireland. The HSE says that they hope to use the information to help us to estimate how common Long Covid is in the community. Andrea was joined by Paul O’Connell and Tanja Buwalda to discuss...
'Climate of fear' among renters, says teacher who was given eviction notice
With the eviction ban set to finish this month renters all over the country are starting to be affected. Multimedia presenter with the Limerick Leader, Meghann Scully, Catríona, a Limerick teacher who is being evicted from her Limerick annex and others joined Andrea to discuss...
'It could put you out of business overnight' - Vandalism at drive-in cinema
Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Ryan O’Neill from Retro Drive-in Movies and Leonard Russell from Sherriff YC to discuss recent incidents of vandalism at their premises…
Mother says 'there should be no car parking charges for parents who have sick kids in hospital'
It’s been announced that car parking charges at the National Children’s hospital will reach up to €10 a day, where they’ll be capped. The charges have been a contentious topic for years, with parents saying it’s a huge fee to add to their hardship. So, it €10 reasonable? Or is it an unfair ask of parents? What will it mean for people travelling from around the country, who typically won’t be able to take public transport? Andrea was joined by parents Yvonne, Fiona, Carly and others to discuss…
'The modern family now is two working professionals and a dog!'
Ireland has gone dog mad in recent years, with ever more restaurants, pubs and even offices catering to furry plus ones. And Irish entrepreneurs who've sniffed out the area are also seeing paws-itive results. Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports... With thanks to Square - helping businesses run and grow. See square.com for more...
Family sleeping in car after 'very emotional' double cancer battle
“I don’t know which doors to knock on”, that is the view of Filip. Filip and his wife and their daughter have been forced to sleep in their car after losing their home after running out of money to pay their rent following a double cancer battle.
SNL Sketch: 'Are we so insecure that we can't be the butt of a joke anymore?’
Do Irish Stereotypes bother you? Saturday Night Live came under fire after their Oscars skit which showed impressions of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson and included jokes about the Irish accent and alcoholism. It has annoyed many people – but does it bother you? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss… Image: Saturday Night Live
Mother says language used during son's first confession 'was totally wrong'
Jill, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about her son's experience at his first confession as part of his preparation for his First Holy Communion. Jill says she was horrified by some of the language used in the ceremony of Examination Of Conscience. Jill, Tom, Ger, and Fr Paddy Byrne, parish priest of Abbeyleix, Ballinakill and Raheen in Co Laois all joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
O’Connell St Garda Station should be open ‘on a 24-hour basis’ - Marie Sherlock
A new Garda station is to open on Dublin’s O’Connell Street today. Will this curb antisocial behaviour and possibly improve the atmosphere in the area? Andrea was joined by Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock, Noel Kelly, Manager of McDowells Jewellers on O'Connell Street and Rosemary to discuss...