Lunchtime Live
4,791 episodes — Page 87 of 96
'It's horrendous' that public money funds horse racing - Dublin TD
It’s been discovered that more than €42m in public funds was paid out in prize money at horse races last year. If you compare that to the combined annual funding for other sports organisations in Ireland like the GAA, the FAI, the IRFU, Special Olympics, Swim Ireland, Athletics Ireland and more, is €15 million. One of the factors that seems to be bothering people is the fact that the owners of racehorses who win the prize money do not have to pay tax on them, but trainers and jockeys do. Adrian Kennedy was joined by Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West, Daragh O’Conchuir, Freelance sports journalist and Catherine Woods, vegan and an animal rights activist to discuss…
Inside the Crime: The Charles Self Murder
The No. 1 podcast series hosted by Newstalk’s Court Correspondent, Frank Greaney returns for a second series. ‘Inside the Crime’ investigates the unsolved murder of RTÉ set designer, Charles Self. The new series of Inside The Crime tells the story of Charles Self, a young gay man who was murdered in Dublin 40 years ago. Subscribe now at newstalk.com/insidethecrime or wherever you get your podcasts.
Sisters and friend help woman have four babies through surrogacy
Many parents throughout Ireland are continuing to campaign to be recognised as parents of their children born through surrogacy. Clare McKenna was joined on Lunchtime Live by Emma Meagher, and her sisters, Laura and Victoria. They told their story of how at the age of 17, Emma was told she couldn’t carry children but her sisters and best-friend Leigh, carried Emma’s eggs through surrogacy…
Principal 'abolishes' homework in Dublin school
As mid-term is over and we're back to full schooling until the Christmas break, there have been more calls to get rid of homework. Do you do your children’s homework with them in the evening? Does it help in knowing what level your child is on? Clare McKenna was joined by journalist, Jen Hogan, Gemma Maher, Principal of Rathcoole Educate Together National School, Eric, a teacher in Limerick and and Alva in Sligo to discuss…
'Huge increase' in the number of cremations over the last 5 years
With a growing shortage of available graveyard space is it time for Ireland to move away from burials and towards alternatives? Clare McKenna was joined by Brid McGowan from Foley & McGowans Funeral home in Sligo and McGowan’s Funeral Directors in Mayo, Darragh O’Callaghan from Shannon Crematorium, Colin Mc Ateer, from The Green Graveyard Company and other listeners to discuss…
'Our future's been stolen' - 15-year-old climate activist
Should rich countries pay compensation to vulnerable nations hit by climate change? A June report by 55 vulnerable countries estimated their combined climate-linked losses over the last two decades totaled over 525 billion euro – should richer nations go some way in compensating these losses? That is one item on the agenda at the COP27 UN climate conference taking place in Egypt at the moment. Clare McKenna was joined by listeners to discuss this and the other impacts of climate change and what people can do in the face of the climate crisis...
'This is bloodlust' - Calls to ban blood sports in Ireland
Hare and Fox hunting season is upon us again, and as happens with every year, there are calls for it to be banned. Fox hunting season starts properly in November, and continues through to March. It's banned in the UK, so is it time we followed suit? Clare McKenna was joined by Aideen Yourell, Spokesperson for Ban Blood Sports, Dickie Power is on the line from the Hunting Association of Ireland and others to discuss...
'Act of kindness' saves business owner from parking fine
Stephen Moran, owner of Yeah Burger Restaurant Group joined Claire McKenna on Lunchtime Live to tell her about a good samaritan who saved him from getting a parking ticket. Other listeners got in touch about some random acts of kindness that they have experienced….
Twitter layoffs: 'It's a brutal culture Elon Musk has in his companies'
Twitter employs 500 people in Dublin, but many of those will be receiving emails today informing them whether they still have a job, or not. Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with the Irish Independent and Laura Harmon, equality campaigner joined Claire McKenna on Lunchtime Live to discuss Elon Musk's takeover and the layoff's he is imposing...
