Lunchtime Live
Episodes
Shoplifting: 'There isn't really adequate consequences'
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shopkeepers are saying there’s a wave of crime and harassment in their shops at the moment. Some are calling for the right to name and shame known s...
Divorce process 'fraught with difficulties' in Ireland
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Divorce is always a hard choice but the process that is barely ever talked about is the impact it has mentally, physically and financially. Andrea Gi...
Kildare Councillor says ESB are ‘profiteering from a war situation’
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After a year of imposing a succession of huge price hikes on households and businesses around the country over the last year, the ESB reported a profi...
Racism: ‘Everyday when I wake up, I know I have to go face prejudice’
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Government will launch a national action plan to tackle racism today It comes as a report has found that racism is embedded at every level of soc...
Children face long commutes in West Cork due to lack of special school
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Both parents and children with special needs are suffering from long commuting times to get to their schools due to little or none that can accommodat...
Employers 'turned their nose up at my lack of college education' - Pamela Laird
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Although the number of people attending third level education continues to rise in Ireland, there are also still many people opting for a career in en...
Tenant moving to emergency accomodation due to 'excrement coming into my flat'
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by listener Alina who is having issues she’s with the home she’s renting. Nora from CATU, the Commun...
'It’s soul destroying' - Family facing eviction after 11 years
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Government party leaders will meet later this evening to discuss how they will respond to Sinn Féin's motion to extend the eviction ban until the end...
‘Time will see’ if Irish rugby team can become greatest to ever represent Ireland - Shane Byrne
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eamonn Sweeney wrote an article in the Irish Independent claiming that Andy Farrell's team is the best to ever represent Ireland - and not just in rug...
Homeschooling: 'I think it gave me a better rounded education'
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tánaiste Micheal Martin has said that the Enoch Burke case highlights why children should be educated in schools and not in the home. Mr Burke’s mo...
Celebrating the best of small Irish businesses
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In honour of St Patrick's Day we’re celebrating the best Irish businesses with thanks to Square – helping businesses run and grow. See square.com ...
'I was dying' - Woman warns others after botched weight loss surgery in Turkey
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Irish patients are being warned against going abroad for a weight-loss procedures. They have been warned against going abroad for a weight-loss proced...
'There's a wonderful opportunity to be patriotic' on St Patrick's Day
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With St. Patrick’s Day inching ever closer, are we patriotic enough as a nation? Or are those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day abroad more patriotic ...
St Patrick's Day alcohol ban for Dublin City Centre 'a stupid solution'
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Off licences in Dublin won’t be selling alcohol before 4pm tomorrow. It’s a self imposed booze ban, in order to try to tame down some of the St Pa...
Mother of mudered Irish boxer 'horrified' as son's killer moved to UK prison
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea Gilligan was joined by Tracy Tully, Mother of Irish boxing champion Kevin Sheehy. Says she has lost faith in the justice system after her son’...
Concussion in Sport: 'I wasn't able to go to work'
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is there anything done in Ireland about the rise in concussion in sport? Andrea Gilligan was joined by on Lunchtime Live by Irish Times journalist, J...
'I am at my most complete now!' - Is there time when women are 'in their prime?'
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
During her Oscar winning speech, actress Michelle Yeoh warned her fellow women to 'not let anyone say you’re past your prime’. In recent years the...
United Ireland: 'I hope that I'm dead and buried long before that happens'
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sinn Fein have taken outs ads today in American newspapers like the New York Times and the Washington Post calling for a vote on Irish unity. They’r...
'I’ve lost my little boy': Dad has to spoon feed eight year old with Long COVID
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The HSE is today beginning a study of Long Covid in Ireland. The HSE says that they hope to use the information to help us to estimate how common Long...
'Climate of fear' among renters, says teacher who was given eviction notice
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With the eviction ban set to finish this month renters all over the country are starting to be affected. Multimedia presenter with the Limerick Le...
'It could put you out of business overnight' - Vandalism at drive-in cinema
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Ryan O’Neill from Retro Drive-in Movies and Leonard Russell from Sherriff YC to discuss recent incid...
Mother says 'there should be no car parking charges for parents who have sick kids in hospital'
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been announced that car parking charges at the National Children’s hospital will reach up to €10 a day, where they’ll be capped. The char...
'The modern family now is two working professionals and a dog!'
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland has gone dog mad in recent years, with ever more restaurants, pubs and even offices catering to furry plus ones. And Irish entrepreneurs who'v...
Family sleeping in car after 'very emotional' double cancer battle
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“I don’t know which doors to knock on”, that is the view of Filip. Filip and his wife and their daughter have been forced to sleep in their car ...
SNL Sketch: 'Are we so insecure that we can't be the butt of a joke anymore?’
