Lunchtime Live

Head of transport at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Declan Meally has said you shouldn’t be too concerned about the lack of charging points for EVs across the country as “most of your charging should be done at home”. How practical is this advice? Is the infrastructure there in Ireland to drive an electric car? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Over a thousand younger people are being cared for in nursing home because adequate housing and care hasn’t been provided for them elsewhere. There are currently nearly 1,350 people under the age of 65 being cared for in Ireland’s nursing homes, according to Freedom of Information figures released to Newstalk. While some of these residents have a disability, others have conditions that affect their ability to live independently. The HSE said nursing homes are only used for younger people where no other alternatives are available. Andrea was joined by Pauline, Brendan and Reinhard to discuss their adult children’s situations…

There are two international football games coming up in March, as well as our final home Six Nations tie against England - all these games will take place in the Aviva Stadium. It begs the question, in the future should we look to spread international fixtures around the country? Would there be any benefits to moving them? Andrea was joined by Sinéad O’Keeffe, Commercial Director with Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork, Joey Malone, Assistant Manager with Shelbourne Woman’s National League Team and other listeners to discuss…

Shannen O’Flaherty is 26 and living with Friedeich's Ataxia. It’s a rare inherited disease which causes damage to your nervous system and movement problems. It also means Shannen needs to use a wheelchair. But unfortunately, she’s been given the wrong wheelchair, which means she’s in pain every day. So now she’s fundraising for her own.

In a statement yesterday, President Michael D Higgins said that schools should provide “basic information regarding sexuality in the fullest sense”. It comes amid plans for a new sex education curriculum being formulated, and discussions around the teaching of transgender issues in Irish schools. What do you think? What should or shouldn’t be included in the new sex education course? Andrea was joined by Hannah Solley, Family support and education office with TENI, Dara McGann, a transgender woman in Cork and other listeners to discuss…

Life can be more colourful for some – especially if you experience synaesthesia, a neurological condition – where people have a kind of a cross-wiring of the senses. Journalist and Editor Aisling Keenan joined Andrea to tell her about her experience of the condition...

In January, Andrea spoke to Caroline Phelan about her brother Bernard, who was on hunger strike in Iran. He was protesting because he believes he’s being held there as a political pawn and denies all the charges the Iranians have held against him. Gregory O’Corry-Crowe, Bernard’s first cousin is in Dublin today for a press conference at Buswells Hotel and he joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live…

Should flat faced dogs be banned from crufts? The RSPCA are calling for an end to breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and British bulldogs competing at the annual dog show – they fear that it’s making the breeds more popular, and with so many of these suffering from breathing issues – they say it’s a serious concern. Andrea was joined by Gerry Boland, Animal Rights Campaigner, Founder and Spokesperson of Animals Behind Closed Doors, Sean Deimer, Member of health and wellbeing committee of the Irish kennel club and international judge and other listeners to discuss…

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Andrea was joined by some women who work in male-dominated jobs and how they have overcome the struggles faced in such industries. Caitríona Bergin, head of Women in Construction and Quarrying Ireland, Dearbhla Keane, founder of SheConstructs and member of women’s construction and quarrying Ireland and Hannah Kelly, general manager of production on an oyster farm, all joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live…

A proposal has been put forward to completely redesign Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. Dublin City Council have put forward some objections, saying they have serious concerns. But most of the outcry seems to have come from the public, with people saying we’re ruining the character of the building, and ruining the personalities of our cities. Are we in danger of riping everything with character down and making our cities totally generic? Andrea was joined by Dublin City Councillor, Mannix Flynn, Dermot O’Grady, The Green Gallery in Stephen’s Green, Gwen Leyden, Landlord of Georges Street Arcade and listeners to discuss… Image: Leonard Design Architects

It’s been revealed today that the state paid over €100 million last year on the salaries of teachers in private schools. According to figures released to Newstalk, the bill for two schools in Dublin was over €4 million. The total cost for the 2021-2022 school year was €104.3 million. Should the state be paying the salaries of teachers in fee paying schools? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Tracey, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about an incident in which she left her car parked in a taxi rank because she thought she was in labour. She was subsequently fined and appealed her ticket. She joined Andrea to discuss the attitudes towards pregnant women in Ireland...

