Lunchtime Live

'It has to start with management' - Bullying in the HSE addressed by the Oireachtas

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An Oireachtas Health Committee on Bullying in the HSE was held this morning following stories raised by listeners on Lunchtime Live. Politicians, Gen...

Banning unaccompanied teenagers from shops 'sending the wrong vibe'

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A decision by Lidl in Navan to refuse service to unaccompanied under-18s has caused a stir locally. Andrea was joined by locals Julia, Thomasina and...

Woman's sister had care contributions increased by 'an excessive amount'

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Up to 12,000 vulnerable people were denied their disability allowance payments from the State. Louise got in touch with Lunchtime Live to discuss a ...

Teachers should be 'made permanent on day one' to combat shortages - ASTI

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Figures from the Department of Education show that there are record numbers of teachers on career breaks. With a current shortage of teachers, is it t...

Should the state pay for Katie Taylor's fight at Croke Park?

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should the state pay half a million euro so that Katie Taylor can fight in Croke Park? That’s the question on everyone’s lips today as it turns ou...

Wexford Cllr sufferers threats and abuse

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It something we spoke about on the show earlier in the week – online abuse. We’re still getting emails in in reaction to it. George Lawlor, Cathao...

Would you like street art to be legalised?

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Would you like to see street art legalised here? Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin has launched a bill in the Dáil to make it easier for public city ar...

'They're using them anyway!' - Calls for decriminalisation of drugs in Ireland

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should drugs be decriminalised? Two Fianna Fáil TDs, have said that the on drugs is not working, and there must be a decriminalisation of drugs. Rec...

Why is it so expensive to put gigs on in Ireland?

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been announced that Katie Taylor won’t play Croke Park because of the costs of using the venue. On top of that, we found out yesterday that B...

'Worrying' threats of violence towards refugees at protests

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is a video circulating online from an anti-immigration protest outside Finglas Garda station last night. A protestor can be heard shouting “Yo...

Should we still have religious bank holidays?

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Monday sees the first St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday. However, some people feel that it shouldn’t be called after a Saint and we should be moving aw...

Coping with Miscarriage: 'You don't ever fully get over it'

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist, Kathy Donaghy’s had an article in the Irish Independent over the weekend, where she wrote about her experience of miscarriage and how sh...

‘They’re vile’ - Increase in unsolicited sexual messages and images

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Atack’s documentary on sexual harassment Asking for It? aired on TV last night. The former Inbetweeners actress star told viewers how every mo...

Childcare subsidy rise 'a token gesture'

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Childcare costs have long been a crippling cost for parents across the country, but good news could be on the horizon. Under plans going to Cabinet, t...

Driver compensated by council for damage to car from pothole

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What are the roads like in your local area? Meath County Council has revealed that it has paid out almost €60,000 in pothole claims in the last thre...

Trigger warnings better than 'banning complete genres of literature'

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A novel from Jane Austen has been given a trigger warning for depicting ‘gender stereotypes’ and ‘toxic relationships and friendships.' Austen’...

How to sort out a consumer issue with Revolut?

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our listener recently fell victim to a scam. He clicked a link and handed over his bank details. His bank accounts were hit. EBS were great and helped...

Should we all learn Irish national anthem?

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A new campaign is calling on everyone in Ireland to learn the words to Amhrán na bhFiann. Rachel J Cooper, who is heading up the ‘Learn Our Anthem’...

Lack of support for those with cancer

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, it’s enough to try focus on getting the right treatment and keeping yourself strong without fighting...

Ghost estates in Ireland

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are over 500 households in Ireland living in so-called ghost estates. So some will be occupied but with a few shells of houses left. The Depa...

The rise of the far-right movement in Ireland

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Protests have taken place across the country over the last few months about the influx of refugees into the country. Some with genuine concerns around...

Is it cheaper to go abroad for stag and hen dos?

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hen and Stag parties are back with a boom – but have they become too extravagant? Is a weekend away too much? Shane Beatty was joined on Lunchtime ...

Deer Cull: 'Why are we always reaching for the gun?'

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A Tipperary TD has called for a deer cull after hitting one with his car on his way home. Jackie Cahill says the deer numbers in the country are out o...

Schools reserving places for past pupil's children 'a huge problem'

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Labour TD and party education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin wants the Government to stop the practice of schools reserving places for the childre...

Calls for better cycling infrastructure to prevent accidents

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A cyclist who was knocked off her bike by a truck has been told by a judge that she contributed to her own injuries by not wearing a helmet. The truck...

