Lunchtime Live

The ‘Buying Irish’ series wrapped up today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live are encouraging local people to support local business and jobs this Christmas. This week, Clare McKenna was joined by Irish food producers, Donal Flynn, Food & Wine buyer with Fallon & Byrne, Patricia from Wilde Irish Chocolate, Neil from Freezin Friesian, Michael from Boyne Valley Cheese, Sally from Woodcock Smokery, Sharon from Wild Irish Foragers and Jacqui from Caboose…

The head of one of the country's best-known Gaeltacht summer colleges has said the standard of Irish in students is shameful and that the Government is putting its head in the sand about it. Mícheál Ó Foighil, CEO of Coláiste Lurgan, Cllr Hazel de Nortúin, Founder of Cafe Glic in Ballyfermot and other listeners joined Clare McKenna to discuss…

Christmas can be a great time to come together with family and friends, but it can also be very difficult if you’re missing a loved one who you have lost. Andrea was joined by listeners to remember those who they have lost and how they are remembering them at this time of year...

Career breaks for teachers could be suspended under plans being considered by the Government in response to a shortage of qualified staff in schools. Under existing rules, a teacher may take a career break for a year or more which can be extended, subject to an employer’s approval, for up to five years at any one time, or 10 years in the course of a teacher’s career. Andrea Gilligan was joined by teachers, retired teachers and other listeners to discuss...

Should you have to re-sit your driving test every 10 years? One Cork Councillor has described the standard of driving in Cork City as 'appalling'. Are we too lax about driving habits in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the standard of driving in Ireland…

As the 25th December gets closer, some people might consider celebrating Christmas in an alternative way. Whethe it is because you're looking for a getaway from all the hassle or you're simply stuck at work you might have come up with a way to celebrate the big day in your own way. Andrea was joined by Kevin Dundon, chef and owner of Dunbrody House in Co Wexford, Dr Mick Molloy, consultant in Emergency Medicine and other listeners to discuss…

Today marks 100 years since the foundation of the Irish Free State. Mark Henry, Author of ‘In Fact: An Optimist’s Guide to Ireland at 100’ argues in the Journal.ie today that we’ve come a long way in that 100 years and that Ireland is now one of the very best countries in the world to live in. What do you think? Is Ireland in 2022 worth celebrating? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

Are breastfeeding rooms sending out the wrong message? Or are they a positive move to make people feel more comfortable? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the use of breastfeeding rooms...

Are school uniforms holding children back from sports and other activities? A new report recommends changes to ‘strict, inflexible’ school uniform policies. Would you like to see school uniforms replaced? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

A new report from the Department of Health shows that Ireland’s population is aging faster than anywhere else in Europe. According to the report, Ireland’s changing demographics will remain “the singular challenge we face when planning our health service into the future”. With this in mind, should we be raising the retirement age? Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss...

Egg freezing is on the rise in Ireland, but should there be some funding provided by the government? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Therapy Fertility’s Medical Director, Dr. John Kennedy and listeners Nicole, Laura and Sarah to discuss…

Scotland are holding a consultation that will look at proposals to ban the promotion or advertising of alcohol. Would you like to see something similar done here? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Christina, who is a recovering alcoholic, Cathal O’Donoghue, Co-Founder with Rascals Brewery and other listeners to discuss...

New research shows that 4 in 10 parents want their kids to end up in a trade rather than an office-based job but why do we hear of so few young people entering trades? Andrea was joined by tradespeople and parents to discuss...

We continue our ‘Buying Irish’ series today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live are encouraging local people to support local business and jobs this Christmas. This week, Irish presents! Andrea was joined by Amy Orr, CC Creatives, Julie from Jando, Michelle Ryan from Marketstreet.ie and Sheelin Conlon from The Kind…

On Tuesday night, demonstrators continued to block traffic as they marched from the ESB building being occupied by asylum seekers to the nearby Port Tunnel. Andrea Gilligan went down to speak with residents and protesters. More listeners joined Andrea live on the show today to discuss the protests...

We often hear stories about homophobic attacks in this country. And at the time we call for changes and wonder how such things could happen. But, how safe do the gay community feel in Ireland? Is it a safe place to be gay? A tweet from Ciaran O’Driscoll got traction online as he was saying he went on a first date recently with a lovely guy. But it was scuppered a bit at the end because of fears Ciarán had about sharing a kiss. Ciaran and other LGBTQ+ listeners joined Andrea on the show to discuss their experiences…

Shops and cafes could be forced by law to accept cash payments under a draft bill to be tabled by the Department of Finance next year. A ruling like this would also require a minimum number of ATMs per town or region which would allow customers ‘reasonable access to cash’. Andrea was joined by listeners and business owners on the show to discuss...

Between burglaries and assaults, the rising rates of rural crime have seen calls for the Justice Minister Helen McEntee to increase the number of Gardai on Patrol in remote areas. Have you noticed an increase in crime? Do you feel safe in your area? Andrea was joined by Green Party Councillor Liam Quaide in Cork, Taryn in Donegal and other listeners to discuss...

