Lunchtime Live
Episodes
'The cost is just extraordinary' - Should IVF be publicly funded?
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG) for funding for IVF and other fertility treatments is asking to be included in the upco...
'It can take up to 5 hours a day' - Long commutes impacting quality of life #MyCommuteNT
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All this week on Newstalk, we are hearing from people about their commutes to and from work as part of #MyCommuteNT. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime L...
'Much more we can be doing' to improve sex education in schools
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it time to update the sexual education in schools? Do we need to talk more about things like LGBTQ families and STIs? SpunOut, the organisation pro...
'We don't know what we're going to do without the bus' - Local bus service scrapped
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Katherine, a listener in Portlaw, Co Waterford, got in touch with Lunchtime Live after the local bus service in her village was scrapped. Katherine a...
'There's a stigma attached to it' - Sleeping in a separate bed to your partner
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sleeping separately from your partner – is it something you’re for or against? Experts have urged couples not to share the same bed if they want t...
'He had the crowd in the palm of his hands' - Garth Brooks wows Croke Park
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Country music star, Garth Brooks took to the stage in Croke Park at the weekend for three of his five headline gigs in Ireland. Andrea, who went to ...
Inheritance Tax: 'Why should our children have pay for the work we've already done?'
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Government-appointed commission on taxation has recommended that there should be a substantial reduction in the amount of money that parents can lea...
'Manners have just gone completely out the window' - Poor etiquette on public transport
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Aidan, a listener, emailed the show to talk about his annoyance over people’s behaviour on public transport. Listening to music without headphones, ...
Is it time to get rid of school skirts?
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A school in the UK has reportedly banned skirts and brought in a “trousers only” rule for pupils which has caused anger among parents. Haywood Aca...
'Everybody is going!' - Garth Brooks kicks off historic Irish concerts
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The one and only Garth Brooks is set to play Croke Park tonight, tomorrow night, Sunday night and next Friday and Saturday. It’s expected over 400,0...
'The whole issue of dealing with somebody personally is gone' - Issues booking travel tickets online
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners who are having issues booking bus and train tickets online with their free travel pass...
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday, tributes are being paid around the world. Andrea was joined by listeners to recount their memories ...
Ask The Expert: Mortgages
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John Lowe, The Money Doctor, joined Andrea for this week's 'Ask The Expert' slot to answer listeners questions about mortgages...
'Swimming lessons are like gold dust' - Parents struggling to get swimming lessons
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you having difficulty getting swimming lessons for your child? Annette, a listener, joined Andrea on the show to chat about how hard it is to get ...
'The prices are astronomical' - The cost of learning to drive
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the cost of learning to drive? In Ireland, you have to take the driver theory test, take an eye test, pay for a learners permit, get driving l...
'People are still being ripped off' - Ticket touts continue despite legislation
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christy, a listener, in Letterkenny got in touch with the programme over a concern he has around some tickets he bought on the website Viagogo. Chri...
Is it time that we closed zoos?
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service have raised concerns at Dublin Zoo following their most recent inspection. They found medicines...
How safe is cycling on Irish roads?
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the school run starts back and more of us are going into the office, there’s calls for more to be done to make cycling safer in Ireland. In rural...
'It's like having a party for something that hasn't happened' - Baby Showers and Gender Reveals
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Once considered solely American practices – baby showers and gender reveal parties are now becoming more and more popular here in Ireland. How do y...
'Nobody intentionally intends to live that way' - Understanding hoarding
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dublin Fire Brigade have posted about rescuing a man in his 70s after he had become trapped in his home for about 14 hours due to hoarding of belongin...
How to write a good Wedding Speech
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was joined on the show by Cormac Lally, who is a poet and a spoken word artist but for the last 10 years he has also been working as a wedding ...
'Common sense has been taken out' - Supermarket dress code for construction workers
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
‘No construction workwear and/or tools are permitted in the in-store seating area’ – this was a sign seen in a FRESH store. What do you think? I...
'A missed opportunity' - No support acts for Garth Brooks gigs
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The countdown is well and truly on for Garth Brook’s Dublin gigs this weekend. But, he will have no support acts for any of the 5 concerts. The Mus...
Eating Irish: Could you eat only Irish produce for a month?