'If you want it, go for it!' - Becoming a mother later in life

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Paris Hilton has announced the birth of her first child with her husband Carter Reum. The baby was born via surrogate. The US socialite and businesswo...

Decentralisation: 'The country is out of balance'

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are thousands of houses and apartments outside Dublin not being built, despite a lack of affordable housing in Ireland. Is it time we took a mor...

Brother of woman killed by partner calls for a domestic violence register

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Newstalk, we’re shining a spotlight on domestic abuse, in partnership with Allianz and Women’s Aid. As part of this campaign, Andr...

NTA city parking levy proposal 'beyond ridiculous', says business owner

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Employers face being charged to keep car parking spaces for their staff in Dublin city under new proposals from the National Transport Authority (NTA)...

Banshees of Inisherin 'already boosting' tourism in the west of Ireland

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday was a huge day for Irish cinema. Films made here and those brimming with Irish talent and scenery received a total of 14 nominations. Martin...

'There's no point winning a game if you don't win it fairly'

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Derry GAA Club, Glen have confirmed that they will appeal the result of Sunday’s All Ireland Club Football final after Kilmacud Crokes had an extra ...

Menopause leave 'would be very welcome' in Ireland

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ministers have rejected a proposal to introduce ‘menopause leave’ in the UK. The move has been criticised from some MPs who say that a lack of men...

Homophobic abuse 'stops people from staying involved in politics'

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Seán Burke, a member of the Social Democrats National Executive. Seán spoke about some of the homophobia he h...

How sustainable are milk alternatives?

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Billboards and banners across the country have gone up advertising Oat Milk, with the slogan - “It’s like milk, but made for humans.” They have ...

B&B owner who offered rooms for refugees not contacted in 5 months

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are shocking reports that some refugees could end up homeless because of a lack of places for them. This could be down to some hotels not renewi...

Former CAMHS doctor says system isn't 'fit for purpose'

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A damning interim report into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland has revealed that more than 100 children were left withou...

Residents ‘weren’t consulted’ over cycling lane replacing on-street parking

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Elaine, a listener, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss the removal of on street parking on her road in Dublin. The parking will be replaced by...

Damp and mould problems 'getting worse' in Cork social housing

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A Cork TD has been flooded with responses after putting out a call for issues in social housing. Thomas Gould had over 130 replies from tenants with...

Woman threatened on Irish Rail by passenger with no ticket

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Monica, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about a recent experience on Irish Rail. A woman wouldn’t move her bags to let her family sit d...

Dogs in pubs: 'We have to move with the times in Ireland!'

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Would you like to see more dogs allowed in pubs, cafes and shops? According to the Belfast Telegraph this morning, making your establishment dog frien...

Public dental system for children 'an absolute nightmare'

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Children in Ireland are waiting up to 13 years to see a dentist. That's the stark warning from the Regional Group of independent TDs. It's bringing a ...

'We are in danger of losing our best' due to rise in emigration

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Newstalk Breakfast presenter, Ciara Kelly spoke candidly this morning about her feelings as her son emigrated to Australia yesterday. What is causing ...

Calls for more sheltered villages for older people wanting to downsize

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Local authorities should accelerate programmes to encourage people to downsize their properties, according to the Housing Minister. There are 8,600 un...

'Absolutely humiliated!' - Paralympian refused from restaurant with guide dog

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Paralympian Martin Gordon and his guide dog were refused entry in a Dublin city restaurant over the weekend. Martin joined Andrea Gilligan on Luncht...

Coming Out in Rural Ireland: 'The stigma's still there'

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is it like to be gay in rural Ireland? LGBT Ireland is aiming to expand Pride events into rural towns to improve Ireland as a country for members...

Owners of defective apartments 'slightly cautious' of new Government scheme

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Cabinet is to approve a scheme to repair Celtic Tiger apartment defects which could cost the State up to 2.5 billion euro. Housing Minister Darrag...

Oireachtas aim to 'get to the bottom of' HSE bullying claims

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Oireachtas Health Committee is to discuss the issue of bullying within the health service. It'll discuss the health, safety and wellbeing of front...

Andrew Tate influencing 'vulnerable' teenage boys in Ireland

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Tate is a controversial social media character, with many saying he is stoking hatred of women, while others argue that he is misunderstood in ...

Bus driver was threatened with being stabbed on Dublin route

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gardai have been travelling on buses to Tallaght in recent days to tackle anti-social behaviour there. Do you feel safe on public transport around Ire...

Weight Invisibility: 'It's a different world in a slimmer body'

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Andrea spotted an interesting post from a woman online which has gotten quite a reaction. It reads: ‘Having gone from a size 18 to an 8 in my twen...

