Lunchtime Live

This week on Newstalk, we’re shining a spotlight on domestic abuse, in partnership with Allianz and Women’s Aid. As part of this campaign, Andrea was joined now by Jason Poole. Jason’s sister Jennifer was killed by her partner a few years ago. To donate to Women’s Aid and find out more about the Stand Strong movement, go to standstrong.ie

Employers face being charged to keep car parking spaces for their staff in Dublin city under new proposals from the National Transport Authority (NTA). The proposal is one of a series of measures the NTA is likely to take to drastically reduce the number of cars that enter the city centre as the State seeks to meet its climate targets. Andrea was joined by Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town and listeners to discuss...

Yesterday was a huge day for Irish cinema. Films made here and those brimming with Irish talent and scenery received a total of 14 nominations. Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Banshees of Insiherin’ picked up 9 of those nominations. What impact will this incredible popularity have on Irish Tourism? Andrea was joined by Aine McLaughlin, of Aran Island Ferries, Rosemary from Achill Tourism and Mick Lynch, the owner of Lynotts Pub in Achill to discuss…

Derry GAA Club, Glen have confirmed that they will appeal the result of Sunday’s All Ireland Club Football final after Kilmacud Crokes had an extra player on the pitch for the end of the game. But is it fair that Glen had to make that decision themselves? Should the GAA have had to make the decision? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss… Image: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ministers have rejected a proposal to introduce ‘menopause leave’ in the UK. The move has been criticised from some MPs who say that a lack of menopause legislation leaves women at risk of being driven out of the workforce. Would you like to see menopause leave here in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners Katherine, Sylvia, Renee and Mary to discuss…

Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Seán Burke, a member of the Social Democrats National Executive. Seán spoke about some of the homophobia he has received online since getting involved in politics and expressing his views on social media...

Billboards and banners across the country have gone up advertising Oat Milk, with the slogan - “It’s like milk, but made for humans.” They have caused quite an uproar with some people. Alternative milks can cause quite a firestorm with some, saying it could damage the dairy industry here. Should we all be trying to move towards milk alternatives? Andrea was joined by Liam Lynham from ‘Oat in the City’, Louise Reynolds, Dietician and Communications Manager at the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and listeners to discuss…

There are shocking reports that some refugees could end up homeless because of a lack of places for them. This could be down to some hotels not renewing their Government contracts, and that the refugees staying there would have to leave in the summer. But are the Government really doing everything they can when it comes to housing efforts? Are some stones being left unturned? Andrea was joined by Noel Spillane, owner of Annasceul House B&B, and listeners Marion and Janice to discuss…

A damning interim report into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland has revealed that more than 100 children were left without care for up to two years. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by parents to hear their experiences of the CAMHS service. Dr Kieran Moore a former Child Psychiatric Consultant with CAMHS also joined Andrea on the show…

Elaine, a listener, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss the removal of on street parking on her road in Dublin. The parking will be replaced by a cycle lane, however residents say they had no consultation up until last week..

A Cork TD has been flooded with responses after putting out a call for issues in social housing. Thomas Gould had over 130 replies from tenants with damp and mould problems in their homes. Some of them say they’ve been living in these conditions for years and aren’t being listened to. Andrea was joined by Antoinette and Jennifer who both live in Cork to discuss..

Monica, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about a recent experience on Irish Rail. A woman wouldn’t move her bags to let her family sit down in the seats they had pre-booked and was abusive towards Monica and her family…

Would you like to see more dogs allowed in pubs, cafes and shops? According to the Belfast Telegraph this morning, making your establishment dog friendly leads to increased levels of trade. Five years ago, a law dating back to the '50s which prevented people from bringing pets into restaurants and pubs was officially repealed. Would you like to see more dog friendly businesses? What do you think about the idea of dogs in pubs? Andrea was joined by Mossy, from the Blackbird in Ballycotton, Naoise, Co-owner of Surge café in Clontarf and other listeners to discuss..

Children in Ireland are waiting up to 13 years to see a dentist. That's the stark warning from the Regional Group of independent TDs. It's bringing a motion before the Dáil later today, calling for the government to immediately reform the public dental system. Have you experienced delays in getting a dental appointment? Andrea was joined by Fintan Hourihan, Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association, Dr Bernie Fee, Fee Dental Carrickmacross, Siobhan O’Neill White, Founder of Mams.ie and other listeners to discuss…

Newstalk Breakfast presenter, Ciara Kelly spoke candidly this morning about her feelings as her son emigrated to Australia yesterday. What is causing this spike in emigration in Ireland? On Lunchtime Live this afternoon, Andrea was joined by listeners who have first hand experience of how emigration affects families differently...

Local authorities should accelerate programmes to encourage people to downsize their properties, according to the Housing Minister. There are 8,600 under occupied social housing units in Dublin. Minister Darragh O' Brien says there should be increased use of existing schemes to facilitate those who want to downsize. Should people be incentivised to move out of their homes? Should there be grants or help offered to older people to get them out of larger empty properties and into smaller, more suitable houses, to free up some of that space? Andrea was joined by listeners on the show to discuss…

Paralympian Martin Gordon and his guide dog were refused entry in a Dublin city restaurant over the weekend. Martin joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live alongside a listener Fergus to discuss...

