Highlights From Lunchtime Live

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 Government’s attempts to crackdown on public sexual harassment. Should catcalling be made illegal in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

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 be hosting Christmas Day for the very first time. Have you got any advice or tips for people hosting Christmas dinner? Are you doing it for the first time this year yourself? Andrea was joined by Tara O’Connor from The Designed Table, sisters Jenny and Diane and other listeners to discuss…

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 discuss their experiences...

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 planes have been using different flight paths to the ones that got planning permission. And that the noise is unbearable. Residents joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to explain what it is like living near the runways…

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. Sufferers feel like they’ve been forgotten about. Andrea was joined by Patricia who got treatment for long Covid in France, John who's wife is suffering from long Covid and Grainne Kelly, a triathlete living with long Covid...

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 night for the 2 Johnnies and there were countless people vaping, including the two men sitting directly in front of us.” Do you have a problem with people vaping indoors? Be it a concert venue or even your local pub? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Is there a lack of vegetarian and vegan options on Irish menus? Writer and broadcaster, Barbara Scully joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live after she voiced her annoyance about lack of options for vegetarians in Irish hotels. Other listeners also got in touch about difficulties they have when dining out...

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 footpaths appearing all around the country. Many footpaths seem to be un-gritted, despite the main roads being done. Andrea was joined by listeners around the country to discuss...

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 in Dublin saying: ‘Ban horse carriages in Dublin! We spotted this poor horse on Grafton Street today. She was in lashing rain, no sign of the horse carriage driver, no food, no water, tied so as to inhibit her ability to move her head, and with stupid Christmas “antlers” between her ears. This cannot continue. Horse carriages have been banned in cities in other countries, Ireland needs to be next.’ Andrea was joined by Vegan Animal Rights Activist Catherine Woods and other listeners to discuss…

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 here on Newstalk and Kirsty Blake Knox, Journalist with the Irish Independent joined Andrea to discuss...

Should there be harsher punishments for trespassing? Gardaí are advising farmers 'not to take law into their own hands' over gang issues, but is enough being done to protect them? Andrea Gilligan was joined by Mary Kissane, Willie O'Donoghue and other listeners to discuss...

Members of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association have told members to be careful what they post in local WhatsApp conversations. They have warned against airing grievances about individual members or the organisation in social media chat groups. Are we cautious enough of the messages we send or the things we share in WhatsApp group conversations? Listeners got in touch with Clare McKenna to discuss on Lunchtime Live…

The ‘Buying Irish’ series wrapped up today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live are encouraging local people to support local business and jobs this Christmas. This week, Clare McKenna was joined by Irish food producers, Donal Flynn, Food & Wine buyer with Fallon & Byrne, Patricia from Wilde Irish Chocolate, Neil from Freezin Friesian, Michael from Boyne Valley Cheese, Sally from Woodcock Smokery, Sharon from Wild Irish Foragers and Jacqui from Caboose…

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 is putting its head in the sand about it. Mícheál Ó Foighil, CEO of Coláiste Lurgan, Cllr Hazel de Nortúin, Founder of Cafe Glic in Ballyfermot and other listeners joined Clare McKenna to discuss…

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 lost. Andrea was joined by listeners to remember those who they have lost and how they are remembering them at this time of year...

Career breaks for teachers could be suspended under plans being considered by the Government in response to a shortage of qualified staff in schools. Under existing rules, a teacher may take a career break for a year or more which can be extended, subject to an employer’s approval, for up to five years at any one time, or 10 years in the course of a teacher’s career. Andrea Gilligan was joined by teachers, retired teachers and other listeners to discuss...

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 we too lax about driving habits in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the standard of driving in Ireland…

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 getaway from all the hassle or you're simply stuck at work you might have come up with a way to celebrate the big day in your own way. Andrea was joined by Kevin Dundon, chef and owner of Dunbrody House in Co Wexford, Dr Mick Molloy, consultant in Emergency Medicine and other listeners to discuss…

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’ argues in the Journal.ie today that we’ve come a long way in that 100 years and that Ireland is now one of the very best countries in the world to live in. What do you think? Is Ireland in 2022 worth celebrating? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

Are breastfeeding rooms sending out the wrong message? Or are they a positive move to make people feel more comfortable? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the use of breastfeeding rooms...