

Lunchtime Live
Newstalk
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 24, 2025 • 18min
Alcohol Loyalty Card Discounts
The Government is set to crack down on customers using supermarket loyalty cards to get discounts on alcohol. While existing laws ban customers using loyalty card points to purchase alcohol some supermarkets do allow customers to buy items – including alcohol – at a reduced price if they use their loyalty card. Callers join Andrea to discuss the issue.

Apr 24, 2025 • 9min
Sinn Fein Calls For Endometriosis Treatment Centre
Sinn Féin is calling for a dedicated treatment centre for endometriosis, a condition that impacts 1 in 10 women. Andrea speaks to Senator Maria McCormack, a leading voice on women’s health.

Apr 24, 2025 • 11min
People Pleasing
Are you a people pleaser at the expense of your own happiness and wellbeing? Andrea speaks to Brendan Kelly, Psychiatrist and others about the phenomenon.

Apr 24, 2025 • 19min
Irish MEP Calls On EU To Ban Airlines Charging Parents Fees To Sit Beside Children
Some airlines offer free seating for under-12s once an adult has paid for a seat. Andrea asked should this be law across all airlines?

Apr 23, 2025 • 12min
Should loud public transport conversations face fines?
Should we introduce fines for people who conduct loud conversations on public transport?In France, a man was recently fined €200 for using his speakerphone on a train station concourse…Joining Andrea to discuss is Gina London, Communications Expert and Sunday Independent Columnist as well as listeners.

Apr 23, 2025 • 9min
Reasons to be Happy: Hozier, YouTube Turns 20, Fungie
Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Apr 23, 2025 • 21min
Should religious sacrament preparation be taken out of schools?
Most teachers think schools should not prepare pupils for church sacraments.That is according to a survey by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) which found that just 4% of primary school teachers believe it should be the school’s responsibility to prepare children for Communions, Confirmations and first confessions.What do you think?Should religious sacraments preparation be taken out of schools?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Apr 23, 2025 • 14min
Making Babies: Barriers when trying to conceive
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss what can act as a barrier to conception.

Apr 23, 2025 • 7min
Why is Ireland experiencing a gold rush?
Ireland is seeing a surge in gold investment, driven by economic uncertainty, inflation fears, and a growing desire for financial security.Andrea is joined by David Higgins, Head of Trading at Merrion Vaults, to find out what’s behind this gold rush, why more Irish people are turning to precious metals, and what it means for investors today…

Apr 23, 2025 • 21min
Do we want celebrities to make political statements?
Sharon Osbourne has called for Kneecap’s US work visas to be revoked…At the end of their Coachella set, they put pro-Palestinian messages up on the big screen behind them.Sharon Osborne has said they took their performance to a different level by incorporating “aggressive” political statements.She said - after witnessing their performance during the first weekend, that allowing them to perform again the following weekend suggests support for their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence.Are artists and celebrities free to make political statements? Or, are they meant to entertain, and nothing else?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley, the Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Journalist Saoirse Hanley, John Brereton, Grand Social PR Manager & Director of the Dublin Bowie festival and listeners.Image: @KNEECAPCEOL on Twitter