What is it like to be gay in rural Ireland? LGBT Ireland is aiming to expand Pride events into rural towns to improve Ireland as a country for members of the community. Did you come out in rural Ireland? What was the experience like? Andrea was joined by Paula Fagan, CEO LGBT Ireland, Paul and Ciarán to discuss...

Andrew Tate is a controversial social media character, with many saying he is stoking hatred of women, while others argue that he is misunderstood in his views. Are people concerned about the influence he has on young men in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners; Annette, Robin, Edward, Ben and more to discuss... Image: Twitter @Cobratate

The Cabinet is to approve a scheme to repair Celtic Tiger apartment defects which could cost the State up to 2.5 billion euro. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien is bringing the memo which will cover fire, structural safety and water caused defects on apartment buildings and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013. It means that the redress scheme for apartments alongside the upcoming redress scheme for those affected by mica could cost the state over 5 billion euro. Andrea was joined by Pat Montague, spokesperson with the Construction Defects Alliance, Andrew, Sam and other listeners to discuss…

The Oireachtas Health Committee is to discuss the issue of bullying within the health service. It'll discuss the health, safety and wellbeing of frontline health care workers with trade unions. TD and Sinn Fein's Health Spokesperson David Cullinane joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to give an update on the situation...

Gardai have been travelling on buses to Tallaght in recent days to tackle anti-social behaviour there. Do you feel safe on public transport around Ireland? When you get the bus to work? Or the Luas late at night – are you ever worried? Are Transport Police needed on all public transport? Andrea was joined by James a bus driver in Dublin, Damien a retired bus driver and other listeners to discuss…

Andrea spotted an interesting post from a woman online which has gotten quite a reaction. It reads: ‘Having gone from a size 18 to an 8 in my twenties, to now post baby being a 14, I can confirm that this is the size at which you become invisible and can visibly irritate some strangers (men) by making small talk with them.’ What do you think? Can weight gain make you feel invisible? Andrea was joined by Sinead, Alice and Nicola to discuss on Lunchtime Live…

Should you be allowed drink during a sporting match? The IRFU have released survey findings that show that 68% of those asked said they would not support a booze ban in the Aviva stadium. What do you think? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners to discuss...

With schools back in full swing, households all over the country are getting back into their routine, how big a part does homework play in that routine? Is it something that takes up a big part of the evenings? Or does it fit easily into the afternoon after school? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners to discuss…

Lunchtime Live received an email from a listener working in the health service who had been discouraged by senior management from partaking in online discussion around bullying in the health service. The issue was raised last week on the show and the response has been phenomenal. Gino Kenny, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid West joined Andrea to discuss…

Last year more than 1,500 social housing offers were refused. New figures obtained by Newstalk show the number of people declining a house is rising, since 2019. At least 420 people have been suspended from their waiting lists for refusing more than one offer. Is it fair that people can be kicked off waiting lists for refusing social housing offers? Andrea was joined by Peter Dooley from the Dublin Renters Union and Nick Killian, Independent Councillor and Chairperson of Ratoath Municipal District to discuss..

Lunchtime Live has been inundated with nurses and healthcare workers sharing their stories and experiences of workplace bullying in the HSE. Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson David Cullinane said he’s going to raise the issue in the Dail, but what are the unions doing about it? Phil Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation joined Andrea on the show to discuss…

Should wine come with a health warning? Italy’s largest farmers’ association have strongly voiced their concerns about Ireland’s plans for what they’re calling “alarmist” health warning labels on wine. Do you agree with the labelling? Would it affect your wine consumption? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Michelle Lawlor from The Nude Wine Company, Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland and listener Greg to discuss…

At least nine anti-asylum-seeker protests are due to take place at different locations around the country from 5pm today. Do you support the protests? Or is there a better course of action to air your views? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if they support the protests...

A secondary school in the UK has banned any physical contact between pupils – including hugs and handshakes – and has also outlawed any romantic relationships among their students. Hylands School in Essex says the move encourages pupils to ‘behave professionally as any future employer would expect.' Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

Lunchtime Live continues to receive reports from listeners of bullying in the HSE. Tadgh, a former clinical nurse manager and Jennifer Foster, from the Better Working Life campaign joined Andrea on the show this afternoon...

David Cullinane, TD and Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss the ongoing bullying in the health service and what Government can do in in response...