Child benefit double payment: ‘If you can afford to give, do’
Thousands of families across the country have started to get their double child benefit this week. As part of the cost of living crisis, this month’s payment will be €480 instead of the usual €240. One woman in today’s papers is saying that since she would probably just spend it on extra Christmas presents, she plans to give the extra money to someone who needs it more. Claire McKenna was joined by Louise Bayliss, Spokesperson for SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of Kids) and Fergus Finlay, Former CEO of Barnardos and Columnist with the Irish Examiner to discuss…
Taxi drivers 'frustrating' attempts to make cars wheelchair accessible
The shortage of taxis is a topic that we’ve returned to several times on the show. However, a listener, Danny, who is a taxi driver, got in touch with the show about an issue he is having trying to get a grant to make his taxi accessible...
Dublin Bus being 'short staff' causing phantom buses
On Lunchtime Live, Andrea has covered the topic of phantom buses frequently. New NTA figures show a jump in scheduled buses that didn’t run. Is this something that has affected you? Andrea was joined by James, a Dublin Bus driver, Eibhlin Seoighthe from the Galway Commuter Coalition and other listeners to discuss…
Accent discrimination is 'based on total classism'
A quarter of employees have had their accent mocked, criticised or singled out in a professional setting, according to new research. 30% of students cited the same problem in university. Have you ever felt singled out because of your accent? Has it ever proved a disadvantage for you in a work setting? Andrea was joined by Aoife Grace Moore, Political correspondent for Sunday Times Ireland and listeners to discuss…
Calls for 'I'm A Celeb' to stop using live animals 'for entertainment'
'I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here' is returning to our screens this weekend. A huge part of the show’s appeal is the horrible trials they’re made do, often being locked into dark passages full of creepy crawlies. However, there are renewed suggestions that live animals shouldn’t be used in any part of the TV show. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by James Hennessy, The Reptile Zoo Director and Laura Broxson, Founder of the National Animal Rights Association to discuss...
'We're decades behind' providing adequate care for endometriosis - Senator Lynn Ruane
Endometriosis is something we spoke extensively about on the show this year – hearing stories of the many, many women affected by the condition. This week Senator Lynn Ruane and some other female colleagues are writing to the Oireachtas Health Committee and the Department of Health, calling on them to take leadership on this issue and help those affected. Senator Lynn Ruane and Patricia joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss their experiences...
Intrusion of women's personal space 'has always been common'
Do people still respect personal space boundaries? Ave tweeted about a man on the bus sitting too close to her on Monday evening. She ended up getting off the bus a stop early to get away from him. Ave joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live alongside other listeners to discuss respecting personal space and boundaries...
Confusing food labelling 'a huge issue' in Ireland
Is food labelling clear enough? Can you tell where your food is really coming from? And if not, is that something that bothers you? Andrea was joined by Noel from Drogheda, Shane McAuliffe a pig farmer in Kerry and MTU Lecturer, Nick Lynch from Nicks Fish, Kieran Rumley, Executive Director at Love Irish Food and others to discuss…
Cancer patient had to 'fight' for annual check-ups since Covid
Ireland will see a ‘frightening’ wave of delayed cancer diagnoses next year – that's according to Taoiseach Michéal Martin. Diagnosis are not the only the only thing experiencing delays – there is also backlog in people receiving treatment. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Dara McDonagh and a listener Barbara, who both had breast cancer...
'Major deterrents' needed to prevent rising bike theft
Meteorologist, Joanna Donnelly joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live after her son's bike was stolen at the weekend. Joanna and her other son's bike were also stolen this past year...
