Lunchtime Live
4,791 episodes — Page 83 of 96
'A proper celebration of life' - The woman putting the fun in funeral
Would you plan out your funeral? Jenny Curran wants to put the FUN in funeral and is currently planning what she wants people to do when she dies. Jenny joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss her plans…
Introduction of 30 km/h speed limits in urban areas 'the smoking ban of our generation’
Yesterday, Dublin Commuter Coalition met with Minister Jack Chambers about the Road Safety Action Plan. They are calling for urgent progress on default 30kph speed limits in urban areas. Would you support a default 30kph speed limit? Andrea was joined by Lauren Tuite, Michael, Noel Horgan from the Drogheda Cycling group and other listeners to discuss…
Defence Forces: 'A systematic lack of respect from serving government year after year'
Do we respect our defense forces enough? Irish Defence Forces’ charity has today unveiled QR-coded camouflage streetwear to raise vital funds for homeless veterans. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Martin and Brendan, former members of the Defence Forces, others who served and family members to discuss...
Drogheda football club 'devastated and shocked' after arson attack
A local Drogheda football club is heartbroken today to find their container with all their equipment was set on fire overnight. The container which houses dressing rooms, as well as nets, balls, pitch marker and their training equipment are all ruined. Andrea was joined by Brian O’Reilly is the Manager of Abbey Celtic Football Club in Drogheda and Robbie Martin from Leixlip United football club to discuss... Image: Twitter - Abbey Celtic Fc Drogheda @fc_abbey
Taxi drivers not accepting card payments 'baffling' to passengers
There have been 200 complaints to the National Transport Authority about taxis not accepting card payments, despite rules that came in to place in September that said that every taxi in Ireland must accept credit and debit card payments as well as cash. Andrea was joined by listeners and taxi drivers to discuss…
Ireland ‘lagging behind’ with Right to be Forgotten laws for cancer survivors
Irish cancer survivors say they are left unable to access insurance or mortgages years after recovery. They say that having to disclose their diagnosis, even if they’re in remission, prevents them from getting things like life insurance or a mortgage. They say it’s discriminatory and the ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ must be adopted into Irish Law. However, the insurance industry is pushing back. Andrea was joined by Ciarán, Erica, Paul Merriman, Financial Adviser from askpaul.ie and other listeners to discuss…
Raising an only child 'become more prevalent in Ireland'
An interesting article in today’s Irish Independent - ‘One and done: Why is there still stigma around being an only child?’ - the article explores the old myth that apparently still persists about the ‘lonely’ only child. What do you think? Is there still a stigma around single child families? Barbara Neeson, who wrote the article, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today to discuss. Listeners Jo, Rosemary and Mark also joined the show…
All Government ministers travelling abroad for St Patrick's Day 'is overdoing it' - Shane Ross
Cabinet yesterday signed off on the list of St Patrick’s day visits for ministers across the globe. As usual, the Taoiseach will travel to the White House to meet President Joe Biden. But should the Taoiseach celebrate our national day in Ireland instead? Andrea was joined by former Government minister, Shane Ross and listeners to discuss...
Hotelier says there's 'definitely a need for more' hotel rooms in Dublin City
There are plans to knock down some early 20th century buildings in the Liberties area of the city, to build a new Aparthotel. A number of people aren’t happy saying we need more housing for locals, and that the city has enough hotels as it is. However we regularly hear about the cost of hotels in Dublin, and how it’s often cheaper to go somewhere sunny for a week than it is to stay in the country. So could the answer to this be more hotels? Or do you think they’re ruining the city? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by historian, Kieran Doyle-O’Brien, Catherine McSweeney, Secretary of the Liberties Local Residents Association, Michael Lennon, Director of the Skylon Hotel in Dublin and James Madigan, Stalwart of the Liberties Cultural Association…
Irish rugby supporters 'definitely need to up our game'
40,000 French fans ascended on Dublin City last weekend for the 6 Nations clash between Ireland and France in the Aviva Stadium. But was the atmosphere from Irish fans below par? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Gerry Thornley, Rugby Correspondent with the Irish Times and listeners to discuss...
Assisted dying: 'Shouldn't people have the option?'
