Lunchtime Live

Today, 174 TDs assembled in the Dáil chamber at 11am, and the nomination process for the new Taoiseach began. That is, until, the Dáil was suspended for a third time… So why are things seemingly off to a rocky start? Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and Brendan Howlin, former Labour Leader and Cabinet Minister, join Andrea to discuss.

It's January, and everyone is hitting the gym and eating healthy, but how do we know we are getting enough protein? To discuss, Andrea is joined by Registered Dietician, Orla Walsh.

Road safety campaigners have been urging Google to remove alerts that a Garda checkpoint is approaching... Should they be removed? And do these alerts encourage dangerous driving? To discuss, Andrea is joined by Susan Gray, Chairperson of road safety group PARC, Brenda Bolger from the School of Motoring in Kilkenny and more.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic. Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

The Dáil is meeting today for the nomination of a new Taoiseach, but it will not sit again for another two weeks. When business gets back underway in the Dáil on February 5th, it will be nearly two months since traditional business in Leinster House took place… It’s understood that the Government wants this break to allow new Ministers to get acquainted with their briefs. Should our politicians be...

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to. This week, Killian Ginnity from the ‘Not A Pundit Podcast’ and Ellen Butler from Newstalk’s Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘Noble’! Image: Campfire

Yesterday, Donald Trump was sworn in for a second time, becoming the 47th president of the United States… But, no inauguration day is without its surprises, and there were plenty of weird and fascinating moments! Joining Andrea to discuss is Gina London, former White House Correspondent for CNN and Sunday Independent Columnist and Laura Mullet, Stylist and Journalist.

There has been a lot of chat lately about the safety of children when using the internet. Andrea’s guest knows just all about the real dangers that lurk online, CEO of Hotline.ie and former Garda, Mick Moran… He joins the show to give his top tips. Image: Hotline.ie

The first HSE app is being launched in March. The app, which will have ­limited functions initially, will expand over time and aim to give people the freedom to book appointments and store a range of health information. Many other health services throughout Europe already offer apps like this – why is Irish medical tech so far behind? Is this app a step in the right direction? Andrea is joined by...

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life. This week, Andrea is joined by Eva Berg, who has been teaching reformer pilates for 30 years!

New research has revealed that 79% of Dublin residents believe that key workers living in Dublin should get rent subsidies. Does this make sense? Joining Andrea to discuss is Paschal Taggart, Dublin-based businessman, Róisín, Teachers Youth Spokesperson for Education Coalition Dublin West, Jason Cullen from the Dublin Commuter Coalition and more.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

“I swapped my iPhone for a dumb phone – and got two hours back every day…’, so wrote Marion McGilvary recently in the Daily Mail. She joins Andrea to discuss why she made the change.

Donald Trump will be sworn in as US President at around 5pm Irish time today. Objectively, it is certainly a comeback for a man who has survived two impeachment trials, and two assassination attempts. So, what will his impact be in Ireland? Andrea is joined by Journalist Barbara McCarthy, Paddy Cullivan, Historical Entertainer and American citizen living in Galway and more to discuss. Image: Reute...

Ireland’s billionaires added an additional €13bn to their wealth last year, the equivalent to €35.6m each day, according to a new report from Oxfam Ireland. The charity called for greater taxation on extreme wealth… So, should we tax the rich more heavily? Andrea is joined by Registered Tax Consultant Jean Cashman as well as listeners to discuss.

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration! This week, Andrea is joined by Siobhan Berry, from @mummycooks on Instagram, to look at some easy and delicious meal prep ideas! Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

It was reported today that schools have been issuing warnings over ‘snus’ being used among students… So, why have nicotine pouches become so popular again? Andrea is joined by Mark Dunne, SETU Students’ Union President, Eric Nelligan, Aontú Education Spokesperson and Secondary School Teacher, Tom Gleeson from the New Nicotine Alliance Ireland Keith Redmond owner of Redmond Dental Care on the Sutto...

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Trevor Twamley, CEO & Co-Founder of Sport Endorse, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions about being a sports agent!

Ciara Mangan, who helped convict her rapist Shane Noonan in 2023, has launched a new survivor-led charity to support others facing similar struggles. After her own difficult journey seeking justice, Ciara has set up the charity to address the "lonely struggle" many survivors endure, offering help and resources through a new website. Ciara joins Andrea to discuss.

Have businesses become too dog friendly?  Earlier today on Newstalk, Irish Independent Journalist Rosalyn Dee told Ciara Kelly about she takes her dog to churches… Is that a step too far? Where should the line be drawn? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Traitors has taken over our TVs and an Irish series has been commissioned for RTÉ. So, why are we so invested in deception, and how do we know if someone is lying to us? To discuss, Andrea is joined by Psychiatrist, Brendan Kelly. Image: RTÉ

From car park charges to cúpla focal, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Gardaí caught 266 drivers on their phones yesterday as part of a national day of action targeting mobile use behind the wheel. 762 motorists have been caught by gardaí using their phones while driving already this year, which marks a fourfold increase on the daily average last year. So, why are we still not getting the message when it comes to phone use behind the wheel? Andrea is joined by listen...

When you’re looking to do a bit of work on your kitchen, should you make a kitchen island part of that plan? This week, the Home Squad are looking into it! Andrea is joined by Arlene McIntrye, Creative Director of Ventura Design and Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY to discuss.

A plea for support from a mother raised more than €400k in just a few days on GoFundMe, but a lot more is needed to help 7 year old Archie… Una Ennis, Archie’s mum, joins Andrea to discuss why she put out a plea for help. Image: @una_ennis_xo on Instagram