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do Irish Stereotypes bother you? Saturday Night Live came under fire after their Oscars skit which showed impressions of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gle...
Mother says language used during son's first confession 'was totally wrong'
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jill, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about her son's experience at his first confession as part of his preparation for his First Holy Co...
O’Connell St Garda Station should be open ‘on a 24-hour basis’ - Marie Sherlock
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A new Garda station is to open on Dublin’s O’Connell Street today. Will this curb antisocial behaviour and possibly improve the atmosphere in the ...
Public 'not being incentivised properly' to invest in electric vehicles
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Head of transport at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Declan Meally has said you shouldn’t be too concerned about the lack of charging po...
'We didn't have choice' - Over 1000 younger people being cared for in nursing homes
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over a thousand younger people are being cared for in nursing home because adequate housing and care hasn’t been provided for them elsewhere. There ...
Ireland's international fixtures 'would be more than welcome' at Páirc Uí Chaoimh
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are two international football games coming up in March, as well as our final home Six Nations tie against England - all these games will take p...
'It's definitely negligence' - Cork woman left in pain due to unsuitable wheelchair
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shannen O’Flaherty is 26 and living with Friedeich's Ataxia. It’s a rare inherited disease which causes damage to your nervous system and movement...
Trans woman says gender education in school 'would've made my life an awful lot easier'
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a statement yesterday, President Michael D Higgins said that schools should provide “basic information regarding sexuality in the fullest sense”...
‘It’s like having a sixth sense’ - Living with synaesthesia
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Life can be more colourful for some – especially if you experience synaesthesia, a neurological condition – where people have a kind of a cross-wi...
‘The nightmare continues for this poor man’ - Irishman sentenced to 6.5 years in Iran
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In January, Andrea spoke to Caroline Phelan about her brother Bernard, who was on hunger strike in Iran. He was protesting because he believes he’s ...
Ban on flat-faced dogs at Crufts 'a long time coming'
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should flat faced dogs be banned from crufts? The RSPCA are calling for an end to breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and British bulldogs competing at ...
Construction industry 'changing massively' and welcoming women
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Andrea was joined by some women who work in male-dominated jobs and how they have overcome the struggles fac...
‘It has become unfit for purpose’ - Councillor welcomes Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre renovations
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A proposal has been put forward to completely redesign Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. Dublin City Council have put forward some objections, saying...
State paying private school salaries ‘entrenching generational wealth’
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been revealed today that the state paid over €100 million last year on the salaries of teachers in private schools. According to figures rele...
Pregnant woman given parking ticket despite thinking she was in labour
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tracey, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about an incident in which she left her car parked in a taxi rank because she thought she was in ...
Transport Minister’s comments about free public transport ‘unhelpful and insensitive’
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should we introduce free public transport in Ireland? AA Ireland are calling upon the Government to introduce free public transport, however Green Par...
Son of Holocaust survivor 'horrified' by sale of Nazi memorabilia at auction
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An auction is taking place this weekend in Bray which will see Nazi themed memorabilia such as a statue of Hitler being sold off. Oliver Sears, son ...
Incidents of abuse on healthcare staff ‘much more than’ 10 per day
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A judge in Cork District Court says people “acting the maggot” with hospital staff should go to prison. According to the Irish Nursing and Midwive...
'Get out now while you can!' - Landlord warns others to leave the market
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Government party leaders are set to meet today to discuss the possible extension of the eviction ban. Landlords are now saying they may leave the mark...
"The smoke was so bad that I had to get into my car with my dog and drive away"
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Residents concerned about gorse fires around the Cork and Kerry area spoke to Andrea on the show today.
"I had a chain around my neck with this trial, I just wanted it over"
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
39-year-old Christopher Stokes has been jailed for 11 and half years for a horrific attack on a vulnerable woman involving acid, boiling water and an ...
"She has no life"-Mother describes how Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome has impacted her daughter
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Megan Cullen suffers from Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome caused by nerve damage. In 2019, she cut off her own finger to try and ease the pain. Her m...
“It’s like telling someone with depression to cheer up-it doesn’t work”
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tomorrow, March 4th marks World Obesity Day. It comes as The World Obesity Federation project that 47% of adults in Ireland will be obese by 2035 - ...
100-year-old woman 'flabbergasted' by €957 electricity bill for two month period
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Households around the country are getting their electricity bills over the next few days. And some have come as a very unwelcome surprise. Kitty Byr...
'Unless you're signing up for 5 day situation, you can't get anywhere to mind your child'
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In September, many parents around the country were relieved when the Government increased the National Childcare Subsidy from 50 cent an hour to €1....
Patient at Wexford hospital hails ‘incredible’ evacuation procedure by staff
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A fire which broke out in Wexford General Hospital last night has caused more than 200 patients to be displaced. Patients were evacuated and transfe...
