Highlights From Lunchtime Live

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 being safe. Andrea was joined by listener Jeff, who was in touch with the show to share his own story highlighting the importance of online safety.

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 ‘an icon of Irish broadcasting.’ Phil O’Kelly got the tattoo this weekend and posted the whole experience to Twitter, he joined Andrea to discuss the massive response.

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 times for ambulance's.

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 listeners to discuss the images of car's on beaches that surfaced online, and asked if car's should be banned from beaches.

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 she is fed up with people whipping out their phone to show her everything from wedding dresses to dinner pictures.

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 joined Andrea to discuss if more needs to be done to regulate scramblers.

Andrea was broadcasting live from Limerick and was joined by Dr Maura Adshead, Head of Community Engagement, Associate Professor of Politics, University of Limerick, Deirdre Forde, Lord Mayor of Cork City Council and Alison Gilliland, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, to debate the issue of a directly elected mayor.

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 stars in the music industry. Nearly €4.6 million has been spent on the ensemble over the past two-and-a-half years, during which time it has played at a total of 190 events in settings including schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and churches. Andrea was joined by former guards and listeners to discuss if the band is worth the money.

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 old. In total, 859 patients went to the units in 2021 after being attacked, an increase of 17% on the previous year. Andrea was joined by Margo Noonan, advanced nurse practitioner with Cork Sexual Assault Treatment Unit to react to the numbers.

On yesterdays show Andrea was joined by listeners who had experienced lost luggage and were experiencing difficulties contacting the airline. Today she was joined by more listeners who were in touch with the show to describe their own experiences, and to offer advice to others about how best to retrieve the baggage through the airline.

There are fears Christmas may be cancelled in a West Cork town after funding for Christmas lights has been reduced, sparking concern amongst the community. Andrea was joined by Diarmuid Creegan is the Chair of Clonakilty Tidy towns, Fianna Fail TD Christopher O'Sullivan and locals to discuss what this might mean for the West Cork community.

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, so they’ve asked graduates to record their name pronunciation for the graduation ceremony. Andrea was joined by Aelish Nagle, Ceremonies Manager with UL, and listeners with unusual names, to discuss the issues of mispronunciation.

Listener Leo joined Andrea on the show from Wicklow, to discuss the conversation earlier in the show around speed limits. Leo, spoke about losing his daughter in a road traffic accident and how hearing people make excuses for speeding drivers deeply upsets him.

A lack of nursing places in the Round Zero CAO offers have left many aspiring nurses disheartened after their hopes to continue their studies was cut short. Andrea was joined by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their own stories.

Actress Olivia Newton John has passed away at the age of 73. She had a career that spanned more than five decades, but she will always be remembered most from her role as Sandy opposite John Travolta in 1978’s ‘Grease’. Andrea was joined by listeners who played Sandy in Irish productions, and spoke to them about their experience of playing the iconic character.

The first average speed camera to be placed on a motorway in Ireland will become operational from Monday. From 7am on April 25, the mainline Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system will begin checking motorists' speeds. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what this mean for motorists.

Sarah, a listener from Thurles, sent in an email to Andrea in relation to Mass and the Catholic church. She explained to Andrea she felt Mass is failing to captivate our attention and that of young people.

Looking for love can be a long and winding road. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the perils of modern day dating, and the challenges of finding love in Ireland.

Andrea was joined by Frank who has recently released a podcast on his mental health journey. He described periods of his life when he experienced suicidal thoughts and how, with support he has managed to reach a much better place in his life. If you are experiences any difficulties you can call Pieta House free on 1800 247 247.

With the cost of living at an all time high, Andrea was joined by parents to discuss the high cost of summer camps and how the hours they usually run, do not always suit a working parents schedule.