Highlights From Lunchtime Live

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 out the only thing standing in her way, is a five hundred thousand euro security bill. Otherwise, she’ll be fighting in The Point. The Point has between 8,000 or 10,000 tickets, but if it was Croke Park has 80,000 seats. Would she sell out such a venue? Are we giving Katie Taylor, who put women’s boxing on the map for Ireland, the respect she deserves by putting her in a smaller venue? Boxing authorities and sport fans joined Andrea today to discuss.

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, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council joined Andrea today to share his experience with threats and abuse.

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 art to be produced without fear of prosecution. What do you think of the idea?

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. Recreational drug users could be able to access ‘natural-grown’ substance in an ‘off licence’-style outlet. What do you think? Would you like to see this introduced? Andrea was joined by Dr. Garret McGovern Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum and other listeners to discuss…

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 Beyonce won’t be coming here as part of her world tour – that adds her to the names like Madonna and Coldplay that have skipped Ireland on their tours. Is it just too expensive here to play gigs? Does it make Ireland less appealing as an option? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Rebecca, who worked in the music industry, Matt McGranaghan is from the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland and others to discuss…

There is a video circulating online from an anti-immigration protest outside Finglas Garda station last night. A protestor can be heard shouting “You need to go to where these people are staying and burn them out”, - that is what we are hearing – to cheers – at these anti-immigration protests. Is this what we have become as a country? Andrea was joined on the show by listeners to discuss the threat of violence towards refugees in Ireland… Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

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 away from religious bank holidays. Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Journalist, Kathy Donaghy’s had an article in the Irish Independent over the weekend, where she wrote about her experience of miscarriage and how she coped in the aftermath. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Jennifer to talk about her experience...

Emily Atack’s documentary on sexual harassment Asking for It? aired on TV last night. The former Inbetweeners actress star told viewers how every morning she would wake up to unsolicited pictures from men. Have you ever received unsolicited pictures?

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, thousands of parents may receive childminding subsidies. Will this help you? How much are you currently paying? Andrea was joined by Treasa, Sarah and Siobhán to discuss...

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 three years. Andy McGuinniety, a driving instructor in Meath joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

A novel from Jane Austen has been given a trigger warning for depicting ‘gender stereotypes’ and ‘toxic relationships and friendships.' Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey’, released in 1817 has been deemed to be potentially upsetting by academics at the University of Greenwich. What do you think about adding ‘trigger warnings’ to books, movies, TV shows? Andrea was joined by listeners of Lunchtime Live to discuss...

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 for support at every turn. Our listener Lisa joined us to share her story.

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’ initiative says Amhrán na bhFiann should be learned in the classroom, so people don't continue to mumble it at matches... So few of us seem to know the words of the national anthem – is it time for a change? Do we need a new, updated national anthem?

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 him get his money back, however, he says Revolut were absolutely no help and he wants to warn people about it. What to do in such case? We ask Sinead Ryan, our consumer affairs expert.

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 Department of Housing is finalizing a survey from last year which found that there are 459 occupied houses and 63 occupied apartments remaining in locations that would be considered ‘unfinished’. These are crazy numbers when you consider our housing crisis, and the crisis we’re currently facing trying to house refugees.

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 housing and facilities, but a lot using it as an excuse to spread anti-refugee hatred and racism. Has there been a rise in the far right here? Is it just that we’re seeing their views more? Or are they growing as a movement? Shane Beatty was joined by Steph Hanlon from Le Chéíle and other listeners to discuss…

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 Live by listeners Simon, Niall and Inga to discuss...

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 of control and are causing issues for farmers and drivers. Is this an issue we need to address in Ireland? Or should these animals be protected? Shane Beatty was joined on Lunchtime Live by John Tierney, Association of Hunt Saboteurs, Damien Hannigan- PRO with the Irish Deer Commission, Gerry Boland, Animal Rights Activist and other listeners to discuss…

Labour TD and party education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin wants the Government to stop the practice of schools reserving places for the children of past pupils. He claims it’s elitist. Do you agree with him? Or is it important for you to send your child to your former school? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss…