Lunchtime Live

Australians will be saying goodbye to Neighbours today, after 37 years on the air. Irish audiences will have to wait until Monday to watch the finale. For many fans, the daily trip to Erinsborough became a ritual of sorts. For Irish Times Journalist Alex Moffat the show holds a much deeper meaning and he joined Andrea Gilligan on the show today.

Two weeks ago on the show, Andrea spoke to Donna O’Connor who was travelling from Chicago to Ireland to scatter her parents ashes. She was devastated when her luggage and the ashes was lost but rejoined Andrea to share her joy at having them returned.

Every week we give you the chance to get access to an expert and this week, we put your motoring questions to Motoring Journalist Geraldine Herbert

The Government has announced funding to develop a brand new town in Dublin – between Lucan, Clondalkin and Liffey Valley. Samantha Dooley from Ongar Village Residents Association joined Andrea and listener's, to discuss other new towns and if they lack character.

A ban prohibiting smoking on all beaches in Barcelona came into effect this week. Andrea was joined by listeners and environmentalists to discuss if something similar should be brought in here.

Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what qualities make a good friend and what people seek out when they are expanding their friendship circle.

Listener John, joined Andera to discuss his experience of falling victim to a solar panel scam.

Seagull's have been attacking children in the seaside town of Balbriggen. Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly and joined Eanna Ni Lamhna, Biologist & Environmental consultant, joined Andrea and residents to discuss what can be done to protect locals from the protected birds.

Whatsapp groups can be informative, they can be a scheduling tool and they can be good for staying in contact with a friend group. Freelance journalist, Harriet Marsden and Newstalk’s Technology correspondent Jess Kelly, joined Andrea to discuss if Whatsapp groups have become more of an annoyance then anything else.

There was chaotic scenes on the Dart yesterday afternoon after people disembarked the train, on to the tracks as they say the heat was unbearable. A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said a Dart was awaiting a clear platform at Bray before proceeding into the station just before 3pm when a number of people forced open the doors and walked on the track. Andrea was joined by listeners who were travelling on the dart to describe their journey experiences.

Emma got in touch with the show to tell of her experience of cyberstalking along with Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. If you have been affected by issues raised by Emma you can contact the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900.

Ahead of the Galway Races next week, Stylist Mandy Maher who is head judge and one of three judges at this year's Galway Races joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to discuss how best to win best-dressed lady at the Galway Races this year.

Gráinne Ui Luing is a mother of two girls, Caoimhe aged 8, and Fiadh aged 6. Both of her daughters have Cystic Fibrosis, meaning they are constantly in need of antibiotics, physiotherapy, nebulisers etc. Gráinne is now in a dispute with the HSE and the drugs company Vertex which makes the life-changing drug called Kaftrio. Her daughters have been denied this drug as the age group has been excluded from the pharmaceutical deal. This leaves 35 children in Ireland with this condition who have no way of obtaining life-changing medication. Gráinne joined Andrea on the show to tell her story.

All households can now apply for an EV electric car charging point grant in their home, even without owning an electric car. But would you make the move to an electric car? Derek Ryan Nevo and electric vehicle user along with callers joined Andrea Gilligan on the show.

Staff shortages can be seen in many small businesses and hospitality settings but could things be made easier for staff to be recruited and retained. Fianna Fail TD James O’Connor, joined Andrea and Adrian Cummins, CEO of Restaurants association of Ireland to discuss if the work permit if fit for purpose.

Speaking in Australia, Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald sent out a rallying call to Irish people living abroad to return home. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if Ireland is a good place to come home too.

Whether it’s keeping your elbows off the table or knowing which fork to use for your starter, table manners have been around for a long time. Therese McCullagh-Melia of the Etiquette Academy of Ireland joined Andrea to discuss if people are still bothering to learn table etiquette or if table manners are dying out.