An 64 year-old Irish man has been on hunger strike in an Iranian prison since January 1st. Bernard Phelan believes he’s being held there as a political pawn and denies all the charges the Iranians have held against him since His sister Caroline Phelan joined Andrea on the show to discuss.. Image: Twitter Bernard Phelan @MasMingou

Users of long term prescription medication say they feel like their lives are being messed with amid the current medicine shortages. There are currently 216 medicines running low or out of stock in Ireland. They include common over-the-counter remedies like dry cough syrups, sore throats sprays and lozenges. But they also stretch to long term medication that people rely on on a regular basis. Andrea was joined by Gary Boyle, who is living with Parkinson's disease, Kathy Maher, Community Pharmacist from Haven Pharmacy in Duleek, Co Meath and Julie to discuss…

Ann-Marie O’Sullivan is writing in today’s Irish Independent: ‘I erased every single one of my children’s photos online: here’s how and why to delete your kids from social media.’ Ann-Marie joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss why did she decided to remove her children’s photos from online…

Kate, a former nurse spoke yesterday on the show about her experience of bullying in the health service. Overnight, Lunchtime Live received a number emails from staff highlighting the issue further. Olivia, a senior clinical therapy manager and Barbara, a retired nurse joined Andrea on the show to discuss...

Robyn, a listener go in touch with the show about the waiting times to sit your driving test. Robyn and Brenda Bolger owner of Bolger school of motoring in Kilkenny joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Last week on Lunchtime Live, Andrea spoke to listeners about bullying in the workplace. Kate, a listener sent an email into the show about bullying she experienced while she was working as a nurse. Kate joined Andrea on the show to discuss...

Recommendations were made last week about how people shouldn’t go to A&E unless it was absolutely necessary. Today, GPs are under so much pressure that people around the country can’t get an appointment. What is going wrong with the healthcare system at the moment and what needs to happen for something to change? Andrea was joined by GPs and listeners on the show to discuss...

Litter strewn streets, dumped dirty nappies – results of the Irish Business Against Litter survey released this morning show that Mahon in Cork city is the dirtiest part of Ireland, while Naas in Kildare has retained it's title of the cleanest town in Ireland. What needs to be done about litter and dumping? Andrea was joined by Fine Gael Councillor in Cork City Centre, Deirdre Forde, Vourneen Hennessy from Naas Tidy Towns and other listeners to discuss...

This week marks one year since the killing of Ashling Murphy – since then 11 women have been killed across the country. Do women feel safe in Ireland? Andrea was joined by Newstalk reporter Mairead Cleary and other women to discuss how safe they feel in Ireland nowadays…

With the hospitals in the state they’re in, have people any other options? Dermot Goode from Total Health Cover, part of the Lockton Group joined Andrea to answer some listener questions...

Light pollution can be hindrance if it’s something that affects where you live. Recently, there have an increase in the use of strong LED lighting on billboards and petrol stations. Andrea was joined by listeners Eddie, Diana and Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland to discuss... Image: An LED billboard in Rathmines. Picture by: Rory O'Farrell.

New bike lanes for Dublin city will remove bus lanes and car parking in some busy parts of the city. Bus lanes in Ranelagh and car parking at Merrion Square will go for the new Dublin City Council “active travel” plans. One of the routes goes from Clonskeagh to the city centre route, through Milltown and Ranelagh Village. The other goes from Trinity College to Ballsbridge, through Nassau Street. There are concerns from commuters that this could cause chaos. While others say it’s a much needed update. Andrea was joined by listeners on the show to discuss...

The Sun is reporting today that Irish singer Una Healy is part of a ‘throuple’ with ex-heavyweight boxing champion David Haye and model Sian Osborne. The newspaper also says that the trio have told family and friends of their arrangement Andrea was joined by Dr Kate Devlin to discuss polyamory…

The Workplace Bullying Institute has found that up to 80% of women that are bullied in the workplace are bullied by other women. Other recent studies have shown that women who report to women experience a greater frequency of bullying, so much so that a new term, 'Queen Bee Syndrome', has been coined. Have you experienced workplace bullying? Andrea was joined by Terry Prone, Chairman of The Communications Clinic and other listeners to discuss...

Anti-refugee protests at a Dublin school started a few days ago over their housing of refugees over the Christmas break. Two groups of up to 30 refugees were temporarily placed in the hall of the school by the Department of Children during the Christmas break. Misinformation began circulating on social media claiming bus loads of men were being shipped into the area. Everyone had left the school by Tuesday evening and children weren’t due back until today. But protestors showed up regardless. Andrea was joined by local People Before Profit Councillor Hazel De Nortúin and Edel, who lives locally to discuss… Image: Google Maps

Bags of excrement were reportedly thrown Minister Anne Rabbitte and Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon yesterday at a meeting in Galway. Is politics becoming scarier for public representatives? Andrea was joined by Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny, Vivienne Phelan, Director of Women’s Engagement and Future Candidate Development of Young Fine Gael, Nelius Cotter, Membership and Recruitment Director with Fianna Fail Ógra and other listeners to discuss... Image: Mark Marlow/Rollingnews

Cork County Council are calling for it to be compulsory for dog owners to have to insure their dogs, in the case of a dog attacking other animals or people. Would you support this decision? Andrea was joined by listeners around the country to discuss dog insurance and GPS tracking on dogs...