Pope encouraging meat-free Fridays 'would definitely help' cut carbon emissions
A new study claims The Pope could bring about a major reduction in global carbon emissions if he urged Catholics to stop eating meat on a Friday. A return to the tradition could apparently make a huge difference to the environment. Would you consider going meat free on a Friday, to cut back carbon emissions? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Darina McCafferty, owner of vegetarian restaurant Cornucopia, Cork Fishmonger, Pat O'Connell, Sustainable Chef, Rozanne Stevens and other listeners to discuss…
Soap operas 'reflect what's going on in society and champion social issues’
Do soap operas still have a place in society or are they facing extinction? Actor Claudia Carroll, who played Nicola in Fair City and Hollyoaks writer Alan Flanagan joined Andrea Gilligan to discuss. Other listeners and fans of soap operas got in touch to give their view too...
'I was very disappointed' - Lord Mayor cancels live crib at Mansion House
The live animal crib outside Dublin’s Mansion House has been a Christmas staple for the past 27 years. However, a decision has been made by the Lord Mayor to cancel the event. This has been met with huge disappointment by regular visitors to the annual showpiece. Andrea was joined by Former Lord Mayor and Labour Cllr, Dermot Lacey, Melanie Finn, Entertainment Correspondent with the Irish Independent, Rachel Batten, Fianna Fáil Councillor and Dublin City Council Protocol Committee Member and listeners to discuss...
The science behind superstitions
'Tis the season of spookiness and superstitions. Black cats are on the prowl and no one wants to visit the house with 13 on the door. Is there any science behind our fears about breaking mirrors, walking under ladders or unlucky number 13? Scientist, Phil Smyth from Simply Science joined Andrea alongside some listeners to discuss...
Concerns that Michaela McCollum show 'can glamourise the perpetrators of crime'
Michaela McCollum's docuseries ‘High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule’ was released on Netflix at the weekend. Michaela, who was jailed for two years in Peru, when she and Melissa Reid dubbed the 'Peru Two' – were found with €1.6 milion worth of cocaine in 2013. Andrea was joined by Frank Greaney, Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent and Presenter of Inside the Crime, Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College, and Nikki from Citywest, to discuss...
70-year-old woman running in 41st Dublin Marathon
The Dublin City Marathon returns this weekend after three years off due to the Covid pandemic. It’s on Sunday with apparently a record number of 25,000 entrants. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Mary Hickey, who has done every marathon since it started. Newstalk's Mike Hogan and Lochlainn Harte, who are also taking part, also popped into studio to give an insight into how their training is going...
Increase on bus fare is 'unfair on students'
In the past, Andrea has spoken to listeners about the reduction of fares on public transport. However, Tim got in touch with the show, he’s disgusted after a recent increase of bus fares for his daughter travelling to college. Tim and other listeners joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss their troubles with bus transport...
'Loneliness is a killer' - Brent Pope on isolation in the workplace
Port Safety Week at Dublin Port is aimed at looking at issues hauliers face – like loneliness and isolation. There are a number of jobs out there that cause isolation and mental health problems because of people having to work on their own for long periods of time. Andrea was joined by Brent Pope, rugby analyst and mental health advocate to discuss. Listeners, James, Alan, Pat and Susan also joined Andrea to give their experiences…
'Full swing back' to collecting CDs post-Covid
Are you an avid CD collector or do you still listen to them? Or have streaming services taken over from the traditional vinyl or CD? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Neil Watters, the owner of Classified Records in Dundalk and other listeners to discuss...
'My child could die because somebody wants a birthday cake'
Does your child's creche or montessori have rules around what baked goods or foods can be brought in by a child? Newstalk's Simon Tierney received a notice recently from his daughter's montessori placing a ban on home baked goods for any birthday celebrations. Andrea was joined in studio by Simon to discuss. He was joined alongside listeners, Killian, Lisa, Andy and Jessica to discuss...
'We've rinsed Dublin of that club culture' - DJ Mark McCabe
Pubs will be able to serve until 12.30am every night of the week under new rules proposed by Justice Minister Helen McEntee. The new legislation will also clear the way for nightclubs to stay open until 6am. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by DJ and music producer, Mark McCabe, Ronan from the Swan Bar in Dublin and other listeners to discuss...