Staff shortages mean nearly two million hours of home help won’t be delivered this year. The HSE estimates about 35,000 hours’ worth of care will not be delivered every week this year, because of staff shortages. Andrea was joined by carer's and those working as carer's to discuss the impact of these shortages.

Calls have been made to equip hospital staff with body cams as more than 34,000 nurses and doctors have been assaulted in the past seven years. Andrea was joined by Stephen McMahon and Liam Herrick to discuss if this is a necessary step in protecting health workers.

AIB announced that 70 of their branches are going cashless.Tara Buckley from RGDATA, the organisation representing Ireland’s community based grocery retailers joined Andrea and listeners to discuss their reaction to this move.

A new Pret A Manger is set to open on Dawson Street in Dublin. It adds to the Starbucks, McDonalds, Subways and countless other chain stores that are operating in our capital and throughout the country. Andrea was joined by listeners and business owners to discuss if chain stores add or take away from a city.

Whether you’re a fan of the old school classics or the fancy new comers there’s a crisp for every occasion and they’re all on display at the inaugural crisp festival in Dublin this weekend. Chris Raymond one of the organisers of Crisp fest joined Andrea to discuss what is in store for crisp lovers of Dublin.

As we try and address the climate change crisis, Andrea was joined by Seamus Boland CEO of Irish Rural Link, Conor Faughnan,Transport commentator and listeners to discuss how they would react to being forced to give up their second car.

This morning pictures of Burrow beach in Sutton showing a massive volume of rubbish left over from yesterday were posted online by photographer Padraig O'Reilly and locals about what can be done to encourage people to properly dispose of their rubbish.

Jennifer Lopez has announced she will be adding new husband Ben Affleck's surname to her own, making her Jennifer Lopez Affleck. Irish Independent columnist Kirsty Blake Knox, joined Andrea to discuss why more men don't take their wives’ surnames.

A new campaign called ‘Through my Eyes’ wants to highlight that those with down syndrome can live full and meaningful lives if they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Andrea was joined by Charlie O Reilly and Fiona Malone, spokesperson Down Syndrome Centre to discuss the campaign.

Deliberate heading could be completely banned from football for children under 12 in England in two seasons' time. Andrea was joined by Alan Matthews former Irish football player and manager, Aodhan O’Riordan Labour TD and Runs Football Walking Tour, Shane Byrne Former Rugby International and parents to discuss if we should think about introducing a similar ban here in Ireland.

Listener Lorraine was in touch with the show to discuss if the medical card can be cut off by your pension. She joined Andrea and Nat O’Connor from Age Action Ireland joined Andrea to discuss the issue.

Local business owners and members of the tourism sector in Youghal, County Cork have criticised the current refugee housing plan as the local hotels in the area are fully booked out for the foreseeable future, and tourism in the area are suffering. Andrea was joined by Pádraig Hennessy Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development president, Eoghan O’Meara Walsh Chief Executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and Kays Flowers Yougha.

Yewande rose to fame in 2019 after appearing on Love Island alongside Maura Higgins and Greg O’Shea. The Dubliner has gone on to use the platform to speak out about issues surrounding racism and mental health. She joined Andrea to discuss her new book ‘Reclaiming’ which hit shelves last week.

A new major revamp of Sex Education will see the Junior Cert curriculum include lessons about pornography. Young teenagers will be taught about porn, the sharing of sexual as well as consent and gender stereotyping. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what these changes mean for students and if porn has a place in classrooms.

Whether you’re all about the thumbs up or the crying laughing face – emoji's have crept into our daily life. To celebrate World Emoji Day – our tech correspondent Jess Kelly joined Andrea Gilligan live from Waterford.

When you hear about Waterford, it’s all Blaa, Blaa, Blaa! But we want to know why! Andrea Gilligan went out and about in the Deise to hear about the famous delicacy and why it’s so special to the county.