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Organic farmer Lisa Fingleton is challenging people to eat only Irish produce for a month, to highlight how little of the food we eat is actually made...
Have you ever found hidden inscription in the book?
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our listener Lucy was scrolling Twitter when something caught her eye – her own handwriting on a book. Declan Cashin had posted a picture of a book ...
Are you heading to Electric Picnic this weekend?
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Electric Picnic is back after a two-year hiatus. Around 70,000 people are heading down to attend the music and arts festival at Stradbally Hall this ...
Should we have car exclusion zones around schools?
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As schools are starting back there are calls for the areas around them to make car-free. Has the traffic at the school gates gotten too dangerous? W...
Should hospital car park fees be scrapped?
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been hit with high hospital car parking fees? Childhood cancer Ireland is calling for car parking charges to be scrapped, with some parents s...
Ask The Expert: Motoring
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every week we give you the chance to get access to an expert and this week, we put your motoring questions to Motoring Journalist Geraldine Herbert.
Attacks on referees
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After an incident in Roscommon shocked onlookers, Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what can be done to stamp out violence in sport.
"Time does not heal grief it just helps you get used to a new normal."
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ten years ago, Derry and Sallyanne Clarke lost their 16 year old son Andrew to suicide. They joined Andrea to talk about the stigma around suicide and...
Irish Stereotypes
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A video mocking Nadine Coyle’s distinct Derry accent has gone viral, that is the offending clip and it has racked up nearly 1 million views and 91 t...
"I hope the man is big and brave enough to walk to the Garda station and hand himself in."
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The GAA has launched a full investigation into an incident at an underage match in Roscommon last night. Early in the second half of the championship ...
Rental Scams
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Antone joined Andrea to share his story of falling victim to a rental scam. He told Andrea that after moving over from France, and paying €...
Finding love in unusual places
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From airplane flings to long distance romance, Andrea spoke to listeners about their experiences of finding love in unusual places.
"People think there is a pension pot - there is not!"
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Younger workers face paying an extra €2,500 a year in taxes so that older people can retire at 66, the State’s budget watchdog warns today. The tr...
Flying to Hawaii for a Tinder date
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Clodagh O’Sullivan from Dingle, joined Andrea to share her story of finding love on Tinder. She described how she flew 7,000 miles for a Tinder date...
Can you separate the art from the artist?
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Arcade Fire have been hit with controversy as their lead singer Win Butler, has been accused of sexual misconduct from four people. He has denied the ...
"I was told to stop driving, give up work and get my affairs in order."
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fair City actor Bryan Murray has opened up about being diagnosed with Alzheimers. A condition that an estimated 64,000 people are living with in Irela...
"This delay has left students under immense pressure."
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Students waiting for their delayed leaving cert results around the country are being left with very little time to find a place to live. Some will hav...
Life as a body double
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Netflix has announced they are searching for a body double for Lindsay Lohan for a new movie which will begin shooting in Ireland next week. Adrian wa...
Could high energy prices spell the end for small businesses?
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The rising price of energy is a huge issue for us all, but it could mean putting some smaller Irish companies out of business altogether. Adrian was j...
Should tracksuits be allowed in pubs?
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Dublin pub has banned tracksuits from their pub. Many pubs across the country have a similar and Adrian was joined by publicans and People Before P...
"It's a step on the ladder but it's open to abuse!"
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listeners joined Adrian to discuss the pro's and con's of employers offering accommodation to employee's.
Should jobs be allowed to offer accommodation as a perk?
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A photo we spotted this morning has caused quite a stir online. It appears to show a sign in the window of Supermacs on O’Connell Street in Dublin o...
"You will never be able to enjoy your back garden in the same way again."
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Residents living near Dublin airport have been complaining since the new runway opened last week. Adrian was joined by Mick O’Rourke, from St Margar...
"She cried her eyes out and she felt worthless"
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Carers aren't currently eligible to receive a pension. On the show, Andrea was joined by Jane, a carer, and Niall who lost his son earlier this year. ...
Should we retire early?
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the show today, Andrea was joined by callers from the FIRE movement which is a lifestyle movement of gaining financial independence and retiring ea...
Summer Memories - Bobby Kerr
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our very own Bobby Kerr joined Andrea in the studio today for the last installment of Summer Memories.
