Lunchtime Live

Since the Government took office in January, the number of children awaiting scoliosis surgery has risen from 112 to 131, despite 303 procedures being carried out by Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) up to July. CHI noted that the list is constantly changing as patients are added and removed.In 2017, then–Health Minister Simon Harris pledged that no child would wait more than four months for surgery. That target remains unmet, and there have since been calls for the Tánaiste to resign on the back of his failed promises.Why are children waiting so long for surgeries, and what needs to be done to improve these wait times for children and their families?Joining Andrea to discuss is Bernard Mulvany, Advocate with Access for All Ireland, Co-Leader of the Spina Bifida Advocacy Group, Una Knightly and Carolann Walsh, whose 5-year-old daughter is currently waiting for an MRI scan for scoliosis.

Would 40 degree temperatures put you off your summer break?Apparently not - a lot of us are still booking our holidays in Europe, despite the heatwave!So, are there cooler places we can look to, to escape the roaring temperatures?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sarah Slattery, Founder of the travelexpert.ie.

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…

Due to a nationwide teacher shortage, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) is calling for improved pay for educators returning from the United Arab Emirates, in an effort to attract and keep qualified professionals.TUI President Anthony Quinn described the current situation as “utterly unacceptable,” highlighting the lack of secure employment for new teachers.A recent union survey revealed that only one in four teachers appointed since 2015 secured full-time work in their first position.Do you think teachers with experience should be given a better salary?Joining Andrea to discuss is General Secretary of Teachers Union of Ireland, Michael Gillespie, Teacher & Irish Examiner Columnist, Jennifer Horgan, Assistant Principal and member of Aontú, Eric Nelligan and more.

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 the early signs of labour!

Legislation was brought in in 2021 that banned the reselling of tickets for more than their face value. The idea was to curb ticket touting and protect consumers. But, why is it still happening?Joining Andrea to discuss is Consumer Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk Sinead Ryan and Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

U2 is facing online backlash due to statements of support for Gaza that they posted to social media on Sunday. Critics are saying that it’s “too little, too late” and labeling the statements as “performative.”Joining Andrea to discuss is Arts Journalist Louise Bruton, Singer Mary Coughlan, Co-Founder of the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland Jackie Conboy, Spin Presenter Jess Spencer and more.

Dr. Alex Andreev, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Eyedoc Eye Clinic, shares invaluable insights on eye health. He clarifies the roles of ophthalmologists versus optometrists, emphasizing the need for professional consultations. Listeners' questions lead to discussions on concerns like eye floaters, dry eyes, and post-surgery assessments. He also tackles pediatric eye care and the future of treatment options for children. The podcast wraps up with an exploration of various ocular treatments, highlighting the importance of tailored solutions for individual needs.

The Ireland India Council has decided to postpone India Day on the back of the recent attacks faced by the Indian community in Ireland since January.Chairman of the Ireland India Council Preshant Shukla expressed how it was a very difficult and emotional decision to make, but expressed that the celebration is merely postponed, not cancelled.Andrea is joined by members of the Indian community, including Co-Chair of the Ireland India Council Damien Lee to hear their thoughts on this.

A shortage of Bean an Tí’s could spell the end of the Gaeltacht…It started with the Covid shutdown apparently, and just hasn’t recovered.What can we do to preserve this tradition?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ruairí Ó Donnáin, Principal of Colaiste Machaire Rabhartaidh Gael Linn. Criostóir Ó Faoláin, Stiúrthóir of Coláiste na Rinne and Bríd, a Bean an Tí in Waterford.