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny has accused the Government of ‘dragging its heels’ when it comes to forming a special committee on assisted dying. He said that when a committee is formed it would be expected to run for nine months, meaning that no recommendations would be made on assisted dying until the end of this year at the earliest. What do you think about assisted dying? Would you like to see legislation to allow it brought in? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss…
Wheelchair user ‘frustrated’ as accessible seating left idle in Aviva Stadium
Ireland beat France in a brilliant game in the 6 Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Tickets were at a premium but there was frustration for some wheelchair users who had struggled to get tickets. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Jack Kavanagh, Phillip and William to discuss…
Galway RAG week 'a nightmare' for city residents
RAG Week kicks off once again in Galway today, starting with Mayo Monday, and the famous Donegal Tuesday tomorrow. Students will be out in their droves, but is it a good or a bad thing for the city? Have college RAG weeks lost their way? Are charities still at the focal point of the events? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by chef and restaurateur, JP McMahon, Sai Gujulla, President NUIG Student Union, Darragh Mullin, owner of the Hole in The Wall bar in Galway City and others to discuss… Image: Twitter @universitytimes
Lack of Gardaí in rural Ireland 'going to lead to a rise in vigilantism'
New figures today show that 42 Garda stations in Ireland have no permanent Gardai attached to them. On top of that, almost one in four garda stations around the country have fewer gardaí compared to last year according to an analysis of staffing levels of Garda stations nationwide. Have you been affected by a lack of Garda presence in your area? Do people in rural Ireland feel safe as a result of the lack of Gardaí? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners throughout Ireland to discuss…
Victim of attack calls for ‘proper punishments even with suspended sentences’
Should Ireland introduce mandatory sentencing to tackle crime in the country? Questions were raised during the week about the sentencing of a teenager, who was spared jail, after he was involved in an attack which resulted in a woman having boiling water poured over her. Andrea was joined by Ruth Maxwell, a victim’s advocate, Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and other listeners to discuss…
Kerry B&B owner 'no update' on offer to house refugees
4,500 have arrived in Ireland since the start of 2023. With a number of hotels planning to return to tourism for the summer, there could be even more people who need somewhere to stay. A few weeks ago on Lunchtime Live, Andrea spoke to several people, all around the country – who said they had large holiday homes that they wanted to offer to house refugees, and that they just couldn’t get a response from the Government. Today on the show, Andrea was joined again by Noel Spillane, owner of the B&B Annascaul House, Charlie, Maurice and Michael to see if anything had changed since we spoke last...
‘Sexually explicit’ education books available to teenagers in libraries
Lynda, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about some of the sexual education books on the school curriculum and available to teenagers in libraries around the country. Some of the recommended books are part of partnership between An Post and Children’s Books Ireland to present a ‘Pride Guide’ for children. What would you deem to be ‘sexually explicit’ in regards to sex education? Is it better to teach children about all of these things instead of them learning about them from the internet? Andrea was joined by Lynda, Amy, a psychotherapist, Sarah Sproule, sex educator and other listeners to discuss…
Should Ireland reconsider its policy of military neutrality?
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today in Brussels. The Ukrainian leader is addressing a special meeting of the European Council after trips to London and Paris. Leo Varadkar said this morning he'll offer Ukraine Ireland's continuing support But are we doing enough? Is Ireland’s neutrality something that needs to be re-examined? Andrea was joined by retired members of the Defence Forces, Tom, Kevin and Michael and listeners Ben and John to discuss…
Lowering the voting age to 16 'would bring a positive impact'
Are young people ignored in Ireland? New research by The Youth Lab At Thinkhouse reveals that 63% of young people don’t trust in the state to actively govern in their best interests. Andrea was joined by Claire Hyland from The Youth Lab, Councillor Paddy Meade, Niamh, Caillum, Ciarán and Rebecca to discuss...
Pensioner and grandson 'refused entry' at GAA match for not purchasing tickets online
Should the GAA reverse its cashless ticketing at the gates for games? Aontú and Age Action Northern Ireland is calling on the GAA to scrap its policy of no longer accepting cash for tickets as some elderly people struggle to buy things online. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Paddy in Donegal, Craig in Swords and Paul Dolan from The Barn in Glenmire...
Rural public transport links ‘so bad and so unreliable’ in Ireland
The priority for the €3.5 billion spending by the Department of Transport this year is the development of local link and town bus services. Andrea had her own problem with public transport recently and she spoke to other listeners about difficulties with public transport is in their area…
Hill of Tara standing stone 'mindlessly vandalised'
There has been a spate of vandalism and antisocial behaviour across the country this week. Spray paint on the ancient Lia Fáil standing stone on the Hill of Tara in Co Meath, damage to the green in Tidy Town winning village Malin in Donegal and the theft of a virgin Mary statue in County Wicklow. Andrea was joined by Councillor Nick Killian, Chairperson of Meath County Council, Andy McGonigle of Malin Development Association and Malin Tidy Towns, Martin McDermott, Fianna Fáil Councillor in Donegal and Eileen in Kilmacanogue in County Wicklow...
Cullinane: HSA ‘have a clear role to play’ in addressing bullying in HSE
Following an Oireachtas Health Committee on Bullying in the HSE this morning, Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Sinn Féin TD and Party Health Spokesperson, David Cullinane to discuss...
