Lunchtime Live

In Ireland over 40,000 people have a severe nut allergy but the medical care to treat this condition is seriously under resourced. Lisa Nolan whose 12 year old daughter Hallie lives with severe food allergies joined Adrian to discuss the challenges Hallie faces on a daily basis.

Yesterday on the show we were talking about how treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019 The report from the health research board found that Ireland now has the second-highest proportion in Europe of 15- to 24-year-olds who have used cocaine. Andrea spoke to listeners who were in touch with the show to discuss their experiences and observations of Irelands drug culture.

The Leaving Cert time is upon us as exam season gets under way this week. Students are already in the midst of things, but it can also be a stressful time for parents trying to maintain calm in stress filled households. Psychologist Peader Maxwell joined Andrea with tips for negotiating the leaving cert period and what to say to best support students.

A new survey shows that 1 in 3 people don’t know how much a funeral costs. With the average amount in and around €6000, John Lowe, the money Doctor joined Andrea with advice on financial planning for the end of life.

Treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019. A new report from the health research board has found that emergencies caused by drink and drug-taking among young people are on the rise, with an alarming spike in cases involving cocaine. Andrea spoke to Ciaran Carey Former Limerick All Star Hurler, HR expert Damien McCarthy and Taxi driver Michael, about the prevalence of drug use and if its time to bring in drug testing in work places.

Lunchtime Live listener, Andy, emailed into the show about his struggle to find a venue for his upcoming wedding. Andy was due to get married on Saturday and had booked a hotel, however was told two weeks ago that the minimum number for guests was 80 and they could not go ahead with the wedding they had planned. He told Andrea him and his fiancé are still hoping to get married in the Kerry area on Saturday and hopes someone will reach out with a venue that might be available.

Listener Betty was in touch with the show to discuss her experience of the toilets at the Van Gough exhibition at the RDS. She told Andrea she went in to find there was no toilet seat, the bowl was dirty and there wasn’t anywhere to hang her coat or bag.

It’s week 10 and the final week of our Going Green Series, where we want to help you live a bit more sustainable. This week Paul Smyth, Gardener and Plantsman joins Andrea to discuss sustainable gardening.

Galway Woman Shirley McEntee joined Andrea to warn people about the dangers of using sunbeds and her own experience of skin cancer.

A new survey by Newstalk launched on The Pat Kenny show this morning has found the average monthly creche cost in Dublin has gone up by over 20% since Newstalk carried out a similar survey in 2018. Andrea was joined by listeners who in touch with the show to discuss if tax credits could be a way of easing costs for women.

A new book ‘The Truth about Love’ sets out to reframe how we look at love and the different types of love we have in life. Author and Meditation teacher Conor Creighton joined Andrea to discuss how modern love has become confusing and how that confusion has made us miserable, lonely, and desperate.

A new survey by Newstalk launched on The Pat Kenny show this morning has found the average monthly creche cost in Dublin has gone up by over 20% since Newstalk carried out a similar survey in 2018. The National monthly average for childcare, according to the survey, is €746 a month. But the research found that 16 out of the 26 counties actually have lower averages than in 2018. Andrea was joined by listeners who shared their experiences of childcare costs and what impact they have on their career decisions.

From dry skin to the best sun creams, Jennifer Rock, Owner of The Skin Nerd skin answered listeners' questions in today’s ask the expert.

Johnny Depp says he has his "life back" after winning his high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard. The actor's been awarded just over 10-million dollars in damages over an article she wrote which claimed she'd been a victim of sexual abuse. Heard counter-sued - she'll get 2-million in damages. The whole case and outcome has thrown a light on how people in situations like this are treated and sparked fears that people might be less inclined to speak out about their experiences. Andrea spoke to listeners who got in touch about their experiences. You can contact Women's Aid on 1800 341 900 and Men's Aid Ireland on 01 554 3811.

An article in today’s Irish Independent called for seaweed to be rebranded as a vegetable and incorporated into our everyday meals. But just what are the dietary benefits? Marie Power from TheSeaGardener.com joined Andrea on the show.