Should we introduce free public transport in Ireland? AA Ireland are calling upon the Government to introduce free public transport, however Green Party leader Eamon Ryan says that it would 'increase level of unnecessary trips'. Andrea was joined by Green Party Councillor Janet Horner, Feljin Jose, Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition and other listeners to discuss…

An auction is taking place this weekend in Bray which will see Nazi themed memorabilia such as a statue of Hitler being sold off. Oliver Sears, son of a holocaust survivor and founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland joined Andrea to discuss…

A judge in Cork District Court says people “acting the maggot” with hospital staff should go to prison. According to the Irish Nursing and Midwives Organisation there were 5,593 reported assaults against nursing and midwifery staff between January 2021 and October 2022. Andrea was joined by Dr Mick Molloy, consultant in emergency medicine in Wexford and member of the IMO consultant committee, Orla a nurse in Wicklow, Mark a student nurse and others to discuss…

Government party leaders are set to meet today to discuss the possible extension of the eviction ban. Landlords are now saying they may leave the market if it stays, because it’s not worth it for them anymore to keep renting out their properties. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by landlords Richard, Michelle, William, Mark and Hugh to discuss…

Residents concerned about gorse fires around the Cork and Kerry area spoke to Andrea on the show today.

39-year-old Christopher Stokes has been jailed for 11 and half years for a horrific attack on a vulnerable woman involving acid, boiling water and an attempt to burn down the house she was in. Survivor, Simone Lee spoke to Andrea about the terrifying ordeal.

Megan Cullen suffers from Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome caused by nerve damage. In 2019, she cut off her own finger to try and ease the pain. Her mother has now set up a gofund me page to help her daughter get the treatment she needs to manage the pain. Catherine, Megan's mother spoke to Andrea on the show

Tomorrow, March 4th marks World Obesity Day. It comes as The World Obesity Federation project that 47% of adults in Ireland will be obese by 2035 - with an annual increase in child obesity of 4.1%. But, are we overstating weight when it comes to conversations about our health? Do we put too much emphasis on the likes of BMI and the numbers we see no the scales? Andrea spoke to listeners to find out. . .

Households around the country are getting their electricity bills over the next few days. And some have come as a very unwelcome surprise. Kitty Byrne, a 100 year old woman in Meath, got a bill of almost a thousand euro for a two month period. Her nephew Frank Dempsey joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss. Listeners Debbie, Keith and more also joined Andrea on the show…

In September, many parents around the country were relieved when the Government increased the National Childcare Subsidy from 50 cent an hour to €1.10, meaning that creche fees were being reduced. However, since then, another issue has arrived. Parents are now struggling to find places for children looking to attend creches on a part-time basis. Hannah, a mother of 2, Elaine Dunne, Chairperson from the Federation of Early childhood, Ulla and Suzanne joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

A fire which broke out in Wexford General Hospital last night has caused more than 200 patients to be displaced. Patients were evacuated and transferred to hospitals in Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork and Dublin. Andrea was joined by Sandra, whose son Jack was in the hospital, Seamus, a patient in the hospital, and Robbie, whose father is also patient in the hospital. Ian Brennan, General Manager for The National Ambulance Service with Special responsibility for the South East and Padraig Byrne, Journalist with the Wexford People and Independent.ie also joined the programme…

Lunchtime Live have teamed up with Arc Cancer Support Services for an upcoming event and as part of it, Andrea took a trip to the centre in Dublin to see the services and supports they offer...

Should there be an age limit on e-scooters? The European Transport Safety Council has called for an age limit of 16-years-old and also recommended that the use of helmets should be made compulsory. Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

An Irish firefighter has been travelling to Ukraine since the beginning of the war to bring aid there. Despite having a family at home, he says he’ll continue returning to Ukraine the war is over. Andrew Laste, from Clonmel in Tipperary, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live from Ukraine...

