Lunchtime Live

An interesting letter to the editor in the Irish Times yesterday ,‘If we have a minimum wage, why not a maximum one?.' Andrea was joined by the writer of that letter,Jim O’Sullivan from Sligo, to discuss what is a maximum wage and why he thinks it is a good idea.

Karl Dawson, Presenter of Weekend Breakfast on 98fm, joined Andrea to highlight the on going trolley crisis in Irish hospitals. He explained his 87 year old grandmother has been waiting on a trolley with no sleep since going into hospital over thirty two hours ago.

Vogue Williams was left thoroughly unimpressed recently when a man initially refused to move seats with her on a plane so she could sit closer to her family. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if it is fair to expect someone to give up their seat just because someone has a child.

The UK government are discussing adding registration plates and insurance to bikes is being floated by the UK government. They’re also considering the possibility of cyclists receiving penalty points and fines if they break speed limits or run red lights. Andrea was joined by listeners and cycling advocates to discuss if this might work here in Ireland.

On yesterday's show Andrea chatted to listener Tammy, from Tipperary. She spoke about how she felt society has lost a bit of its kindness and, during the conversation the issue of calling in on neighbor's unannounced came up. Andrea was joined by listeners on this afternoon's show, to discuss if dropping in unannounced is rude or should be encouraged.

Ireland's housing market is an ongoing issue, those looking to rent are finding it increasingly difficult. With a lack of properties and high rent's, finding a suitable living space is no easy task. Andrea was joined by Conor, who put up a video on Twitter showing a queue of renters that spread down a whole street, for a room to rent in Dublin.

Austin Stack spoke to Breakfast about why we need to stop glorifying the IRA. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss where do we draw the line with the IRA, and if rebel songs are ok but murals and bonfires aren’t.

With the return of festival's Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the cost of festivals. Andy Noonan, Owner of the Big Grill Festival joined Andrea and a listener to discuss how long ques for food, left some attendee's feeling short changed.

Yesterday on the show you might remember we were chatting to listener Martina who was annoyed with people interrupting their conversation to show her photos on their phones. In particular, she pointed out one person, a complete stranger ,who stopped her to show her pictures of their dog. Andrea returned to the conversation today, and spoke to a listener who felt we need to take more time to be kind to others.

New parents in some parts of the country are being told that they won’t get visits from a public health nurse because of staff shortages. The HSE have apparently told them that only young children with proven medical risks or needs will be seen. Public health nurses usually help families with things like feeding, child safety and connecting with your infant. Vicky is a mum of three, she joined Andrea to discuss her fears for parents who might lose out on vital support.

The number of ‘lonely, single’ men is on the rise, and according to an American psychologist it is because women have higher standards now when it comes to dating. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if when it comes to dating our standards are to high.

The summer months have been filled with festivals and show's, as people enjoy some well deserved post pandemic freedom. Andrea was joined by listeners and those working in the industry to discuss if they are overpriced, or if the cost of living has made it impossible to sell tickets at a lower price.

An Irishman who got a seven-inch tattoo of Marty Whelan’s face on his thigh after losing a Fantasy Football bet says he’s delighted to honour ‘an icon of Irish broadcasting.’ Phil O’Kelly got the tattoo this weekend and posted the whole experience to Twitter, he joined Andrea to discuss the massive response.

Children are spending an increasing amount of time online but for many parents it can be hard to police what they are exposed to and ensure they are being safe. Andrea was joined by listener Jeff, who was in touch with the show to share his own story highlighting the importance of online safety.

A new report from the HSE has shown has warned recruitment being surpassed by demand for organization's services, which is leading to long waiting times for ambulance's.

Listener Martina was in touch with the show to discuss if many of us over share pictures we have on our phone with other people. Martina told Andrea she is fed up with people whipping out their phone to show her everything from wedding dresses to dinner pictures.

With the weather being so nice over the weekend, hundreds of sun seekers flocked to their local beach to enjoy the heat. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the images of car's on beaches that surfaced online, and asked if car's should be banned from beaches.

There have been calls for more to be done to tackle the problem of scrambler bikes in Limerick City. Sinn Fein TD for Limerick City Maurice Quinlivan joined Andrea to discuss if more needs to be done to regulate scramblers.

The Garda Band has cost taxpayers an average of almost €25,000 per performance since 2020, a figure comparable to booking fees charged by some top stars in the music industry. Nearly €4.6 million has been spent on the ensemble over the past two-and-a-half years, during which time it has played at a total of 190 events in settings including schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and churches. Andrea was joined by former guards and listeners to discuss if the band is worth the money.

Andrea was broadcasting live from Limerick and was joined by Dr Maura Adshead, Head of Community Engagement, Associate Professor of Politics, University of Limerick, Deirdre Forde, Lord Mayor of Cork City Council and Alison Gilliland, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, to debate the issue of a directly elected mayor.

Numbers revealed to Newstalk show that over one in every five people who attended Sexual Assault Treatment Units last year, were less than 18 years old. In total, 859 patients went to the units in 2021 after being attacked, an increase of 17% on the previous year. Andrea was joined by Margo Noonan, advanced nurse practitioner with Cork Sexual Assault Treatment Unit to react to the numbers.

Anyone who has an unusual name or spelling will be used to people mispronouncing it from time to time. University Limerick want to cut out that issue, so they’ve asked graduates to record their name pronunciation for the graduation ceremony. Andrea was joined by Aelish Nagle, Ceremonies Manager with UL, and listeners with unusual names, to discuss the issues of mispronunciation.