Are the Irish apathetic – is our ‘at it’s grand’ attitude to our detriment? Harry McCann, Director of Move Fast Media, and Philip Nolan of the Irish Daily Mail joined Andrea on the show.

We spoke to Marie on the show yesterday about the lack of support and help for her 14-year-old intellectually disabled son. Lots of you got in touch with your experiences. Simona got in touch and chatted with Andrea.

Andrea spoke to Marie who was in touch with the show about the lack of services for those living with intellectual disabilities. Marie has a fourteen year old son with an intellectual disability, she described the daily challenges she faces and the violence she is having to navigate her way through.

With such a push to get people away from cars and onto buses, Andrea speaks to listeners about the issues with bus services and if it puts people off using public transport.

Today is World Milk Day! It’s always been a staple of the Irish diet and Andrea was joined by Dietician Sarah Keogh and Shannon Porter who runs the Milk Bar in Donegal, to discuss why milk really does deserve a day of its own.

The possible closure of a National school in the Black Valley area in Kerry has been met with dismay from the local community. Independent Councilor Dan McCarthy joined Andrea and Anne Marie who lives in the local area, to explain what the school means for the community and what a loss it would be if it was to be closed.

Co.Laois man James MacInerney shot to fame in the Netflix/BBC show Glow up, in it he spoke openly about living with Tourettes. He also features in a brand new BBC Radio 4 documentary – released today – ‘The Truth about Tourettes’. He joined Aideen to chat about the documentary and his journey with tourettes.

After a renewed conversation last week around education centers for children with special needs, Anne in Galway got in touch to chat about the situation in her own family. A parent of two children with ASD, Anne is a big believer in the importance of mainstream integration but her experience of the present school system has fallen well below the mark.

It’s the penultimate week in our Going Green sustainability series and Diane O’Connor and Natalie Pavone from the Sustainable Life School joined Aideen to share all their tips.

Dublin Airport has come under fire this week after long queues left passengers facing long delays and in some cases missed flights. Aideen spoke to listeners who were in touch with the show to discuss some of the other issues that the airport needs to address.

Love Island returns to our screens next week and while the show has been hugely popular in recent years, not everyone is welcoming its return. Alexandra Ryan Founder and CEO of Goss.ie joined Aideen , Sarina Bellisimo Presenter of The Bellissimo Files on Spin 1038 and Broadcaster Keith Walsh, to debate if there is still a place for these kind of shows.

Pictures over the weekend of queues snaking out of airport terminals were met with shock and anger, with many passengers missing their flights. Dublin Airport has come under fire as people demand to know what issues are causing such long passenger delays. Aideen spoke to Denise, a former Dublin Airport employee, who told her poor working conditions is a big reason it can be hard to keep airport staff.

Fitness guru Joe Wicks is known for helping to get the nation into shape, with his lockdown PE classes a saviour for many parents. But lately, after opening up about his tough childhood - he’s turned his attention to the importance of looking after your mental health. He joined Aideen to discuss the importance of looking after your mind and your body.

The Pandemic changed our lives in many ways- and how we date is no exception. Máiréad Loughman Irish Matchmaker and Dating Specialist joined Adieen to discuss how dating has changed and why so many people are prioritizing looking for love.

Dublin Airport estimates that at least 1,000 people missed flights yesterday due to massive queues outside Terminal 1 and 2 yesterday. Aideen spoke to passengers and Cathal Crowe Fianna Fail TD and Spokesperson for Aviation about what can be done to address the on going issues at Dublin Airport.

There was chaotic scenes at Dublin Airport over the weekend, with the Dublin Airport Authority estimating over a thousand people missed their flights due to queues – some of which were up to three and half hours long. Aideen spoke to reporter Andrew Lowth from Dublin Airport and to listeners who were caught up in long ques and faced flight delays or cancellations.

Dublin airport has been in the headlines a lot lately, from security queues and shortage of staff to parking issues – Broadcaster Teena Gates had a different issue this week though. Teena joined Adrien to discuss the lack of special assistance she encountered and how her experience made her feel.

On yesterday's we heard from Richard, a Texan living in Ireland, who spoke about why he carries a knife to feel safer. We got a big response to the discussion and Adrien was joined today by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their thoughts on carrying weapons.

