Lunchtime Live

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…

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…

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...

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...

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...

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

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..

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…

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…

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...

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’...

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…

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…

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...

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

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…

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…

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…

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...

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…

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...

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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...

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…

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…

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...

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...

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…

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...

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...

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...

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…

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…

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...

Should the state pay half a million euro so that Katie Taylor can fight in Croke Park? That’s the question on everyone’s lips today as it turns out the only thing standing in her way, is a five hundred thousand euro security bill. Otherwise, she’ll be fighting in The Point. The Point has between 8,000 or 10,000 tickets, but if it was Croke Park has 80,000 seats. Would she sell out such a venue? Are we giving Katie Taylor, who put women’s boxing on the map for Ireland, the respect she deserves by putting her in a smaller venue? Boxing authorities and sport fans joined Andrea today to discuss.

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.

Would you like to see street art legalised here? Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin has launched a bill in the Dáil to make it easier for public city art to be produced without fear of prosecution. What do you think of the idea?

Should drugs be decriminalised? Two Fianna Fáil TDs, have said that the on drugs is not working, and there must be a decriminalisation of drugs. Recreational drug users could be able to access ‘natural-grown’ substance in an ‘off licence’-style outlet. What do you think? Would you like to see this introduced? Andrea was joined by Dr. Garret McGovern Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum and other listeners to discuss…

It’s been announced that Katie Taylor won’t play Croke Park because of the costs of using the venue. On top of that, we found out yesterday that Beyonce won’t be coming here as part of her world tour – that adds her to the names like Madonna and Coldplay that have skipped Ireland on their tours. Is it just too expensive here to play gigs? Does it make Ireland less appealing as an option? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Rebecca, who worked in the music industry, Matt McGranaghan is from the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland and others to discuss…

There is a video circulating online from an anti-immigration protest outside Finglas Garda station last night. A protestor can be heard shouting “You need to go to where these people are staying and burn them out”, - that is what we are hearing – to cheers – at these anti-immigration protests. Is this what we have become as a country? Andrea was joined on the show by listeners to discuss the threat of violence towards refugees in Ireland… Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

Monday sees the first St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday. However, some people feel that it shouldn’t be called after a Saint and we should be moving away from religious bank holidays. Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Journalist, Kathy Donaghy’s had an article in the Irish Independent over the weekend, where she wrote about her experience of miscarriage and how she coped in the aftermath. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Jennifer to talk about her experience...

Emily Atack’s documentary on sexual harassment Asking for It? aired on TV last night. The former Inbetweeners actress star told viewers how every morning she would wake up to unsolicited pictures from men. Have you ever received unsolicited pictures?

Childcare costs have long been a crippling cost for parents across the country, but good news could be on the horizon. Under plans going to Cabinet, thousands of parents may receive childminding subsidies. Will this help you? How much are you currently paying? Andrea was joined by Treasa, Sarah and Siobhán to discuss...

What are the roads like in your local area? Meath County Council has revealed that it has paid out almost €60,000 in pothole claims in the last three years. Andy McGuinniety, a driving instructor in Meath joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

A novel from Jane Austen has been given a trigger warning for depicting ‘gender stereotypes’ and ‘toxic relationships and friendships.' Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey’, released in 1817 has been deemed to be potentially upsetting by academics at the University of Greenwich. What do you think about adding ‘trigger warnings’ to books, movies, TV shows? Andrea was joined by listeners of Lunchtime Live to discuss...