TDs salaries are now higher than ever after passing a Celtic Tiger highpoint today. Their basic pay, before expenses, has reached €107,376 from a previous peak of €106,582 in 2008. The Taoiseach’s gross pay is €230,372 following today’s pay rise Do you think our public representatives are paid too much? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Education Minister Norma Foley is to drop plans to move some Leaving Cert exams to fifth year in 2024 following sharp opposition from teachers and concern among students. One concern was that it would potentially disadvantage students who skip Transition Year and who would suddenly find themselves facing three exam years in a row. Should Transition Year be made compulsory? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Should every county in Ireland have a directly elected mayor? New Junior Housing Minister Kieran O’Donnell thinks so. In 2019, pilot votes were held in Limerick, Waterford and Cork on whether to introduce a directly elected mayor but only Limerick voted in favour. Would having a mayor in your county benefit it? Andrea was joined by Fine Gael Councillor for Limerick and former Mayor, Stephen Keary, Fianna Fáil Councillor in Waterford, Eamon Quinlan, Fianna Fail Councillor & former Mayor of County Cork Gillian Coughlan and listeners to discuss…

The Government says they’ll set up a Covid inquiry for the middle of this year. Its purpose won’t be to find fault with anyone, or praise anyone. It will focus on getting the facts of how the crisis was handled, to plan for future responses to public health emergencies. Did we handle it properly? Did we get it right? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss… Image: Grainne Kelly

Are you looking to source drugs in Ireland? An investigation by the Irish Sun has found that ordering narcotics online is easier than buying a takeaway. Adrian Kennedy was joined by Barry Gallagher, reporter with The Irish Sun, Dean and James both recovering drug addicts, Michael, a taxi driver and other listeners to discuss…

Hotels and hostels in Dublin are charging up to €1,664 for a double room on St Patrick’s Day. That is according to Dublin Live who found that if you are trying to book accommodation on March 17th you will be playing multiples of what you would pay on an average night. Dublin City Council have also been accused of St Patrick’s Day price gouging by charging up to €1,000 for a family of four to watch the city’s parade from a grandstand. Do we rip people off during St Patrick’s Day? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Fine Gael Councillor Danny Byrne, Michael Lennon, Director of the Skylon Hotel in Dublin, Mary Wheland and other listeners to discuss…

Today marks the one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. Estimates vary widely, but most place the total number of civilian casualties between 10,000 and 30,000, and count at least 250,000 soldiers killed and wounded from both sides. Andrea was joined by those who the invasion has affected most, those who’ve had to leave their homes and their loved ones behind, and start a new life in Ireland. Alex, Nataly, Mykola and Tanya all spoke with Andrea this afternoon…

A New Jersey restaurant is banning children under 10. Nettie’s House of Spaghetti in New Jersey said that they made the decision because “it’s been extremely challenging to accommodate children”. However, they've received a lot of backlash for it. But what do you think? Should restaurants be allowed to ban children under a certain age? Would you like to see something similar introduced here? Andrea was joined by Alan Andrews, owner of The Old Barracks Coffee Roastery, Sarah, Patricia, Hugh and more to discuss... Image: The Old Barracks Coffee Roastery

Zero alcohol ads are being used to circumvent the intent of laws designed to protect children from harmful alcohol advertising. That is according to Alcohol Action Ireland – who say they want this ‘loophole’ closed. On-pitch alcohol advertising during sports matches has been banned in Ireland since 2018 – are these alcohol-free giving drink companies a backdoor to advertise? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

'As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern & the Good Friday Agreement' is a new podcast that tells the story of the Good Friday Agreement as told by those who negotiated it and marks the first time all those involved have reunited to reflect on the negotiations in 25 years. Head to newstalk.com/goodfridayagreement.

Baywatch is the new campaign from the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, they’re calling on Gardaí and traffic wardens to have more power to impose fines on people parking illegally in spaces at private car parks in shopping centres, educational institutions, hospitals, and other spaces. Should more be done to stop people illegally parking in disabled bays? Andrea was joined by Anotoinette, Seamus, Eoin and Peter Gohery, a board member of the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland...

