Lunchtime Live

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 Emer...

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...

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 Ci...

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...

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 discus...

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...

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, Chairma...

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