'The atmosphere is gone completely in the Aviva Stadium'

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should you be allowed drink during a sporting match? The IRFU have released survey findings that show that 68% of those asked said they would not supp...

Homework 'doesn't work in it's present form for primary school'

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With schools back in full swing, households all over the country are getting back into their routine, how big a part does homework play in that routin...

Kenny: HSE must review bullying protocol

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lunchtime Live received an email from a listener working in the health service who had been discouraged by senior management from partaking in online ...

Meath Councillor says some refusals of social housing are reasonable

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last year more than 1,500 social housing offers were refused. New figures obtained by Newstalk show the number of people declining a house is rising, ...

INMO: Culture of bullying in HSE 'has to change'

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lunchtime Live has been inundated with nurses and healthcare workers sharing their stories and experiences of workplace bullying in the HSE. Sinn Fein...

Health warnings on wine 'means the price per bottle will go up'

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should wine come with a health warning? Italy’s largest farmers’ association have strongly voiced their concerns about Ireland’s plans for what ...

Anti-refugee protests 'have really escalated' across Ireland

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

At least nine anti-asylum-seeker protests are due to take place at different locations around the country from 5pm today. Do you support the protests?...

Banning hugging and relationships in schools 'is dehumanising'

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A secondary school in the UK has banned any physical contact between pupils – including hugs and handshakes – and has also outlawed any romantic r...

'They set you up to fail' - Continued reports of bullying in the health service

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lunchtime Live continues to receive reports from listeners of bullying in the HSE. Tadgh, a former clinical nurse manager and Jennifer Foster, from ...

Cullinane: HSE management haven’t received bullying training in 7 years

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

David Cullinane, TD and Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss the ongoing bullying in the health service ...

Irish man on hunger strike in Iran 'weak and in pain'

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An 64 year-old Irish man has been on hunger strike in an Iranian prison since January 1st. Bernard Phelan believes he’s being held there as a politi...

Man living with Parkinson’s says medicine shortage is ‘unacceptable’

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Users of long term prescription medication say they feel like their lives are being messed with amid the current medicine shortages. There are current...

Sharing images of your kids online: ‘They’re not needed on my account’

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ann-Marie O’Sullivan is writing in today’s Irish Independent: ‘I erased every single one of my children’s photos online: here’s how and why ...

Bullying is 'rife' within the health service in Ireland

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kate, a former nurse spoke yesterday on the show about her experience of bullying in the health service. Overnight, Lunchtime Live received a number e...

Need for ‘more sustained structure’ of driver testers in Ireland

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Robyn, a listener go in touch with the show about the waiting times to sit your driving test. Robyn and Brenda Bolger owner of Bolger school of motor...

Woman 'left nursing completely' due to impact of bullying

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week on Lunchtime Live, Andrea spoke to listeners about bullying in the workplace. Kate, a listener sent an email into the show about bullying s...

'The shortage of GPs is biting hard, particularly in rural Ireland'

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recommendations were made last week about how people shouldn’t go to A&E unless it was absolutely necessary. Today, GPs are under so much pressure t...

Cork City street 'disgusting' with litter on weekends

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Litter strewn streets, dumped dirty nappies – results of the Irish Business Against Litter survey released this morning show that Mahon in Cork city...

'Ireland is a very scary place to be a young woman'

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks one year since the killing of Ashling Murphy – since then 11 women have been killed across the country. Do women feel safe in Irelan...

Ask The Expert: Health Insurance

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the hospitals in the state they’re in, have people any other options? Dermot Goode from Total Health Cover, part of the Lockton Group joined An...

Light pollution 'can have a big impact' on wildlife - Birdwatch Ireland

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Light pollution can be hindrance if it’s something that affects where you live. Recently, there have an increase in the use of strong LED lighting o...

Throuples: 'It's up to you and the people you're involved with to set boundaries'

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Sun is reporting today that Irish singer Una Healy is part of a ‘throuple’ with ex-heavyweight boxing champion David Haye and model Sian Osbor...

Businesswoman says 'no logic' in replacing bus lanes in Ranelagh

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New bike lanes for Dublin city will remove bus lanes and car parking in some busy parts of the city. Bus lanes in Ranelagh and car parking at Merrion ...

Bullying in the workplace

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Workplace Bullying Institute has found that up to 80% of women that are bullied in the workplace are bullied by other women. Other recent studies ...

Local resident 'appalled' by anti-refugee protest in Drimnagh

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anti-refugee protests at a Dublin school started a few days ago over their housing of refugees over the Christmas break. Two groups of up to 30 refuge...