The boss of Uber has warned that the number of taxis in Ireland might continue to fall between now and Christmas. Will this stop you from making Christmas plans? Will it stop you going out for dinners or to shows that go on too late, because you just won’t be able to get home? Andrea was joined by listeners and taxi drivers to discuss…

The Government is going to consider bringing back bonuses for bankers. Restrictions have been in place since the financial crash. With the cost of living crisis the way it is, and people struggling more than ever to get on the property ladder. Is now the right time to be increasing the pay checks of pretty well paid people? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

This morning Newstalk Breakfast chatted to Raul – older brother of 9 year old Alejandro Mizsan who was viciously attacked by a pitbull in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford on Sunday. Under current laws restricted breeds need to be muzzled in public, they need to be on a short, strong lead when in public, they must wear a collar at all times with their owners information and they should only be led by people over the age of 16. Andrea was joined by listeners on the show to discuss...

The protests in East Wall over the rehousing of asylum seekers resumed last night as protesters blocked the Port Tunnell. Andrea was joined by local East Wall residents Anya, Keith and others to discuss...

Fáilte Ireland have released their festive Dublin marketing campaign and some people are offended by the language used in it. The ad reads: ‘Winter in Dublin, it’s magic’ but doesn’t mention Christmas at all. Some people are claiming this is removing Christmas and religion from a festival based entirely around it. Andrea was joined by listeners on the show to discuss… Image: Fáilte Ireland

A young boy is in a serious condition in hospital following a vicious dog attack in Co Wexford earlier yesterday afternoon. The boy was attacked by a pitbull – which is one of the breeds of dog which are restricted here in Ireland. But, do those restrictions go far enough? Would you like to see certain dog breeds actually banned in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

A New York City Council member is pushing a bill that would would allow people to be paid for reporting illegal parking. Is this something that should be introduced in Ireland, in order to deter illegal parking? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

It’s Toy Show Friday!It’s one of the most nostalgic parts of Christmas, with moments of pure joy! And in many people’s eyes, the official launch of the Christmas season. It’s also a great taste of home for those living around the world, possibly not making it home for the Christmas season. Andrea was joined by those from Ireland living abroad that will be tuning in tonight…

Religious symbols across hundreds of State-run primary and secondary schools must in future be reflective of the “entire community” according to a new blueprint for the sector. That means that where religious symbols are displayed, they should reflect all of the religions practiced in the area. Andrea was joined by Graham, a teacher in Cork, Fr Paddy Byrne in Co Laois and other listeners to discuss...

Tipperary GAA club Drom & Inch are proposing drug testing be extended from inter-county level to club level to curb the use of performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. Currently all GAA players are subject to anti-doping rules as adopted by Sport Ireland. However, few if any footballers and hurlers outside the senior inter-county scene have been tested. Andrea was joined by Tim Barry, Chairman of Rathdowney-Erril GAA in Laois, Sharon, who works with those in addiction treatment and other listeners to discuss...

We continue our ‘Buying Irish’ series today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live are encouraging local people to support local business and jobs this Christmas. This week, Irish decorations and ornaments. Andrea was joined by Chris, from Dainty Detail, Mags from Bumble Bee Flower Farm, Lisa from the Ornament shop and Mary Whelan, from Eirlooms to discuss their businesses…

There have been fresh calls for more to be done to help ease Cork’s ‘Bumper to Bumper traffic issues.' Has the traffic in Cork City affected you? Does it put you off going in to the city? Andrea was joined by Kerry O’Neill, Fitzpatrick Grocery, Peter Horgan, Labour Party Local Area Representative and more listeners to discuss... Image: dunkettle.ie

A Sunday Times survey has found sharp generational differences when it comes to attitudes to the Troubles. A third of young people here in the Republic of Ireland say they think it is socially acceptable to say “up the Ra”. Half admit they don’t fully understand the history of the Troubles. While, almost a third of young Irish people think there was no alternative to violent resistance to British rule. Andrea was joined by listeners Pat, Ben, Marc and Alex to discuss…

As technology advances and fast fashion takes over, some of the professions we knew and loved are starting to fade. Lots of traditional jobs that we would have known and loved are becoming a dying art. Andrea was joined by Jim Flanagan, Phoenix Park lamplighters, Nora Finnegan, Lacemaker from Kenmare Lace, Phil Doran, a roof thatcher in Laois and Isaac Jackman, Shoe Repair Technician to discuss their trades…

According to new research, the cost of an average funeral in Ireland is over six thousand euro. Is that something we prepare for enough? Or are we likely to be taken by surprise at the worst possible moment? Andrea was joined by Lisa Clancy, Charlie McClafferty, McClafferty Funeral Directors in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Sara and other listeners to discuss…

In the last number of years we have been seeing a rise in the number of people with mental health issues. Destigmatising mental health has been welcomed by medical professionals and charities. But, are we sometimes guilty of over-pathologising emotional health? By adopting mental health language so liberally and casually in our everyday lives are we trivialising mental health? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Ellen Fitzpatrick, from Her.ie has just returned from her first solo travel experience. Have you ever travelled solo? How would you feel about going on a holiday on your own? Andrea was joined by Ellen Fitzpatrick and other listeners to discuss...