Andrea visits Arc Cancer Support Services
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lunchtime Live have teamed up with Arc Cancer Support Services for an upcoming event and as part of it, Andrea took a trip to the centre in Dublin to ...
Calls for 'proper training in schools' for children using e-scooters
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should there be an age limit on e-scooters? The European Transport Safety Council has called for an age limit of 16-years-old and also recommended tha...
'I couldn't stay at home and let Ukrainian people struggle' - Irish firefighter providing aid in Ukraine
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An Irish firefighter has been travelling to Ukraine since the beginning of the war to bring aid there. Despite having a family at home, he says he’l...
Nurses awaiting pandemic bonus ‘angry’ over TDs salary increase
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TDs salaries are now higher than ever after passing a Celtic Tiger highpoint today. Their basic pay, before expenses, has reached €107,376 from a pr...
Third-level institutions 'should take into account' experience from Transition Year
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Education Minister Norma Foley is to drop plans to move some Leaving Cert exams to fifth year in 2024 following sharp opposition from teachers and con...
Should every county have a directly-elected mayor?
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should every county in Ireland have a directly elected mayor? New Junior Housing Minister Kieran O’Donnell thinks so. In 2019, pilot votes were held...
Covid inquiry 'ignoring that we’re still not through it,' says long Covid sufferer
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Government says they’ll set up a Covid inquiry for the middle of this year. Its purpose won’t be to find fault with anyone, or praise anyone. ...
Online drug dealing 'an out of control business' in Ireland
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you looking to source drugs in Ireland? An investigation by the Irish Sun has found that ordering narcotics online is easier than buying a takeaw...
Hotel prices for St Patrick's Day 'really bad for Dublin's reputation'
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hotels and hostels in Dublin are charging up to €1,664 for a double room on St Patrick’s Day. That is according to Dublin Live who found that if y...
Ukrainian Community in Ireland - One Year On
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today marks the one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. Estimates vary widely, but most place the total number of civilian casualties between...
Ireland’s first adult-only coffee bar 'disappointed nobody has followed us’
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A New Jersey restaurant is banning children under 10. Nettie’s House of Spaghetti in New Jersey said that they made the decision because “it’s b...
'It's nanny state gone crazy!' - Calls to ban alcohol-free advertising in sport
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Zero alcohol ads are being used to circumvent the intent of laws designed to protect children from harmful alcohol advertising. That is according to A...
As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern & The Good Friday Agreement
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
'As I Remember It: Bertie Ahern & the Good Friday Agreement' is a new podcast that tells the story of the Good Friday Agreement as told by those who n...
'More enforcement' needed to prevent illegal parking in disabled bays
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Baywatch is the new campaign from the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, they’re calling on Gardaí and traffic wardens to have more power to ...
'If you don't use it, you lose it' - Keeping the Irish language alive
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish language seems to be having a moment right now. Irish language movie ‘Cailin Ciuin’ has received an Oscar nomination and Paul Mescal mad...
‘Cropped, tight and barely any material’ - Parents struggling to shop for their kids
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Mary MacCarthy has a piece in the Irish Independent and in it, she talks about her struggles trying to find age appropriate clothes for her...
Banning single sex schools 'removes choice from people'
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is absolutely no ‘academic advantage’ to going to a single sex school in Ireland, according to research carried out by the University of Lim...
Should college campuses go completely vegan?
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Students in the UK's Cambridge University have voted to push for a completely vegan menu across its catering services. The Cambridge Student Union vot...
'There is opportunities within the city' for high-rise housing - Cllr Mannix Flynn
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it time that we starting building high rise housing to help ease the accommodation crisis? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Independent Dub...
Cost-of-living package: Parent carers 'need a living weekly wage'
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carers will receive a €200 lump sum as part of a cost-of-living package unveiled by the Government today but carers say that this isn’t enough, an...
Taking up hobbies later in life
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it ever too late to take up a hobby? As we get older some people can find it difficult to meet new people and start completely from scratch. Andre...
'It's lawless at the moment in Dublin' - Gardaí attacked in Ballyfermot
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gardaí in Ballyfermot were attacked by what some people are describing as a lawless mob. The Guards were there as part of a policing plan around the ...
Hair Loss: 'I'm dreadfully depressed with it'
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Early hair loss and alopecia is something that is becoming more commonplace nowadays in both women and men. Are hair transplants becoming more norma...
Eviction Ban: 'My property rights are being taken away from me,' landlord says
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should the eviction ban be extended? People Before Profit is set to launch a bill today which calls for the eviction ban to be extended and strengthen...
'I don't believe the numbers are that low' - 38 official complaints of bullying made to HSE last year
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
38 official complaints of bullying were made to the HSE last year. That’s according to figures released to Newstalk through a Freedom of Information...