Phone Boxes Returning to Dublin
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dublin City Council has installed 22 new phone boxes across the capital with 180 set to be rolled out across Ireland. Andrea was joined by callers to ...
Breastcheck Screening Service lost 11 months of screening time during COVID
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's reported that 11 months of screening time has been lost during COVID according to Breastcheck Ireland. Andrea was joined by Breda and Lauren who ...
Ask The Expert: Interior Design
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every week, we give you the chance to get access to an expert. This week, we put your interior design questions to Arlene McIntyre from Ventura.
"On day fourteen I took a U turn and was rushed to hospital with a blood clot."
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s estimated that 120,000 people in Ireland are living with Long Covid, suffering from chronic fatigue, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, breathlessness...
Should landlords be embarrassed to be landlords?
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has said he will not apologise for being a landlord. He resigned yesterday after failing to declare all of his properties,...
Are kids allowed to be kids?
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest ‘Children’s School Lives’ study finds that teachers are concerned that children starting school are “over-prepared” in academic s...
Childless By Choice
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many women of a certain age are asked about their plans to have children. Andrea was joined by Marguerite Kiely, RSVP Magazine Art Editor, Margaret O’...
"My elderly neighbour up the road has a steel door in her bedroom."
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Following on from the violent home invasion of 93 year old Una Farrell and her sons in county Roscommon this week, Andrea was joined by listeners and ...
"People are being evicted and the first thing to go is the dog!"
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With so many people struggling with their housing situation, rescue centers are finding they have more dogs then ever looking for a home. Andrea was j...
What is so special about the Irish pub?
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dublin venue Bar 1661 has been crowned Ireland's Bar of the Year for 2022. Dolans in Co. Limerick was the people’s choice winner. The pub is a big p...
Should GP's be able to prescribe cannabis?
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
People from across the country have protested to get better access to medicinal cannabis. Andrea was joined by GP's and listeners to discuss what chan...
"In Ireland you would not see a Guard from one end of the day to the next!"
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Following the assault of a tourist in Temple Bar over the weekend, some businesses are calling for more Gardai to patrol the area. Alan Cooke, from Jo...
Could paying in cash save businesses?
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cash has become a less frequent method of payment in recent years. Paul Treyvaud from Treyvaud’s, Restaurant in Killarney joined Andrea to discuss i...
Do we need to make more space for the Irish language?
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Donegal, someone has been spray painting road signs to remove the English versions of town names. Dozens of place name signs have been spray-painte...
Milestone Ages
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hazel Larkin posted a tweet about feeling disappointed in her achievements as she turns 49. She joined Andrea, Off The Ball's Colin Boohig and Barbara...
Wallaby on the lose in Tyrone
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Wallaby is missing after escaping near Omagh, County Tyrone. One of two marsupials which arrived at Glenpark Estate near Omagh, leapt over a fence a...
Perimenopause and sleep
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new study has said women will lose five and a half weeks of sleep a year due to menopause. Disrupted sleep seems to be a symptom that affects most w...
Thousands of families waiting to hear if children have places on school buses
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands of children in Ireland could find out they’re without a seat in the school bus just a few weeks before school starts back. After the annou...
Should shoes be allowed on carpets?
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if shoes should be allowed on carpets an, if its rude to ask visitors to remove their shoes before being all...
"Since we got the news I am heartbroken and sick to my stomach."
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Social care students in a Dublin college have been left outraged since learning they will not be able to be employed as social care workers when they ...
Is public transport safe?
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A headline in the Irish Independent really caught my attention this morning: ‘I had a passenger who completely lost it, he kicked in my door and thr...
Should kids' be allowed attend big occasions?
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all been there- in the middle of a gorgeous wedding ceremony and a baby starts crying. Totally ruins the moment... Does the parent leave? Some...
Is teaching an attractive job?
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With 378 classroom vacancies in Irish secondary schools ad only weeks before children return to school – we’re asking, is teaching still an attrac...
Are price hikes pushing businesses to the brink?
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Businesses across the country are feeling the effect of rising prices. Some fear they won’t survive. Finn Murray from the Hopsack – health sto...
Ask The Expert: Health Insurance
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every week, we give you the chance to get access to an expert- this week, we put your health insurance questions to Dermot Goode from Totalhealthcover...
"It has brought many blessings throughout my life."