New guidelines for treating obesity are 'a game changer'
New guidelines released by the HSE today will call for obesity to be treated as a disease. Campaigners are welcoming this and saying it will help in how the condition is managed. Roughly 1 million people in Ireland are considered obese and about a quarter of all over-15s. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Dr Cathy Breen, Chair of the Association for the Study of Obesity, Bernadette Keenan, from the Irish Coalition for people living with obesity, Dr Eva Orsmond, specialist in weight loss and other listeners to discuss…
How to make the perfect cup of tea
How do you make the perfect cup of tea? Do you scald the cup first? A tweet from Sophie Grenham has caused a lot of debate in the Newstalk office this morning. Andrea was joined by Baker Catherine Leyden and Jenna, Clement & Pekoe's resident tea sommelier to discuss how to make the perfect brew...
System to house Ukrainian refugees is 'broken'
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland has criticised the Government’s failure to provide accommodation to incoming refugees, calling it unacceptable. It comes as 43 refugees were told that there was no accommodation for them at the weekend after the Citywest transit hub was closed for new arrivals. Many of those slept in the airport. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Anastasia Sytnyk, a Ukrainian woman living in Dublin, Anatoliy Prynakov from Ukrainian Action Ireland, Padraig Hennessy, Vice President of Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development and other listeners to discuss...
Gentrification of areas creating a 'nightmare' rental market
A group of tenants living across more than 30 apartments in a Dublin city property have been served eviction notices. The landlord intends to sell the entire building and they all have to leave. Andrea was joined by one of those tenants, James O’Toole. He was joined alongside Calvin O’Brien, from the Talking Bollix podcast, and other listeners to discuss the impact of gentrification on them and their communities...
'I was quite self-conscious about it' - Devin Toner on growing up tall
Are people too quick to comment on other people’s height? TV Presenter and Author Richard Osman has spoken out about how his 6’7 height has often made him feel "embarrassed". Andrea was joined by former Irish Rugby International, Devin Toner, Broadcaster, Barbara Scully and listeners to discuss...
Green Party Councillor wants smoking banned at 'bus stops and Luas stops'
There are new proposals to ban smoking in public parks and beaches in Ireland. It's thought of as being the next stop in Ireland’s smoking ban. Tobacco officials here have set their sights on extending a zero-tolerance approach to smoking. Andrea was joined by John Mallon, Forest Eireann, Cllr Oisín O'Connor, Green Party Councillor for Glencullen-Sandyford and listeners to discuss...
Cairns: 'Housing crisis has gone from crisis to disaster'
Frank O’Connor and Jude Sherry, who published the Derelict Ireland report, will be joined by Holly Cairns and the Social Democrats co-leaders, Roisin Shortall and Catherine Murphy, this weekend in Cork as they look at the harsh reality of our dereliction crisis in Cork City. Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrat TD and Brendan O'Sullivan is the Head of University College Cork’s Planning School joined Andrea on the show to discuss…
Dressing as serial killers for Halloween is 'insensitive'
eBay have removed Jeffrey Dahmer Halloween costumes from their online auction site. eBay say that they have a ban on items closely associated with violent felons within the past 100 years. Can you go too far with a Halloween costume? Andrea was joined by Eimear McKeon from the ‘Because You Were Home’ horror podcast, clinical psychologist, Tara Logan Buckley, make-up artist, Adrienne Kennedy Campion and Dr Sarah Cleary, who has a PhD in Controversial Horror…
Humphreys: 'Uncertainty not good for anybody' as Truss resigns
Britain's Prime Minister's announced she will resign - and a successor will be in place within a week. Andrea was joined by Newstalk's Kieran Cuddihy in London, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys and London correspondent, Vincent McAvinney to discuss..