Kenny: Excrement attack 'is simply scandalous'

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bags of excrement were reportedly thrown Minister Anne Rabbitte and Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon yesterday at a meeting in Galway. Is politics becoming ...

Calls for dog insurance and compulsory GPS tracking

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cork County Council are calling for it to be compulsory for dog owners to have to insure their dogs, in the case of a dog attacking other animals or p...

Millennials are using astrology 'as a tool for understanding and self-development'

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the New Year upon us, people will be looking to reinvent themselves and grab every opportunity with both hands. Is there a way to predict what li...

Man with pneumonia spent 6 hours on a trolley with no blanket

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The latest INMO trolley watch count recorded 838 people waiting without a bed in hospitals today. Andrea was joined by Martina Hennessy, consultant p...

'In the long term they don't work' - Impact of weight loss groups

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are weight loss a help or a hindrance when you’re struggling with weight? Saoirse Hanley wrote in the Irish Independent today how she feels that joi...

Children's Hospital parking fee 'should be waived for long term and frequent visitors'

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Parking at the New Children’s Hospital will apparently cost €10 a day. The cost will be graded according to how long parents have to park there, b...

Controversy over Wolfe Tones song 'blown out of proportion'

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Leinster rugby issued an apology immediately after the controversial Wolfe Tones song 'Celtic Symphony', which features the lyrics 'Ooh Ah, Up the Ra'...

Chef Edward Hayden's Christmas Tips

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chef Edward Hayden joined Andrea to give some of his tips and tricks to make Christmas in the kitchen as stress free as possible...

Pub owner says ‘absolutely no way’ they would open Christmas Day

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas Day can be a lonely time for some people who aren't spending it with others. Would having an outlet like the local pub help those to meet wi...

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re only 3 days away from Christmas. If you’re still on the hunt for a few gifts, never fear! We’ve enlisted the help of Denise O’Donoghue, ...

Is Irish society ageist?

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says both politics and society are ageist after a Cabinet reshuffle that did nothing to reward “experience ...

'There's no time limit on grief' - Remembering loved ones at Christmas

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Grief is something we discuss a lot on this programme. The more we talk about and share our grief, the more people will free comfortable talking abou...

Ban on phones 'would only serve to hurt people who need them'

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Would you like to see more places ban mobile phones? Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has banned Ministers from their phones in to Cabinet meetings. Andrea G...

'It's happening all your life' - Irish boxer refused from Dublin nightclub

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt discriminated against because of your accent or where you come from? Professional Irish boxer, Thomas Carty posted a tweet online a...

Is it hypocritical to only attend mass at Christmas?

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is it hypocritical to only attend mass on Christmas Day? Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Andrea Gilligan to discuss a tweet he posted about this onl...

'Teachers should be paid according to where they are working'

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The teacher shortage – felt around the country – is particularly bad in Dublin city. One recent survey by the Irish Primary Principals’ Network ...

Are dryrobes acceptable in public settings?

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are dry robes the next in line to be banned in public settings outside of the seaside? People have been spotted donning their dry robes walking the do...

Dumpster diving to 'combat the waste' from supermarkets

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coming up to Christmas we’re all going to buy too much food. We know it, there’ll be tons of leftovers, food that’ll sit in the fridge for days....

Alexis Mac Allister's family celebrate 'magnificent' World Cup victory

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A north county Dublin town woke up this morning with a grin on its face. Donabate is the ancestral home of Argentinian World Cup winner, midfielder Al...

'Look beyond the homelessness and look to the person'

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Paul, a listener, got in touch with the show about something he saw happening involving a homeless person last week. Andrea was joined by Paul, Lorra...

Christmas Plans for Newlyweds

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The tradition for married couples to go to their wives for the first Christmas together could be outdated but what is the ‘’done thing’’ when ...

‘We’re going to have to make it less attractive to get into the car’

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Transport Minister has said he is 'going for' a plan to take one in five cars off Irish roads by 2030. It is part of targets in an updated Climate...

Woman waiting for biopsy results 'going through hell'

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Terry, a listener, got in touch with the show via email. Terry is currently waiting on a pet-scan and also the results of two biopsies taken from a no...

Haggling: 'I like to pay the least amount of money for something'

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is haggling dead? The process of bartering was once commonplace in Ireland but now seems to be something that makes us Irish uncomfortable and is seen...

'Politics and sport should be kept apart!' - Will you boycott the World Cup Final?

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The final of the World Cup is taking place this weekend. Argentina are taking on France this Sunday in a World Cup that has been marred in controversy...