According to a new survey, 57% of women in Ireland feel obligated to work while sick compared to 34% of men. Fiona Looney columnist for the Irish Daily Mail and Dr. Ebun Josep - Author, Social Justice Activist, public speaker, Diversity & Career Consultant joined Andrea Gilligan on the show.

Did you know that Waterford is home to Ireland’s only Amish Mennonite community? We’ve all heard about the Amish community but what is life actually life for those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to that faith? Simon and Dan who live in the Amish Mennonite community in Waterford joined Andrea Gilligan live from the Tower hotel and leisure center.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was on June the 26th 1887 at Kilkenny Castle… this record breaker could be broken over the coming days with Met Eireann issuing an urgent temperature warning and a seven-day advisory already in place. So how do we all keep cool and not wilt in the heat? Holistic Gardener and author of First Aid From The Garden, Fiann O'Nuaillan joined Andrea Gilligan on the show with his remedies to keep us cool.

Does Waterford get enough recognition? The sunny southeast and Ireland's oldest city was recently voted the best place to live in the Country – but does is it a bit ignored? Sean Defoe - Bauer Media Political Correspondent & proud Waterford man along with Dr. Aisling O’Neill, ArcLabs and Research Manager at South East Tech University joined Andrea Gilligan live from the Tower hotel in Waterford.

In this week's 'Ask The Expert' Barry Kenny answers all your rail related questions.

Complaints to the Passport Office have increased almost fivefold this year with travellers in many cases experiencing delays in processing their applications. Andrea was joined by a caller who in touch with the show to discuss the issues she has had with applying for a first time passport for her three year old daughter.

Almost 1,700 cyclists were hospitalised due to crashes last year. According to Freedom of Information figures released to Newstalk, that includes nearly 200 children under the age of nine. Andrea was joined by Ciaran Cannon, Fine Gael TD for Galway East, and listeners who had been involved in cycling accidents to discuss if our streets are safe for cyclists.

A new hospital has opened in Spain with the sole purpose of treating patients on the long public waiting lists here in Ireland. Around 1,500 Irish patients will get routine planned surgeries each year at the facility. Andrea was joined by listeners waiting for surgeries to discuss if they feel this would be a workable solution.

Odile Le Bolloch, Environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency joined Andrea to discuss how strictly you should adhere to best before and use by dates.

There have been renewed calls to cut fuel excise as long queues emerged at some forecourts around the country who had reduced their prices. Andrea was joined by listeners across the country to discuss how high fuel prices are unsustainable.

Andrea was joined by Darren Geraghty Mixologist and Bar manager with the Siam Thai group and Jess Murphy Head Chef and co-Proprietor at Galway Restaurant Kai, to debate if the “old school” plate, glass, knife and fork, have been replaced by food severed in something more kooky to pull in a trendy audience.

As airport issues continue Andrea was joined by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their travelling experiences.

On yesterday on the show Andrea spoke to Senator Lisa Chambers about how women feel they aren't listened to when engaging with healthcare in Ireland. After hearing the piece Joanne was in touch to share her own experience of struggling to receive a diagnosis.

Lisa Chambers is launching a policy document off the back of the women's health conference she had recently. A key takeaway from the research has been that women feel they aren't listened to when engaging with healthcare in Ireland. She joined Andrea and listeners to discuss what can be done to better support women's health in Ireland.

Yesterday was officially the hottest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 25.9 degrees recorded at Shannon Airport. The heavy, humid weather can make it hard to get a good sleep, Andrea was joined by Sleep Expert Tom Coleman with his advice on getting a good nights rest during heavy heat.

Donna O’Connor is an American tourist who travelled to Ireland to spread some of her parents’ ashes on a family farm. However she explained to Andrea, her baggage, which includes the remains of her parents, has been lost in transit.

Listener Danny was in touch Andrea from Berlin, to highlight the negative perception some of his German peers have of Ireland. He told Andrea he worries high prices, among other things, could end of putting people off holidaying here.