Lunchtime Live

Do you take your shoes off on flights, laugh loudly whilst watching an in-flight movie… or maybe you change your baby’s dirty nappy on the free chair beside you? Well, all of these things could make you an annoying passenger!For more on this, Andrea is joined by Marisa Mackle, former Air Hostess and Author of ‘Confessions of an Air Hostess’ and Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel and Solo Travel.

On the 9th of July, Miriam Henry’s brother, Gerald Henry, was found guilty of habitually sexually abusing her when she was a child. Two character references were given in support of the brother, and were read out after Miriam gave her Victim Impact Statement. Gerald Henry was given a fully suspended sentence, and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.Miriam joins Andrea Gilligan to discuss the case, and why she thinks the cross examination of character references in court needs to be established as soon as possible.Dublin Rape Crisis Centre National Helpline: 1800 77 8888 

The blue ribbon event in hurling takes place this Sunday as Clare take on Cork in a  bid to lift the Liam McCarthy Cup.But, who has the better fans?Joining Andrea from the red corner is Joe O’Shea from Cork Beo, and facing him from the yellow and blue corner is Newstalk’s Seán Reidy!

IT systems across the world were hit by an outage this morning – it caused delays to transport, difficulties to some banks, and even caused Sky News to stop broadcasting.So far, Dublin Airport has said that its systems are not affected on a widespread basis, but Ryanair has said that this “3rd party IT issue” means that there may be potential disruption…Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Andrea to discuss.

From rare whales off the coast of Ireland to Sinead O’Connor tributes in Wicklow for her anniversary - Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has a roundup of some of the stories you might have missed this week.

Dozens of children requiring spinal surgeries will be offered an opportunity to get their treatment overseas by the Department of Health.It is understood a number of outsourcing agreements are being finalised and families will have their accommodation and flights organised and paid for by the Department.Health Minister Stephen Donnelly flew to the United States in the past week to meet directly with clinicians and inspect hospitals.Andrea is joined by families who may potentially avail of this treatment, as well as those with previous experiences, to discuss.

From creating a space for your dog to chill to fixing your furniture after pets have misbehaved – the Home Squad are here to talk about pet proofing your home! Andrea Gilligan is joined by Jennifer Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Hayley Burke, AKA ‘The DIYist’.

Last week Singer Nathan Carter received some backlash after performing in Castlerea Prison - but not to the inmates. However, one man wants to make it up to them… Mattress Mick!He joins Andrea, as well as Newstalk’s Henry McKean, to discuss.

Character references have long been a contentious issue in Ireland, but President Michael D Higgins has signed the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which is set to change the way character references are treated. The bill means that people who give character references for sexual offenders can now be cross-examined in court.To discuss, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Ciara Mangan, sexual assault survivor and Advocate, Natasha O’Brien assault victim and advocate and Mary Crilly, Founder of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork and Safe Gigs.

An article in the Irish Independent writes:‘The weeks and months after a new baby is born are a vulnerable time for new parents, and while you may not wish to cause offence, well-intentioned, but ill-advised remarks, can land like a lead balloon…‘What are the things you should never say to a new parent?Andrea is joined by Siobhan O’Neill White from Mams.ie and other parents to discuss.