Highlights From Lunchtime Live

The Leaving Cert time is upon us as exam season gets under way this week. Students are already in the midst of things, but it can also be a stressful time for parents trying to maintain calm in stress filled households. Psychologist Peader Maxwell joined Andrea with tips for negotiating the leaving cert period and what to say to best support students.

A new survey shows that 1 in 3 people don’t know how much a funeral costs. With the average amount in and around €6000, John Lowe, the money Doctor joined Andrea with advice on financial planning for the end of life.

Treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019. A new report from the health research board has found that emergencies caused by drink and drug-taking among young people are on the rise, with an alarming spike in cases involving cocaine. Andrea spoke to Ciaran Carey Former Limerick All Star Hurler, HR expert Damien McCarthy and Taxi driver Michael, about the prevalence of drug use and if its time to bring in drug testing in work places.

Lunchtime Live listener, Andy, emailed into the show about his struggle to find a venue for his upcoming wedding. Andy was due to get married on Saturday and had booked a hotel, however was told two weeks ago that the minimum number for guests was 80 and they could not go ahead with the wedding they had planned. He told Andrea him and his fiancé are still hoping to get married in the Kerry area on Saturday and hopes someone will reach out with a venue that might be available.

Listener Betty was in touch with the show to discuss her experience of the toilets at the Van Gough exhibition at the RDS. She told Andrea she went in to find there was no toilet seat, the bowl was dirty and there wasn’t anywhere to hang her coat or bag.

It’s week 10 and the final week of our Going Green Series, where we want to help you live a bit more sustainable. This week Paul Smyth, Gardener and Plantsman joins Andrea to discuss sustainable gardening.

Galway Woman Shirley McEntee joined Andrea to warn people about the dangers of using sunbeds and her own experience of skin cancer.

A new survey by Newstalk launched on The Pat Kenny show this morning has found the average monthly creche cost in Dublin has gone up by over 20% since Newstalk carried out a similar survey in 2018. Andrea was joined by listeners who in touch with the show to discuss if tax credits could be a way of easing costs for women.

A new book ‘The Truth about Love’ sets out to reframe how we look at love and the different types of love we have in life. Author and Meditation teacher Conor Creighton joined Andrea to discuss how modern love has become confusing and how that confusion has made us miserable, lonely, and desperate.

A new survey by Newstalk launched on The Pat Kenny show this morning has found the average monthly creche cost in Dublin has gone up by over 20% since Newstalk carried out a similar survey in 2018. The National monthly average for childcare, according to the survey, is €746 a month. But the research found that 16 out of the 26 counties actually have lower averages than in 2018. Andrea was joined by listeners who shared their experiences of childcare costs and what impact they have on their career decisions.

From dry skin to the best sun creams, Jennifer Rock, Owner of The Skin Nerd skin answered listeners' questions in today’s ask the expert.

Johnny Depp says he has his "life back" after winning his high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard. The actor's been awarded just over 10-million dollars in damages over an article she wrote which claimed she'd been a victim of sexual abuse. Heard counter-sued - she'll get 2-million in damages. The whole case and outcome has thrown a light on how people in situations like this are treated and sparked fears that people might be less inclined to speak out about their experiences. Andrea spoke to listeners who got in touch about their experiences. You can contact Women's Aid on 1800 341 900 and Men's Aid Ireland on 01 554 3811.

An article in today’s Irish Independent called for seaweed to be rebranded as a vegetable and incorporated into our everyday meals. But just what are the dietary benefits? Marie Power from TheSeaGardener.com joined Andrea on the show.

Are the Irish apathetic – is our ‘at it’s grand’ attitude to our detriment? Harry McCann, Director of Move Fast Media, and Philip Nolan of the Irish Daily Mail joined Andrea on the show.

We spoke to Marie on the show yesterday about the lack of support and help for her 14-year-old intellectually disabled son. Lots of you got in touch with your experiences. Simona got in touch and chatted with Andrea.

Andrea spoke to Marie who was in touch with the show about the lack of services for those living with intellectual disabilities. Marie has a fourteen year old son with an intellectual disability, she described the daily challenges she faces and the violence she is having to navigate her way through.

With such a push to get people away from cars and onto buses, Andrea speaks to listeners about the issues with bus services and if it puts people off using public transport.

Today is World Milk Day! It’s always been a staple of the Irish diet and Andrea was joined by Dietician Sarah Keogh and Shannon Porter who runs the Milk Bar in Donegal, to discuss why milk really does deserve a day of its own.

The possible closure of a National school in the Black Valley area in Kerry has been met with dismay from the local community. Independent Councilor Dan McCarthy joined Andrea and Anne Marie who lives in the local area, to explain what the school means for the community and what a loss it would be if it was to be closed.

Co.Laois man James MacInerney shot to fame in the Netflix/BBC show Glow up, in it he spoke openly about living with Tourettes. He also features in a brand new BBC Radio 4 documentary – released today – ‘The Truth about Tourettes’. He joined Aideen to chat about the documentary and his journey with tourettes.