Lunchtime Live
4,963 episodes — Page 85 of 100
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...
Public 'not being incentivised properly' to invest in electric vehicles
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…
'We didn't have choice' - Over 1000 younger people being cared for in nursing homes
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…
Ireland's international fixtures 'would be more than welcome' at Páirc Uí Chaoimh
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…
'It's definitely negligence' - Cork woman left in pain due to unsuitable wheelchair
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.
Trans woman says gender education in school 'would've made my life an awful lot easier'
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…
‘It’s like having a sixth sense’ - Living with synaesthesia
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...
‘The nightmare continues for this poor man’ - Irishman sentenced to 6.5 years in Iran
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…
Ban on flat-faced dogs at Crufts 'a long time coming'
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…
Construction industry 'changing massively' and welcoming women
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…
‘It has become unfit for purpose’ - Councillor welcomes Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre renovations
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
State paying private school salaries ‘entrenching generational wealth’
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…
Pregnant woman given parking ticket despite thinking she was in labour
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...
Transport Minister’s comments about free public transport ‘unhelpful and insensitive’
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…
Son of Holocaust survivor 'horrified' by sale of Nazi memorabilia at auction
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…
Incidents of abuse on healthcare staff ‘much more than’ 10 per day
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…
'Get out now while you can!' - Landlord warns others to leave the market
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…
"The smoke was so bad that I had to get into my car with my dog and drive away"
Residents concerned about gorse fires around the Cork and Kerry area spoke to Andrea on the show today.
"I had a chain around my neck with this trial, I just wanted it over"
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.
"She has no life"-Mother describes how Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome has impacted her daughter
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
“It’s like telling someone with depression to cheer up-it doesn’t work”
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. . .
100-year-old woman 'flabbergasted' by €957 electricity bill for two month period
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…
'Unless you're signing up for 5 day situation, you can't get anywhere to mind your child'
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…
Patient at Wexford hospital hails ‘incredible’ evacuation procedure by staff
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…
Andrea visits Arc Cancer Support Services
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...
Calls for 'proper training in schools' for children using e-scooters
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...
'I couldn't stay at home and let Ukrainian people struggle' - Irish firefighter providing aid in Ukraine
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...
Nurses awaiting pandemic bonus ‘angry’ over TDs salary increase
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…
Third-level institutions 'should take into account' experience from Transition Year
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…