Lunchtime Live
4,963 episodes — Page 86 of 100
Should every county have a directly-elected mayor?
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…
Covid inquiry 'ignoring that we’re still not through it,' says long Covid sufferer
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
Online drug dealing 'an out of control business' in Ireland
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…
Hotel prices for St Patrick's Day 'really bad for Dublin's reputation'
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…
Ukrainian Community in Ireland - One Year On
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…
Ireland’s first adult-only coffee bar 'disappointed nobody has followed us’
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
'It's nanny state gone crazy!' - Calls to ban alcohol-free advertising in sport
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
'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.
'More enforcement' needed to prevent illegal parking in disabled bays
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...
'If you don't use it, you lose it' - Keeping the Irish language alive
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…
‘Cropped, tight and barely any material’ - Parents struggling to shop for their kids
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…
Banning single sex schools 'removes choice from people'
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…
Should college campuses go completely vegan?
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…
'There is opportunities within the city' for high-rise housing - Cllr Mannix Flynn
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...
Cost-of-living package: Parent carers 'need a living weekly wage'
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...
Taking up hobbies later in life
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...
'It's lawless at the moment in Dublin' - Gardaí attacked in Ballyfermot
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
Hair Loss: 'I'm dreadfully depressed with it'
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..
Eviction Ban: 'My property rights are being taken away from me,' landlord says
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…
'I don't believe the numbers are that low' - 38 official complaints of bullying made to HSE last year
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…
Rewrites to Roald Dahl books branded 'cultural vandalism'
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...
Parenting a non-verbal child: 'The little steps you really celebrate'
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’...
'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...
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.