Lunchtime Live
Episodes
'There's a lot of mum-shaming' - Online parenting forums causing anxiety
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Academics in California have warned new mothers against the over-use of online parenting forums. This follows research that found that mothers who reg...
‘An utterly broken hearted military community today’
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An Irish peacekeeper has died in Lebanon and another has been seriously injured, the Department of Defence has announced. The deceased has been named ...
Wedding Afters: 'You are certainly a b-list'
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a tweet online, one user asked ‘What goes through your mind when you receive an invite to the "afters" of a wedding?’ A lot of people in the co...
Woman had dog stolen and 'smuggled over to the UK'
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thieves who steal pets could face minimum of 10 months' jail under new legislation being brought before the Dáil. There was a noticeable spike in pet...
Should catcalling be made illegal in Ireland?
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Catcalling and street harassment is set to be made punishable by up to 2 years in prison in the UK. The newly proposed law is part of the British Gove...
Hosting the perfect Christmas dinner
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The big day is almost upon us. For many it will be almost 2 years since we have been able to have a normal Christmas celebration. Some out there will...
Family left stranded in German airport by airline
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There have been lots of airline disruptions over the past few days due to the cold weather. Andrea was joined by Lisa, Sarah and other listeners to d...
'They're shaking the house' - Residents protest flights on North Runway
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Residents of North Dublin gathered outside the Fingal County Council office in Swords last night to demand a solution over the airport noise. They say...
Closure of clinic 'devastating' for Long Covid sufferer
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Long Covid Clinic being run by Professor Jack Lambert in the Mater Hospital will shut down at the end of this month due to a lack of funding. Suff...
'I have vaped in churches' - Should vaping indoors be banned?
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener, Chloe, got in touch with the show about second hand vaping she saw during a concert in the 3Arena. She said: “I was there on Saturday ni...
Restaurants 'need more than one option' for vegetarians
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a lack of vegetarian and vegan options on Irish menus? Writer and broadcaster, Barbara Scully joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live after she voice...
Doctor says icy footpaths causing 'an increase' in fractures
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Status Orange low temperature/ice warning is due to remain in place for the whole country until midday today. The drop in temperature has seen icy f...
'Animals are not ours to abuse' - Calls to ban horse drawn carriages
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An animal rights group is calling for an end to horse and carriages. The National Animal Rights Association tweeted a picture of a horse and cart i...
The Office Christmas Party
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After 2 long years- the Christmas Party is back! Do you enjoy your work Christmas party? Do you even go? Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show her...
'You never see a Garda!' - Farmers being targeted by trespassers
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should there be harsher punishments for trespassing? Gardaí are advising farmers 'not to take law into their own hands' over gang issues, but is enou...
Whatsapp Groups: 'We live in a culture of oversharing'
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Members of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association have told members to be careful what they post in local WhatsApp conversations. They have warned aga...
Buying Irish Food with Champion Green
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The ‘Buying Irish’ series wrapped up today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live a...
Gaeltacht owner says Irish language education is 'not functioning'
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The head of one of the country's best-known Gaeltacht summer colleges has said the standard of Irish in students is shameful and that the Government i...
Coping with grief at Christmas
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas can be a great time to come together with family and friends, but it can also be very difficult if you’re missing a loved one who you have...
Career breaks for teachers
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Career breaks for teachers could be suspended under plans being considered by the Government in response to a shortage of qualified staff in schools. ...
'The standard of driving is very poor' in Ireland
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should you have to re-sit your driving test every 10 years? One Cork Councillor has described the standard of driving in Cork City as 'appalling'. Are...
Celebrating an Alternative Christmas
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ge...
'We're patriotic, but not enough' - Irish State is 100 years old
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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’ argue...
Breastfeeding 'still such a taboo in Ireland'
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are breastfeeding rooms sending out the wrong message? Or are they a positive move to make people feel more comfortable? Andrea was joined by listen...
Calls to relax 'formal' school uniform policies
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are school uniforms holding children back from sports and other activities? A new report recommends changes to ‘strict, inflexible’ school uniform...
Should the retirement age be raised in Ireland?