New statistics revealed today show that the average price in Dublin is now over €2,200 a month and that there is an ‘extreme shortage of rental homes’. And of course the issue isn’t just in Dublin, it’s all over the country. People are struggling to find somewhere to live. And if they can, they’re often struggling to pay rent. Andrea was joined by listeners around the country to discuss...

Is enough being done to protect our Gardai? A shocking video emerged of 2 Gardai being assaulted in Ballyfermot in Dublin last night. Sinn Féin Councillor for Ballyfermot and Drimnagh, Daithi Doolan, Garda Mark Ferris is the DMR West GRA Representative, Sunniva Finlay is the CEO of Ballyfermot STAR and other listeners to discuss...

More than half of nine-year-olds now own a phone. That is according to new research from the ESRI which also found that owning a mobile phone is associated with less time reading and lower levels of involvement in cultural activities. What age is it right to give a child a phone at? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Stirling University in Scotland have voted to ban meat and dairy from their campus, however campaigners argue that it’s an ‘attack on freedom of choice’. Would you like similar introduced on campuses here? Andrea was joined by Aisling Cullen, the founder and CEO of Thanks Plants, Amanda Norris, auditor of the NUIG Agricultural society, John Downey from UCC Macra na Feirme, Kaley Nolan, from the vegan society in UCC and other listeners to discuss...

Keith Russell was just 12 years of age when his struggles with body dysmorphia and disordered eating began. Now, years on, he wants more men to speak out about their body image struggles. Keith joined Andrea in studio to discuss...

Every year nurses, teacher and many other professions have to pay a retention fee to stay registered in their profession. With a shortage of healthcare staff in Ireland, what is this fee being put towards? Andrea was joined by nurses, Ciara, Ralph and Caroline...

Motorists are set to be hit again with increased toll prices – some going up by 60 cent per journey. Inflation is blamed on the rising cost. Andrea was joined by road users around the country to discuss...

We kick off our ‘Buying Irish’ series today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live are encouraging local people to support local business and jobs this Christmas. First up, Irish toys. Andrea was joined by Damien Murtagh, Founder of Arckit, Kevin from Gosling Gifts & Games, Jenel from Clever Tots Toy Club, Michael from Ro Óg and Sharon Keilthy from Jiminy Eco Toys…

Jason, a listener, got in touch with the show to highlight bullying his 13-year-old son received in his secondary school. His son who has dyspraxia and autism and was being bullied by others in his class and Jason had difficulty with the staff at the school about resolving the issue... Other listeners John, Ciarán and Tracy also got in touch with their experiences...

Children in Need, one of the biggest TV events in the UK kicks off this weekend. Andrea was asking should kids have to go on national TV and disclose their illness or trauma in order for people to donate to helping charities? Andrea was joined by Carmel Doyle, CEO of Jack and Jill, Bernard Mulvaney from Access for All and Evie to discuss...

Broadcaster, Síle Seoige has revealed her and her partner have made the decision to no longer show their son Cathal's face on social media. Do you share photos of your children on social media or is it something that is off-limits? Andrea was joined by Caroline Foran, author and host of the Stretch Marks podcast and other listeners to discuss...

Gambling ads are to be banned on television and radio until late at night under plans to be approved by Cabinet today. The Gambling Regulation Bill, likely to come into effect next summer, will fundamentally change the rules of gambling in Ireland. Under the new law people will have to opt-in to receive gambling ads online and those who fail to protect children from gambling could face up to eight years in prison. Andrea was joined by Westmeath hurler, Davy Glennon and listeners David and Noel to discuss... Image: Sportsfile

The Irish Dental Association have given a stark warning to people against travelling abroad to get your teeth done. Amanda Turner and Noreen Keegan Kavanagh joined Andrea to tell her about their experiences of botched dental procedures they had abroad...

Residents of the George’s Quay area in Dublin are getting increasingly worried about the growing levels of local violence from young teenagers. Reports say incidents involving gangs are happening weekly in the area and that it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt. Andrea was joined local Councillor Ray McAdam, Local Resident Mark Fay and Alan Robinson, Dublin Docklands Business Forum to discuss...

Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has died at the age of 48. She passed away at Milford Hospice in Limerick in the early hours of this morning. Clare McKenna was joined to remember Vicky by Senator Lynn Ruane, Newstalk's Frank Greaney, Louise O'Reilly TD, Orla O'Connor from the National Women's Council, John Wall, cancer advocate and others...