'It has to start with management' - Bullying in the HSE addressed by the Oireachtas
An Oireachtas Health Committee on Bullying in the HSE was held this morning following stories raised by listeners on Lunchtime Live. Politicians, General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Phil Ní Sheaghdha, Dr Clive Kilgallen from the Irish Medical Organisation and representatives from other unions all spoke at the committee this morning. For reaction to this, Andrea was joined by Una and Olivia who experienced bullying in the health service to discuss. Dr Anthony O’Connor, on the Consultant Committee from the IMO also spoke to Andrea on Lunchtime Live...
Banning unaccompanied teenagers from shops 'sending the wrong vibe'
A decision by Lidl in Navan to refuse service to unaccompanied under-18s has caused a stir locally. Andrea was joined by locals Julia, Thomasina and other listeners to discuss…
Woman's sister had care contributions increased by 'an excessive amount'
Up to 12,000 vulnerable people were denied their disability allowance payments from the State. Louise got in touch with Lunchtime Live to discuss a situation her sister was in a number of years ago…
Teachers should be 'made permanent on day one' to combat shortages - ASTI
Figures from the Department of Education show that there are record numbers of teachers on career breaks. With a current shortage of teachers, is it time career breaks were suspended? Andrea was joined by Kieran Christie, General Secretary of ASTI, Simon Lewis, Principal of Carlow Educate Together and others to discuss...
Would you like street art to be legalised?
Would you like to see street art legalised here? Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin has launched a bill in the Dáil to make it easier for public city art to be produced without fear of prosecution. What do you think of the idea?
Should the state pay for Katie Taylor's fight at Croke Park?
Should the state pay half a million euro so that Katie Taylor can fight in Croke Park? That’s the question on everyone’s lips today as it turns out the only thing standing in her way, is a five hundred thousand euro security bill. Otherwise, she’ll be fighting in The Point. The Point has between 8,000 or 10,000 tickets, but if it was Croke Park has 80,000 seats. Would she sell out such a venue? Are we giving Katie Taylor, who put women’s boxing on the map for Ireland, the respect she deserves by putting her in a smaller venue? Boxing authorities and sport fans joined Andrea today to discuss.
Wexford Cllr sufferers threats and abuse
It something we spoke about on the show earlier in the week – online abuse. We’re still getting emails in in reaction to it. George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council joined Andrea today to share his experience with threats and abuse.
'They're using them anyway!' - Calls for decriminalisation of drugs in Ireland
Should drugs be decriminalised? Two Fianna Fáil TDs, have said that the on drugs is not working, and there must be a decriminalisation of drugs. Recreational drug users could be able to access ‘natural-grown’ substance in an ‘off licence’-style outlet. What do you think? Would you like to see this introduced? Andrea was joined by Dr. Garret McGovern Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum and other listeners to discuss…
Why is it so expensive to put gigs on in Ireland?
It’s been announced that Katie Taylor won’t play Croke Park because of the costs of using the venue. On top of that, we found out yesterday that Beyonce won’t be coming here as part of her world tour – that adds her to the names like Madonna and Coldplay that have skipped Ireland on their tours. Is it just too expensive here to play gigs? Does it make Ireland less appealing as an option? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Rebecca, who worked in the music industry, Matt McGranaghan is from the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland and others to discuss…
'Worrying' threats of violence towards refugees at protests
There is a video circulating online from an anti-immigration protest outside Finglas Garda station last night. A protestor can be heard shouting “You need to go to where these people are staying and burn them out”, - that is what we are hearing – to cheers – at these anti-immigration protests. Is this what we have become as a country? Andrea was joined on the show by listeners to discuss the threat of violence towards refugees in Ireland… Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews
Should we still have religious bank holidays?
Monday sees the first St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday. However, some people feel that it shouldn’t be called after a Saint and we should be moving away from religious bank holidays. Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Coping with Miscarriage: 'You don't ever fully get over it'
Journalist, Kathy Donaghy’s had an article in the Irish Independent over the weekend, where she wrote about her experience of miscarriage and how she coped in the aftermath. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Jennifer to talk about her experience...
‘They’re vile’ - Increase in unsolicited sexual messages and images
Emily Atack’s documentary on sexual harassment Asking for It? aired on TV last night. The former Inbetweeners actress star told viewers how every morning she would wake up to unsolicited pictures from men. Have you ever received unsolicited pictures?
Childcare subsidy rise 'a token gesture'
Childcare costs have long been a crippling cost for parents across the country, but good news could be on the horizon. Under plans going to Cabinet, thousands of parents may receive childminding subsidies. Will this help you? How much are you currently paying? Andrea was joined by Treasa, Sarah and Siobhán to discuss...