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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, Ir...
Egg Freezing: 'The best thing I've ever done!'
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Alcohol advertising is a ‘nasty trigger’ for alcoholics
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scotland are holding a consultation that will look at proposals to ban the promotion or advertising of alcohol. Would you like to see something simila...
'There's definitely a snobbery' around tradespeople in society
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Buying Irish Presents with Champion Green
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our ‘Buying Irish’ series today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live ...
East Wall resident 'saddened by the lies and misinformation being spread'
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday night, demonstrators continued to block traffic as they marched from the ESB building being occupied by asylum seekers to the nearby Port T...
'You're constantly looking over your shoulder' - LGBTQ+ safety in Ireland
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Cash ‘must be accepted as form of payment’
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Rural Crime: Woman has 'around €400 worth of oil stolen'
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Between burglaries and assaults, the rising rates of rural crime have seen calls for the Justice Minister Helen McEntee to increase the number of Gard...
Taxi shortages 'a constant thing every weekend' in Dublin
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Chris...
Return of bankers' bonuses 'is grotesque'
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is going to consider bringing back bonuses for bankers. Restrictions have been in place since the financial crash. With the cost of ...
'They are dangerous' - Calls to ban restricted dog breeds
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This morning Newstalk Breakfast chatted to Raul – older brother of 9 year old Alejandro Mizsan who was viciously attacked by a pitbull in Enniscorth...
East Wall: 'There will be more protests'
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Fáilte Ireland's 'Winter in Dublin' omits the word Christmas from campaign
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fáilte Ireland have released their festive Dublin marketing campaign and some people are offended by the language used in it. The ad reads: ‘Winter...
Rules on restricted dog breeds 'not being enforced'
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Illegal parking 'a constant issue' for wheelchair users
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Watching The Late Late Toy Show around the world
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Teacher believes 'all schools should be completely secular'
25 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Religious symbols across hundreds of State-run primary and secondary schools must in future be reflective of the “entire community” according to a...
Buying Irish Decorations with Champion Green
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our ‘Buying Irish’ series today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live ...
Drug testing 'would be a deterrent' for club GAA players
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Dunkettle Interchange traffic 'has shut the city down'
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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? ...
Absence of 'human cruelty' of The Troubles being taught in schools
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Sunday Times survey has found sharp generational differences when it comes to attitudes to the Troubles. A third of young people here in the Republi...
Bygone Professions
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As technology advances and fast fashion takes over, some of the professions we knew and loved are starting to fade. Lots of traditional jobs that we w...
Funeral Costs: 'I am consumed with the price of a funeral'
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
According to new research, the cost of an average funeral in Ireland is over six thousand euro. Is that something we prepare for enough? Or are we lik...
Mental health issues being 'trivialised' in the media
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the last number of years we have been seeing a rise in the number of people with mental health issues. Destigmatising mental health has been welcom...
Solo Travelling: 'I was looking after myself and nobody else'
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ellen Fitzpatrick, from Her.ie has just returned from her first solo travel experience. Have you ever travelled solo? How would you feel about going o...
‘It’s pandemonium’ - Rent price inflation across Ireland
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New statistics revealed today show that the average price in Dublin is now over €2,200 a month and that there is an ‘extreme shortage of rental ho...
Calls for body cameras to prevent future attacks on An Garda Síochána
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is enough being done to protect our Gardai? A shocking video emerged of 2 Gardai being assaulted in Ballyfermot in Dublin last night. Sinn Féin Cou...
Mobile phones are a 'huge contributor to mental health difficulties' in children
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than half of nine-year-olds now own a phone. That is according to new research from the ESRI which also found that owning a mobile phone is assoc...
UCC Vegan Society want a meat and dairy free campus
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stirling University in Scotland have voted to ban meat and dairy from their campus, however campaigners argue that it’s an ‘attack on freedom of c...
Body Dysmorphia: 'I slowly started to hide in the shadows'
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Keith Russell was just 12 years of age when his struggles with body dysmorphia and disordered eating began. Now, years on, he wants more men to speak ...