The Irish language seems to be having a moment right now. Irish language movie ‘Cailin Ciuin’ has received an Oscar nomination and Paul Mescal made headlines for giving the Cupla Focail a go during a red carpet interview. Is the Irish language cool again? Andrea was joined by Professor Pragya Agarwal, Councillor Hazel de Nortuin, Gerard and Fiachra to discuss using the cúpla focail…

Journalist Mary MacCarthy has a piece in the Irish Independent and in it, she talks about her struggles trying to find age appropriate clothes for her twelve year old daughter. Andrea was joined by Mary to explain what prompted her to write the piece. Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of The Bellissimo Files podcast and listeners Keren, Nicki and Maria joined Andrea too on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

There is absolutely no ‘academic advantage’ to going to a single sex school in Ireland, according to research carried out by the University of Limerick. What is the value in going to a single sex school? Is there one? Or is it all just about choice? Should parents always have the right to choose what kind of school their children go to? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Students in the UK's Cambridge University have voted to push for a completely vegan menu across its catering services. The Cambridge Student Union voted to remove all animal products from its cafes and canteens, creating a “sustainable and 100 per cent plant-based” menu. Andrea was joined by Nathan McGovern, Plant-Based Universities Co-Founder and Press Coordinator, Kaley Nolan from UCC Vegan Society and others to discuss…

Is it time that we starting building high rise housing to help ease the accommodation crisis? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Independent Dublin City Councillor, Mannix Flynn, Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates, Adjunct Associate Professor of Architecture and Planning at UCD, Róisín Murphy, Architect and others to discuss...

Carers will receive a €200 lump sum as part of a cost-of-living package unveiled by the Government today but carers say that this isn’t enough, and that the Government needs to pay them a living wage. Andrea was joined by Róisín and Tracy to discuss...

Is it ever too late to take up a hobby? As we get older some people can find it difficult to meet new people and start completely from scratch. Andrea wanted to give listeners some inspiration for trying something new later in life. Listeners Jenny, Eddie and Édaein joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Gardaí in Ballyfermot were attacked by what some people are describing as a lawless mob. The Guards were there as part of a policing plan around the funeral of a young man. The plan had been put in place because Guards had been warned that a large number of scramblers would be at the funeral. One guard was struck in the face by a bottle after trying to help an elderly woman when she was nearly hit by one of the scrambler bikes. One video shows a crowd of young people gathering around two guards, shouting and lunging at them. Andrea was joined by Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association and Vincent Jackson, Independent Councillor in Ballyfermot and other listeners to discuss… Image: Screenshot of the event taking place in Ballyfermot, Dublin Twitter/@dubslife1

Early hair loss and alopecia is something that is becoming more commonplace nowadays in both women and men. Are hair transplants becoming more normalised? How common is early hair loss in Ireland? And if it happened to you - How much does losing your hair affect your confidence? And your daily life? Andrea was joined by Saoirse, Craig, Chloe and Caroline to discuss..

Should the eviction ban be extended? People Before Profit is set to launch a bill today which calls for the eviction ban to be extended and strengthened. The existing ban is due to come to an end on March 31st. But what do you think? Is it a relief for renters? Or putting more pressure on landlords? Andrea was joined by James O’Toole who is facing eviction from Tahony House and listeners Tom, Rich, Michelle and James to discuss…

38 official complaints of bullying were made to the HSE last year. That’s according to figures released to Newstalk through a Freedom of Information request. Records show the HSE’s HR National Investigations Unit was notified of 29 complaints in 2021. That's up from 17 in 2020. However, 46 claims were made in 2019 with 41 in 2018. Andrea was joined by Dr Matthew Sadlier from the IMO Consultant Committee to discuss…

The latest editions of Roald Dahl's children's books have been edited to remove language which the publishers believe could be considered offensive. References in the classic children's books relating to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race have been cut and rewritten. What do you think about the changes? Andrea was joined by Matthew Parkinson-Bennett, a publisher with Little Island Books, Marie, Pat and Adina to discuss...

Journalist, Chrissie Russell’s four-year-old son has been diagnosed as having a ‘severe learning disability’. Because of it, he’s non-verbal. Chrissie joined Andrea to talk about dealing with this as a parent, and the difficulties navigating ‘the system’...