There are fears Christmas may be cancelled in a West Cork town after funding for Christmas lights has been reduced, sparking concern amongst the community. Andrea was joined by Diarmuid Creegan is the Chair of Clonakilty Tidy towns, Fianna Fail TD Christopher O'Sullivan and locals to discuss what this might mean for the West Cork community.

On yesterdays show Andrea was joined by listeners who had experienced lost luggage and were experiencing difficulties contacting the airline. Today she was joined by more listeners who were in touch with the show to describe their own experiences, and to offer advice to others about how best to retrieve the baggage through the airline.

Listener Leo joined Andrea on the show from Wicklow, to discuss the conversation earlier in the show around speed limits. Leo, spoke about losing his daughter in a road traffic accident and how hearing people make excuses for speeding drivers deeply upsets him.

A lack of nursing places in the Round Zero CAO offers have left many aspiring nurses disheartened after their hopes to continue their studies was cut short. Andrea was joined by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their own stories.

Actress Olivia Newton John has passed away at the age of 73. She had a career that spanned more than five decades, but she will always be remembered most from her role as Sandy opposite John Travolta in 1978’s ‘Grease’. Andrea was joined by listeners who played Sandy in Irish productions, and spoke to them about their experience of playing the iconic character.

The first average speed camera to be placed on a motorway in Ireland will become operational from Monday. From 7am on April 25, the mainline Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system will begin checking motorists' speeds. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what this mean for motorists.

Sarah, a listener from Thurles, sent in an email to Andrea in relation to Mass and the Catholic church. She explained to Andrea she felt Mass is failing to captivate our attention and that of young people.

Andrea was joined by Frank who has recently released a podcast on his mental health journey. He described periods of his life when he experienced suicidal thoughts and how, with support he has managed to reach a much better place in his life. If you are experiences any difficulties you can call Pieta House free on 1800 247 247.

With the cost of living at an all time high, Andrea was joined by parents to discuss the high cost of summer camps and how the hours they usually run, do not always suit a working parents schedule.

Looking for love can be a long and winding road. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the perils of modern day dating, and the challenges of finding love in Ireland.

Elaine Ryan is a mother from Tipperary. Her holiday to Tunisia with her husband and children turned into a nightmare, Elaine joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to explain her situation.

Getting ready for holidays- are you a pro or a packing disaster? A new survey shows that women pack an average of 6 pairs of shoes when they go on holiday but most remain unworn.

A Post Office in the UK has gone viral after they warned that grumpy or rude customers would face a penalty. A sign in the post office reads: ‘If you are grouchy or irritable, or just plain rude: there will be a £10 charge for putting up with you.’ Do you like that idea? Have you had to deal with grumpy members of the public? Should there be penalties for rude customers?

Catherine Woods Professor of physical activity and Health at the University of Limerick spoke to Shane on Breakfast this morning... Andrea Gilligan was joined on the show by callers who got in touch with their views as to where or not every child should have to participate in sport.

Wedding favors have traditionally been given for guests to take home with them, as a token of appreciation. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if wedding favors are really worth the money they cost.

From acne to dry skin and everything in between, Jennifer Rock, owner of the skin Nerd and Skin ingredients, joined Andrea to answer all your skin related questions.

Glenveagh Properties, one of the largest homebuilders in the State, has presented a plan to the Minister for overhauling existing regulations to allow developers shave more than a quarter off the distance between the rears of houses.

Irish Examiner Columnist Jennifer Horgan, joined Andrea and listener's, to discuss her article about how we need to normalise men taking up caring roles, both informal unpaid care in the home, and as a professional career.

Parents across the country are in the throws of getting the back to school essentials, but high costs have left many parents concerned about how they will deal with the spiraling costs.

Sledging in Sport is nothing new, but there are some that think it might have become worse because of social media. Shane Cassells, Senator & Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Sport joined Andrea to discuss what can be done to solve the problem. Davy Glennon, intercounty player, also joined the conversation to share how big of an issue it has become on the pitch.

Bereavements leave is often in the region of three to five days, but there is no legal reqirement for companies to offer it. Andrea was joined by listener Edel, who lost her husband not to long after the death of her mother.

Former US President Donald Trump is due to visit his golf resort in Doonbeg next month. His last visit to the west Clare village incited anti-Trump protests but locals in the area are saying that they don’t want a repeat of some of the nastiness they experienced towards Doonbeg and, indeed, themselves. Andrea spoke to locals about how they felt about welcoming him back.

Lots of parents give their children pocket money but many differ on whether it is earnt or just given. Andrea was joined by Aoife Lee from Parentsupport.ie, Siobhan O’Neill white from Mams.ie and listeners to discuss what they do with their children's pocket money.

New research has found that Irish shoppers spend up to €477 more chasing supermarket discount vouchers. It also suggested that half of Irish shoppers claim to have intentionally overspent, shopped more frequently or bought something they didn’t need to qualify for supermarket money-off vouchers. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if they believe discount vouchers really mean savings.

Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if we have enough charging points to encourage people to use an electric vehicle, and where the best charging stations across the country.

A survey by HRLocker earlier this year revealed that 52pc of full-time workers in Ireland experience burnout from pressure and stress at work. Andrea was joined by listeners to share their own experience of blue tack.

Irish business woman Zoe Desmond, joined Andrea to explain why she has created the world’s first dating app for single parents, after Tinder users often see children as 'baggage

Sonya Lennon, Designer from Lennon and Courtney, joined Andrea to share her experience of taking her daughter to buy a pregnancy test, which is part and parcel of being on a type of medication that requires it. She spoke about the judgement her daughter faced and how after posting her story, many others were in touch to share their own experience of feeling judged.