'I can't afford it' - Nurses paying annual registration fee
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every year nurses, teacher and many other professions have to pay a retention fee to stay registered in their profession. With a shortage of healthca...
Toll prices increase is 'totally unwelcome'
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Motorists are set to be hit again with increased toll prices – some going up by 60 cent per journey. Inflation is blamed on the rising cost. Andre...
Buying Irish for Christmas with Champion Green
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We kick off our ‘Buying Irish’ series today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live ...
Father ‘willing to go to jail’ to highlight school’s inaction over son's bullying
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jason, a listener, got in touch with the show to highlight bullying his 13-year-old son received in his secondary school. His son who has dyspraxia an...
'It's demeaning for people with disabilities to be used' to raise funds for charities
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Children in Need, one of the biggest TV events in the UK kicks off this weekend. Andrea was asking should kids have to go on national TV and disclose ...
'It's a personal decision' - Sharing images of your children online
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcaster, Síle Seoige has revealed her and her partner have made the decision to no longer show their son Cathal's face on social media. Do you sh...
Gambling is 'taking the good out of sport' - Westmeath hurler Davy Glennon
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gambling ads are to be banned on television and radio until late at night under plans to be approved by Cabinet today. The Gambling Regulation Bill, l...
Botched dental procedure left Belfast woman 'in a very dark place'
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish Dental Association have given a stark warning to people against travelling abroad to get your teeth done. Amanda Turner and Noreen Keegan ...
'Citywide response' needed to tackle violence in Dublin City
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Residents of the George’s Quay area in Dublin are getting increasingly worried about the growing levels of local violence from young teenagers. Repo...
Remembering Vicky Phelan
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has died at the age of 48. She passed away at Milford Hospice in Limerick in the early hours of this morning. ...
Síle Seoige: Vicky Phelan 'was so incredibly resilient'
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Clare McKenna was joined on Lunchtime Live by Síle Seoige, Broadcaster and Host of Ready to be Real and Former Mayor of Limerick Daniel Butler to r...
'A trailblazer, a national hero' - Lifelong friend of Vicky Phelan
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has died at the age of 48. David Brennan, lifelong friend of Vicky Phelan joined Clare McKenna on Lunchtime L...
E-bikes for all teenagers above 16 would 'reduce car dependence'
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
E-bikes and e-scooters are a common topic of discussion with a huge rise in the numbers you see on our roads. A tweet by Katie Harrington has sugge...
Couple with 37-year age gap are 'madly in love'
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do age gap relationships work? Michael and Aaron Flynn-Shore met in New York and instantly hit it off, despite their 37 year age gap. They have j...
Heineken cost hike is 'a negative step' ahead of Christmas
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The price of your pint could be going up. If you’re a Heineken drinker, or any of their other brands like Birra Moretti, Orchard Thieves, Coors, Fos...
Approaching seals 'can do more harm than good'
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are in the middle of peak season for baby seals being born! With their big puppy dog eyes, it can be hard to resist the temptation to go up to them...
Government need to look ‘at other solutions’ for housing refugees
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are fresh concerns today about the number of hotel and guesthouse beds being used to house refugees around the country. The Irish tourism indust...
Better access to housing needed on Irish islands to ‘prevent depopulation’
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should more be down to protect island communities off the coast of Ireland? New research shows that West Cork islands are 'at risk of the loss of enti...
‘There’s a market for’ a late night coffee shop in Dublin City
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are there enough late-night options available for non-drinkers in Ireland? Starbucks Cafe on St Stephen’s Green in Dublin which was apparently the o...
Social welfare system 'isn't fit for task' - Husband of woman with breast cancer
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Changes being proposed to social welfare would mean people who earn more money would get higher welfare payments if they lose their jobs. The new syst...
'The whole thing is hyped up' - The Crown Season 5 released today
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Crown, season 5 is released on Netflix today. The series, which dramatizes the lives of the Royal family, has come under fire for bending the trut...
'It's horrendous' that public money funds horse racing - Dublin TD
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been discovered that more than €42m in public funds was paid out in prize money at horse races last year. If you compare that to the combined...