Driver compensated by council for damage to car from pothole
What are the roads like in your local area? Meath County Council has revealed that it has paid out almost €60,000 in pothole claims in the last three years. Andy McGuinniety, a driving instructor in Meath joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss…
Trigger warnings better than 'banning complete genres of literature'
A novel from Jane Austen has been given a trigger warning for depicting ‘gender stereotypes’ and ‘toxic relationships and friendships.' Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey’, released in 1817 has been deemed to be potentially upsetting by academics at the University of Greenwich. What do you think about adding ‘trigger warnings’ to books, movies, TV shows? Andrea was joined by listeners of Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Lack of support for those with cancer
When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, it’s enough to try focus on getting the right treatment and keeping yourself strong without fighting for support at every turn. Our listener Lisa joined us to share her story.
Ghost estates in Ireland
There are over 500 households in Ireland living in so-called ghost estates. So some will be occupied but with a few shells of houses left. The Department of Housing is finalizing a survey from last year which found that there are 459 occupied houses and 63 occupied apartments remaining in locations that would be considered ‘unfinished’. These are crazy numbers when you consider our housing crisis, and the crisis we’re currently facing trying to house refugees.
How to sort out a consumer issue with Revolut?
Our listener recently fell victim to a scam. He clicked a link and handed over his bank details. His bank accounts were hit. EBS were great and helped him get his money back, however, he says Revolut were absolutely no help and he wants to warn people about it. What to do in such case? We ask Sinead Ryan, our consumer affairs expert.
Should we all learn Irish national anthem?
A new campaign is calling on everyone in Ireland to learn the words to Amhrán na bhFiann. Rachel J Cooper, who is heading up the ‘Learn Our Anthem’ initiative says Amhrán na bhFiann should be learned in the classroom, so people don't continue to mumble it at matches... So few of us seem to know the words of the national anthem – is it time for a change? Do we need a new, updated national anthem?
The rise of the far-right movement in Ireland
Protests have taken place across the country over the last few months about the influx of refugees into the country. Some with genuine concerns around housing and facilities, but a lot using it as an excuse to spread anti-refugee hatred and racism. Has there been a rise in the far right here? Is it just that we’re seeing their views more? Or are they growing as a movement? Shane Beatty was joined by Steph Hanlon from Le Chéíle and other listeners to discuss…
Is it cheaper to go abroad for stag and hen dos?
Hen and Stag parties are back with a boom – but have they become too extravagant? Is a weekend away too much? Shane Beatty was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners Simon, Niall and Inga to discuss...
Deer Cull: 'Why are we always reaching for the gun?'
A Tipperary TD has called for a deer cull after hitting one with his car on his way home. Jackie Cahill says the deer numbers in the country are out of control and are causing issues for farmers and drivers. Is this an issue we need to address in Ireland? Or should these animals be protected? Shane Beatty was joined on Lunchtime Live by John Tierney, Association of Hunt Saboteurs, Damien Hannigan- PRO with the Irish Deer Commission, Gerry Boland, Animal Rights Activist and other listeners to discuss…
Schools reserving places for past pupil's children 'a huge problem'
Labour TD and party education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin wants the Government to stop the practice of schools reserving places for the children of past pupils. He claims it’s elitist. Do you agree with him? Or is it important for you to send your child to your former school? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss…
Calls for better cycling infrastructure to prevent accidents
A cyclist who was knocked off her bike by a truck has been told by a judge that she contributed to her own injuries by not wearing a helmet. The truck hit off her shoulder which made her lose her balance and all control of the bike. She had a head injury which meant she got a concussion and had injuries on her face, shoulder and arm. The cyclist sued the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland because the lorry was untraced. The judge awarded her €20,000 but reduced it by €4,000 because she had not been wearing a helmet, which would have minimised her injuries. Do enough cyclists wear helmets? Andrea was joined by listeners Cyril, Kathy, Conor and Cormac to discuss…
'If you want it, go for it!' - Becoming a mother later in life
Paris Hilton has announced the birth of her first child with her husband Carter Reum. The baby was born via surrogate. The US socialite and businesswoman announced the arrival on Instagram. However, many media outlets this morning have been mentioning her age in their headlines, with one of them reading: “Paris Hilton Welcomes Her First Child at 41” Andrea was joined by listeners Sarah and Mairead to discuss negativity received when having children later in life…
Decentralisation: 'The country is out of balance'
There are thousands of houses and apartments outside Dublin not being built, despite a lack of affordable housing in Ireland. Is it time we took a more radical approach to construction in Ireland? Should there be a new approach from the Government to decentralisation in Ireland? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners to discuss…