Lunchtime Live

The minimum legal age for the sale of tobacco will be increased from 18 to 21 under plans due to be approved by Cabinet this week.   It comes amid concerns about a recent plateau in the decline of smoking rates in Ireland.   Do you agree with raising the smoking age?  Andrea is joined by listeners to hear their takes.

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Niall Spelman who, until recently served as the second Governor of Wheatfield Prison, to answer all of your questions.

With the Junior and Leaving Cert exams just a few weeks away, many students are turning to TikTok for study tips and advice. Has this trend changed how we learn? We speak to three Irish teachers who are making a big impact on #StudyTok to discuss their strategies and how social media is transforming exam prep. Stacy Stout has amassed over 12K followers on TikTok, becoming the go-to source for Leav...

Andrea was joined by guests to discuss France’s new approach to tackling a decade-long decline in its birth rate. President Emmanuel Macron has introduced a program offering free fertility testing to all 18 to 25-year-olds, including semen analysis and ovarian reserve checks. Is this a measure Ireland should consider adopting?

We've frequently discussed palliative care and elder care on this show, as they often involve challenging and emotional conversations. Simon Chambers, who has created a poignant documentary about his relationship with his elderly uncle, joined Andrea to delve into these topics and share his insights on the responsibilities and burdens of caregiving.

From a Netflix show filming in Ireland to a thatched pub hitting New York – Breakfast briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has some of the stories from around the country that you may have missed this week.

Andrea talks to Irish fans about the dramatic buildup to this year's Eurovision final in Malmö, Sweden. Ireland’s Bambie Thug has secured a spot in the final for the first time since 2018. However, protests in Malmö and outside RTE headquarters back home have overshadowed the event, primarily due to Israel's participation.

‘Dumbphones’ are making a comeback, but would you swap your iPhone for a Nokia 3210? Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent joins Andrea to explain why people are going old-school with this new trend.

New research from the ESRI reveals that many people are unaware of the environmental impact their diet can have on climate change. While most are concerned about packaging and imports, emissions from red meat are often overlooked. Andrea chats with listeners and asks the question, could you give up meat to help the environment?

May is melanoma awareness month. Paul Darby joins Andrea to share his experience of finding a small mark on his skin.

It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live…

Real-life Martha from Baby Reindeer has been interviewed by Piers Morgan to share her side of the story. The woman who has come forward as the inspiration behind the character, and sits down in a tell-all with Piers Morgan. Andrea is asking people whether it’s a good idea to air it or not. She is joined by Sinead Ryan -Presenter of the Home Show, Dr Caroline West - Sexual Violence &, Harassmen...

From missing luggage to parking, for this week’s Ask the Expert, we’re putting your Dublin airport questions to Graeme McQueen, Media Relations with the DAA. 

Sea swimming spots around Dublin Bay are being lost due to poor water conditions. But what can be done to save our seas and swimming spots?  Andrea is joined Green Party Councillor & Member of the Dollymount Dames Donna Cooney to ask are we neglecting our seas?  Image credit: rollingnews.ie  

Welcome to The Pod Squad!  We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to.   Andrea was joined by Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill  and Broadcaster Ciara King to review Ed Gamble and James Acaster's podcast. Image credit: Spotify

Over 80 tents are pitched along the inner-city canal in Dublin as asylum seekers having been moved from outside of the International Protection Office to Crooksling in southwest Dublin where capacity is limited.   Andrea went to speak to the people currently living in the tents along the canal and learn more about the situation.   Photo credit: rollingnews.ie  

Take outs over dine ins, watching Netflix rather than going to the cinema and even working from home – have we withdrawn ourselves from society?  Journalist Suzanne Kane and Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly joined Andrea to discuss whether people have lost key social skills or if being home makes us happier. 

Politicians risked a €150 fine to secure optimal lamppost positions for their posters in the lead up to the European and Local Elections.  Posters are only permitted in public places 30 days before polling and must be removed by June 14th.  But do we still need election posters?  Andrea was joined by Author and Journalist with the Wexford People, Simon Bourke, and Labour Councillor...

Ballroom and Latin dancing schools in Ireland are seeing class numbers soar with more people eager to learn a step or two.  Andrea is joined by the President of DanceSport Federation of Ireland, Tommy Shaughnessy and professional dancer Karen Byrne to ask why is there a sudden interest to break out the dancing shoes. 

Asylum seekers living in tents outside of the International Protection Office were moved to Crooksling in southwest Dublin however over 80 tents are now pitched along the capitals canal. To discuss what should be done about the tents in Dublin, Andrea is joined by Labour Party Councillor Dermot Lacey, Green Party Councillor Hazel Chu, local businesspeople and residents.

Ahead of the opening night of Eurovision 2024, excitement is high for the fans eager to see the production of this year's song contest in Malmö. Andrea is joined by Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean live from Malmo in Sweden and superfans of the competition to discuss what’s in store. Image credit: Corinne Cumming/EBU

This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well. Andrea was joined by Beekeeper Aoife Mac Giolla Coda, from Galtee Honey Farm to learn what the buzz is about.

Former Ireland and Ulster rugby player Paddy Jackson has expressed concern over the planned television dramatisation of the controversial ­Belfast rape trial. Jackson was found not guilty of rape in 2018 by a Belfast Court which was intensely covered by the media. But should television entertainment inspired by serious cases be made? Andrea is joined by Barrister and Journalist Aileen Hickie.

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.     Andrea Gilligan was joined by Charles Coyle, Managing Director of Emerald Park, to answer all of your questions.

We previously spoke to Trinity college students who were protesting at the Book of Kells over a proposal to increase some programme costs.  In an update, Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union have been issued a €214k fine by the College for financial losses incurred by disruptive protests by the union throughout the year.  Andrea is joined by Ellen Kenny, Deputy Editor with Trinity News...