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Green Party TD Patrick Costello says there is an urgent urgent need for more people to volunteer as foster parents. Andrea was joined by foster parent...
Ireland's first Lego store
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lego fan's camped over night to be first in to Ireland's first Lego store. Andrea was joined by fan's to share their love of Lego and reminisce on wha...
Vandalism in Ballincollig
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Joanna Murphy, Aontu rep in Ballincollig, joined Andrea to discuss incidences of vandalism in the area and what is behind the rise in incidents.
Should we have a maximum wage?
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An interesting letter to the editor in the Irish Times yesterday ,‘If we have a minimum wage, why not a maximum one?.' Andrea was joined by the wri...
"There is no staff to man the bed's that's the problem!"
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karl Dawson, Presenter of Weekend Breakfast on 98fm, joined Andrea to highlight the on going trolley crisis in Irish hospitals. He explained his 87 ye...
"You can't turn around to a man in the middle of a flight and expect him to get up off his seat!"
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vogue Williams was left thoroughly unimpressed recently when a man initially refused to move seats with her on a plane so she could sit closer to her ...
Should bikes have license plates?
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The UK government are discussing adding registration plates and insurance to bikes is being floated by the UK government. They’re also considering t...
Is it ok to drop in unannounced?
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On yesterday's show Andrea chatted to listener Tammy, from Tipperary. She spoke about how she felt society has lost a bit of its kindness and, during ...
"I queued for an hour and still did not see the property!"
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland's housing market is an ongoing issue, those looking to rent are finding it increasingly difficult. With a lack of properties and high rent's, ...
"Irish rebel music is engraved in Irish people!"
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Austin Stack spoke to Breakfast about why we need to stop glorifying the IRA. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss where do we draw the line with...
"We feel the ticket prices were very fair considering where we are in the world!"
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the return of festival's Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the cost of festivals. Andy Noonan, Owner of the Big Grill Festival joined And...
"A smile or hello can mean the world to someone."
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday on the show you might remember we were chatting to listener Martina who was annoyed with people interrupting their conversation to show her ...
"Public health nurses are vital, they really are amazing!"
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New parents in some parts of the country are being told that they won’t get visits from a public health nurse because of staff shortages. The HSE ha...
Are we too fussy when it comes to dating?
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The number of ‘lonely, single’ men is on the rise, and according to an American psychologist it is because women have higher standards now when it...
Are Festivals overpriced?
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The summer months have been filled with festivals and show's, as people enjoy some well deserved post pandemic freedom. Andrea was joined by listeners...
Online Grooming
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Children are spending an increasing amount of time online but for many parents it can be hard to police what they are exposed to and ensure they are b...
"He is a legend to be fair!"
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An Irishman who got a seven-inch tattoo of Marty Whelan’s face on his thigh after losing a Fantasy Football bet says he’s delighted to honour ‘a...
Ambulance waiting times
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new report from the HSE has shown has warned recruitment being surpassed by demand for organization's services, which is leading to long waiting ti...
Should cars be allowed on beaches?
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the weather being so nice over the weekend, hundreds of sun seekers flocked to their local beach to enjoy the heat. Andrea was joined by listener...
Stop showing me picture's on you're phone!
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Martina was in touch with the show to discuss if many of us over share pictures we have on our phone with other people. Martina told Andrea s...
Scramblers - should they be more regulated?
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There have been calls for more to be done to tackle the problem of scrambler bikes in Limerick City. Sinn Fein TD for Limerick City Maurice Quinlivan ...
Directed Elected Mayor's
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was broadcasting live from Limerick and was joined by Dr Maura Adshead, Head of Community Engagement, Associate Professor of Politics, Universi...
Do we need a Garda band?
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Garda Band has cost taxpayers an average of almost €25,000 per performance since 2020, a figure comparable to booking fees charged by some top s...
"The thing we get back from patients is 'you gave me back my dignity'."
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Numbers revealed to Newstalk show that over one in every five people who attended Sexual Assault Treatment Units last year, were less than 18 years ol...
"I've given up correcting people!"
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone who has an unusual name or spelling will be used to people mispronouncing it from time to time. University Limerick want to cut out that issue,...
"There were people waiting week's for bags!"
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On yesterdays show Andrea was joined by listeners who had experienced lost luggage and were experiencing difficulties contacting the airline. Today sh...