Rewrites to Roald Dahl books branded 'cultural vandalism'
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The latest editions of Roald Dahl's children's books have been edited to remove language which the publishers believe could be considered offensive. R...
Parenting a non-verbal child: 'The little steps you really celebrate'
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist, Chrissie Russell’s four-year-old son has been diagnosed as having a ‘severe learning disability’. Because of it, he’s non-verbal. ...
'A proper celebration of life' - The woman putting the fun in funeral
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Would you plan out your funeral? Jenny Curran wants to put the FUN in funeral and is currently planning what she wants people to do when she dies. J...
Introduction of 30 km/h speed limits in urban areas 'the smoking ban of our generation’
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday, Dublin Commuter Coalition met with Minister Jack Chambers about the Road Safety Action Plan. They are calling for urgent progress on defaul...
Defence Forces: 'A systematic lack of respect from serving government year after year'
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do we respect our defense forces enough? Irish Defence Forces’ charity has today unveiled QR-coded camouflage streetwear to raise vital funds for ho...
Drogheda football club 'devastated and shocked' after arson attack
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A local Drogheda football club is heartbroken today to find their container with all their equipment was set on fire overnight. The container which ho...
Taxi drivers not accepting card payments 'baffling' to passengers
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There have been 200 complaints to the National Transport Authority about taxis not accepting card payments, despite rules that came in to place in Sep...
Ireland ‘lagging behind’ with Right to be Forgotten laws for cancer survivors
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Irish cancer survivors say they are left unable to access insurance or mortgages years after recovery. They say that having to disclose their diagnosi...
Raising an only child 'become more prevalent in Ireland'
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An interesting article in today’s Irish Independent - ‘One and done: Why is there still stigma around being an only child?’ - the article explor...
All Government ministers travelling abroad for St Patrick's Day 'is overdoing it' - Shane Ross
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cabinet yesterday signed off on the list of St Patrick’s day visits for ministers across the globe. As usual, the Taoiseach will travel to the White...
Hotelier says there's 'definitely a need for more' hotel rooms in Dublin City
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are plans to knock down some early 20th century buildings in the Liberties area of the city, to build a new Aparthotel. A number of people aren’...
Irish rugby supporters 'definitely need to up our game'
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
40,000 French fans ascended on Dublin City last weekend for the 6 Nations clash between Ireland and France in the Aviva Stadium. But was the atmospher...
Assisted dying: 'Shouldn't people have the option?'
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny has accused the Government of ‘dragging its heels’ when it comes to forming a special committee on assisted dyi...
Wheelchair user ‘frustrated’ as accessible seating left idle in Aviva Stadium
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland beat France in a brilliant game in the 6 Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Tickets were at a premium but there was frustration for som...
Galway RAG week 'a nightmare' for city residents
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
RAG Week kicks off once again in Galway today, starting with Mayo Monday, and the famous Donegal Tuesday tomorrow. Students will be out in their drove...
Lack of Gardaí in rural Ireland 'going to lead to a rise in vigilantism'
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New figures today show that 42 Garda stations in Ireland have no permanent Gardai attached to them. On top of that, almost one in four garda stations ...
Victim of attack calls for ‘proper punishments even with suspended sentences’
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should Ireland introduce mandatory sentencing to tackle crime in the country? Questions were raised during the week about the sentencing of a teenager...
Kerry B&B owner 'no update' on offer to house refugees
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
4,500 have arrived in Ireland since the start of 2023. With a number of hotels planning to return to tourism for the summer, there could be even more ...
‘Sexually explicit’ education books available to teenagers in libraries
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lynda, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about some of the sexual education books on the school curriculum and available to teenagers in li...
Should Ireland reconsider its policy of military neutrality?
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today in Brussels. The Ukrainian leader is addressing a special meeting of the...
Lowering the voting age to 16 'would bring a positive impact'
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are young people ignored in Ireland? New research by The Youth Lab At Thinkhouse reveals that 63% of young people don’t trust in the state to active...
Pensioner and grandson 'refused entry' at GAA match for not purchasing tickets online
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should the GAA reverse its cashless ticketing at the gates for games? Aontú and Age Action Northern Ireland is calling on the GAA to scrap its poli...
Rural public transport links ‘so bad and so unreliable’ in Ireland
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The priority for the €3.5 billion spending by the Department of Transport this year is the development of local link and town bus services. Andrea...
Hill of Tara standing stone 'mindlessly vandalised'
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There has been a spate of vandalism and antisocial behaviour across the country this week. Spray paint on the ancient Lia Fáil standing stone on the ...
Cullinane: HSA ‘have a clear role to play’ in addressing bullying in HSE
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Following an Oireachtas Health Committee on Bullying in the HSE this morning, Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Sinn Féin TD and Party Health Sp...