After raking in €1.2 billion in tolls over the past decade, there are calls for M50 charges to be scrapped. Aontu leader Peader Toibin is among those leading those calls, and he joined Adrien and listeners who were in touch with the show to discuss why the government should consider making journeys free.

Lunchtime Live listener Grace was in touch with the show to explain why she hates when people refer to groups of women as 'guys.' She told Adrien she thinks it sexist and wishes people would not do it.

From eye strains to blurred vision, John Weldon President of the Association of Optometrists Ireland answers all your questions eye related questions.

Bruce Springsteen has announced that he is coming to Ireland for his latest tour, however, with €130 the minimum entry price for a standing ticket we ask - Are Irish ticket prices too expensive? Are you better off travelling abroad to see your favourite artists? Image: Rodolfo Sassano / Alamy Stock Photo

Adrian hears from listeners following the horrendous school shooting in Texas. One American who has been carrying a knife for “protection against crime” in Ireland tells Adrian that repealing the US right to bear arms would not end school shootings.

To the outside world, it looked like Clare Shine had the world at her feet. Excelling on the football pitch – a rising star, playing international football and receiving plaudits from all angles. But internally, she was struggling. By age 23, Clare had become addicted to alcohol, experimented with drugs, suffered panic attacks and tried to take her own life. Clare joined Adrien to tell him about her new book ‘Scoring goals in the dark’.

It’s week 8 of our Going Green Series. This week we take a look at green energy and Brian McIntyre, Programme Manager Of High Performance Building Technologies at SEAI joined Adrien to talk through what is out there.

A text in from a listener highlighted the high cost of student accommodation. The listener outlined how about how her son was quoted "750 euro a month for a room in a 7 bedroom house and they have to pay 250 per month over summer months to hold the house.’ Recent figures for Dublin have ranged between €10,000 and €15,000, and Adrien spoke to students who were struggling to deal with the high price of rent.

Barbecues are back so many of us are looking to put a bit of shape into their garden. Garden Designer Diarmuid Gavin and Plantsman Paul Smyth have teamed up on a new book which aims to help and they joined Andrea with some tips for anyone looking to smarten up their garden for the summer months.     Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Rent continues to be an increasingly chronic issue across the country, and is no longer restricted to the typical urban areas. Anna, Mary and Ola are residents of a housing estate in County Sligo, who have each seen their rent increase by approximately 70%, effectively overnight. They joined Andrea to discuss their shock and dismay at the current rental situation.   Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Snoring is an issue that affects many people around the country and those that might have to sleep next to them. Sleep expert Deirdre McSwiney joined Andrea with tips on how best to handle a soring problem.   Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Linda Buckley was in touch with the show to share her story of her mother who, was a foundling baby abandoned in the UK at just a few days old in 1939. She died not knowing who she was. It was a secret that tormented her for her whole life. After her death Linda and her sisters did a simple DNA test and found her birth family.     Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Stark figures today about the lack of dog fouling fines being issued by County Councils around the country – with some councils issuing no fines at all over the past 5 years. Fianna Fail Councilor Keith Connolly and Fianna Fail Councilor Keith Connolly joined Andrea and listeners to discuss why are people not getting fined for not cleaning up after their dogs. Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Claudia Carroll, Actor, author & playwright in Dublin, Tina Koumarianos, Etiquette expert and Aideen Crowley Dynan, Speech Teacher all joined Andrea on the show for today's #TheBigDebate to find out - are curse words bad? Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Andrea was joined on the show today by a number of listeners including Fred who is a self-employed contractor who says "young people are bone lazy". It is after an article in the Irish Times that states that a shortage of apprentices in the construction sector is due to the reluctance of young people having to get out of bed for 7am. Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

What is the most ridiculous lie you’ve ever told or ever heard? Author Seamus O’Reilly joined Andrea on the show after he tweeted about this the other day and we’ve been knocking great craic out of it. Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

Author Sheila O’Flanagan recently tweeted about how male Authors describe women in books – so how do women feel about men writing about them? Sheila joined Andrea on the show to discuss. Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.