Highlights From Lunchtime Live

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 threatened to kill me’. These were the experiences of one bus driver Paul Fitzpatrick who has been working as a driver on Bus Éireann’s Navan town service for the last two years. Do you work on public transport? What have you experienced? Are attacks on public transport becoming more common? And, how dangerous is it to work on public transport? Paul Fitzpatrick a Bus Driver in Navan joined Andrea Gilligan on the show this afternoon.

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 do, and some don’t seem to recognize the social cues. Or what about when the invites go out and they don’t have the kids' names on them? we all have that friend who would try to bring their child anyway.

With 378 classroom vacancies in Irish secondary schools ad only weeks before children return to school – we’re asking, is teaching still an attractive job? Andrea was joined on the show by teachers who got in touch to discuss if teaching is an attractive job and some of the issues they face within the post.

Businesses across the country are feeling the effect of rising prices. Some fear they won’t survive. Finn Murray from the Hopsack – health store in Dublin and Kelly Lou Ging from Kelly Lou cakes in Portlaoise joined Andrea Gilligan on the show.

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.ie.

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 parents to discuss the experience and the rewards it can bring.

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 what they used to build in childhood.

Joanna Murphy, Aontu rep in Ballincollig, joined Andrea to discuss incidences of vandalism in the area and what is behind the rise in incidents.

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 writer of that letter,Jim O’Sullivan from Sligo, to discuss what is a maximum wage and why he thinks it is a good idea.

Karl Dawson, Presenter of Weekend Breakfast on 98fm, joined Andrea to highlight the on going trolley crisis in Irish hospitals. He explained his 87 year old grandmother has been waiting on a trolley with no sleep since going into hospital over thirty two hours ago.

The UK government are discussing adding registration plates and insurance to bikes is being floated by the UK government. They’re also considering the possibility of cyclists receiving penalty points and fines if they break speed limits or run red lights. Andrea was joined by listeners and cycling advocates to discuss if this might work here in Ireland.

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 family. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if it is fair to expect someone to give up their seat just because someone has a child.

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 the conversation the issue of calling in on neighbor's unannounced came up. Andrea was joined by listeners on this afternoon's show, to discuss if dropping in unannounced is rude or should be encouraged.

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, finding a suitable living space is no easy task. Andrea was joined by Conor, who put up a video on Twitter showing a queue of renters that spread down a whole street, for a room to rent in Dublin.

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 the IRA, and if rebel songs are ok but murals and bonfires aren’t.

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 have apparently told them that only young children with proven medical risks or needs will be seen. Public health nurses usually help families with things like feeding, child safety and connecting with your infant. Vicky is a mum of three, she joined Andrea to discuss her fears for parents who might lose out on vital support.

Yesterday on the show you might remember we were chatting to listener Martina who was annoyed with people interrupting their conversation to show her photos on their phones. In particular, she pointed out one person, a complete stranger ,who stopped her to show her pictures of their dog. Andrea returned to the conversation today, and spoke to a listener who felt we need to take more time to be kind to others.

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 Andrea and a listener to discuss how long ques for food, left some attendee's feeling short changed.

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 comes to dating. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if when it comes to dating our standards are to high.

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 and those working in the industry to discuss if they are overpriced, or if the cost of living has made it impossible to sell tickets at a lower price.