Dublin City Council 'looking at' charging SUVs more for parking
Should people who drive bigger cars have to pay more to park them? It’s one idea being floated by Dublin City Council, to disincentivise people from driving higher polluting cars into the city. Is it further punishing people who need to use bigger cars for work? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Brian Caulfield, Associate Professor, Civil Struct & Environmental Engineering, Donna Cooney, Green Party Councillor for Clontarf and others to discuss…
Balbriggan residents 'object strongly' to proposed playground
Residents in Balbriggan are objecting to the construction of a new playground in the local area because they fear it’ll attract antisocial behaviour. Andrea was joined by residents Paul and Lukas to discuss. They were joined alongside Catherine, from the Liberties Residents Association and others...
'It's massively upsetting' - Sister trying to access late twin's social media accounts
What do you do with a loved ones social media accounts when they pass away? Unfortunately it was a situation Donna Ahern found herself in when her twin sister Susan died last year. Donna joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss her experience...
'It's terrifying' - Dubliner's attempts to bring surrogate triplets home from Kenya
Dublin man Edward O’Reilly says that he should have been bringing his three newborn babies home from Kenya, but instead – all he brought home is their birth certs. Edward, whose babies were born via surrogacy has been left devastated after the service he used demanded a further €16,000 despite him already paying €50,000. Edward joined Andrea on the show to tell his story...
'Flights aren't accommodated for overweight people'
A woman in the US has caused a storm online recently demanding a refund for having to sit between two overweight people. American Airlines in turn, provided her with a refund. Have you experienced travelling as an overweight person or have you been sat beside someone who was overweight on an airplane? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Robert and Nicola to discuss...
'I stand over it' - Fine Gael TD on comments made about O'Connell Street
One of the main streets in our capital city has been dubbed as dangerous and full of druggies and crime in the Dáil. O’Connell Street in Dublin has long been seen as somewhere in desperate need of help and regeneration, but the problem is thought to be getting worse. Andrea was joined by Fine Gael TD, Paul Keogh, Gary Gannon Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central and other listeners to discuss...
Comedian Fabu-D apologises for filming homeless man doing 'push-up' challenge for money
A video online has sparked controversy after Comedian Fabu-D challenged a homeless man to complete the press up challenge for money. In the video, the man does 20 pushups, and Fabu-D gives him €20. People have called for the video to boycotted, while others have said it’s an overreaction. Comedian Fabu-D and Glenda Harrington, from Friends Helping Friends joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live...
Meal prep is 'one of the best things to reduce food waste'
Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar has been mocked online after revealing his partner Matt Barrett’s meal prep for the week. However, the fact that none of the containers have lids has caused such a stir that even the Food Safety Authority given their advice online. Andrea was joined by Chef, Edward Hayden, Odile Le Bolloch, environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency and Holly White, vegan chef and lifestyle blogger to discuss...
Woman charged €125 for cancelling restaurant reservation
Is €250 too steep for a restaurant cancellation fee? A Michelin star restaurant in Cork charged a couple that fee after the cancelled their booking with only half an hour's notice. The reason given for the cancellation was that they had to make an emergency trip to A&E. Is it fair for restaurants to have cancellation fees? Andrea was joined by Paul Treyvaud, Owner of Treyvaud’s restaurant in Killarney, Anthony Gray, Owner, Eala Bhan and Hooked Restaurants in Sligo, Stephen McMahon, Co Founder of the Irish Patients Association and listener Fiona on Lunchtime Live…
'Women's sizing is a con' - Brendan Courtney
Our shopping habits have completely changed in recent years, with more of us choosing to buy online rather than in store. And about half of us have said Covid has increased our likelihood to shop online instead. However, a lot of online fashion brands only show their clothes one type of model, leaving people guessing what size to purchase. Andrea was joined by journalist, Anna Carey, Laura Mullet, fashion expert for RSVP Magazine and Ireland AM stylist and Brendan Courtney, presenter and fashion designer to discuss...
Calls for 'lifetime bans' for assaults on players and officials
A man is alleged to have grabbed a 9 year old boy by the throat during hurling blitz in Tipperary at the weekend. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners to discuss abuse in the GAA at juvenile level and what needs to be done to resolve it...