Inside the Crime: The Charles Self Murder
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The No. 1 podcast series hosted by Newstalk’s Court Correspondent, Frank Greaney returns for a second series. ‘Inside the Crime’ investigates ...
Sisters and friend help woman have four babies through surrogacy
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many parents throughout Ireland are continuing to campaign to be recognised as parents of their children born through surrogacy. Clare McKenna was j...
Principal 'abolishes' homework in Dublin school
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As mid-term is over and we're back to full schooling until the Christmas break, there have been more calls to get rid of homework. Do you do your chil...
'Huge increase' in the number of cremations over the last 5 years
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With a growing shortage of available graveyard space is it time for Ireland to move away from burials and towards alternatives? Clare McKenna was j...
'Our future's been stolen' - 15-year-old climate activist
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should rich countries pay compensation to vulnerable nations hit by climate change? A June report by 55 vulnerable countries estimated their combined ...
'This is bloodlust' - Calls to ban blood sports in Ireland
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hare and Fox hunting season is upon us again, and as happens with every year, there are calls for it to be banned. Fox hunting season starts properly ...
'Act of kindness' saves business owner from parking fine
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Moran, owner of Yeah Burger Restaurant Group joined Claire McKenna on Lunchtime Live to tell her about a good samaritan who saved him from get...
Twitter layoffs: 'It's a brutal culture Elon Musk has in his companies'
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Twitter employs 500 people in Dublin, but many of those will be receiving emails today informing them whether they still have a job, or not. Adrian ...
Child benefit double payment: ‘If you can afford to give, do’
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands of families across the country have started to get their double child benefit this week. As part of the cost of living crisis, this month’...
Taxi drivers 'frustrating' attempts to make cars wheelchair accessible
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The shortage of taxis is a topic that we’ve returned to several times on the show. However, a listener, Danny, who is a taxi driver, got in touch wi...
Dublin Bus being 'short staff' causing phantom buses
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On Lunchtime Live, Andrea has covered the topic of phantom buses frequently. New NTA figures show a jump in scheduled buses that didn’t run. Is this...
Accent discrimination is 'based on total classism'
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A quarter of employees have had their accent mocked, criticised or singled out in a professional setting, according to new research. 30% of students c...
Calls for 'I'm A Celeb' to stop using live animals 'for entertainment'
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
'I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here' is returning to our screens this weekend. A huge part of the show’s appeal is the horrible trials they’re ...
'We're decades behind' providing adequate care for endometriosis - Senator Lynn Ruane
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Endometriosis is something we spoke extensively about on the show this year – hearing stories of the many, many women affected by the condition. Thi...
Intrusion of women's personal space 'has always been common'
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do people still respect personal space boundaries? Ave tweeted about a man on the bus sitting too close to her on Monday evening. She ended up getting...
Confusing food labelling 'a huge issue' in Ireland
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is food labelling clear enough? Can you tell where your food is really coming from? And if not, is that something that bothers you? Andrea was join...
Cancer patient had to 'fight' for annual check-ups since Covid
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland will see a ‘frightening’ wave of delayed cancer diagnoses next year – that's according to Taoiseach Michéal Martin. Diagnosis are not t...
'Major deterrents' needed to prevent rising bike theft
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meteorologist, Joanna Donnelly joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live after her son's bike was stolen at the weekend. Joanna and her other son's bike were al...
Pope encouraging meat-free Fridays 'would definitely help' cut carbon emissions
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new study claims The Pope could bring about a major reduction in global carbon emissions if he urged Catholics to stop eating meat on a Friday. A re...
Soap operas 'reflect what's going on in society and champion social issues’
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do soap operas still have a place in society or are they facing extinction? Actor Claudia Carroll, who played Nicola in Fair City and Hollyoaks writ...
'I was very disappointed' - Lord Mayor cancels live crib at Mansion House
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The live animal crib outside Dublin’s Mansion House has been a Christmas staple for the past 27 years. However, a decision has been made by the Lord...
The science behind superstitions
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
'Tis the season of spookiness and superstitions. Black cats are on the prowl and no one wants to visit the house with 13 on the door. Is there any sci...