
Lunchtime Live Highlights
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com
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Latest episodes

May 14, 2025 • 13min
Dublin taxi drivers are using a loophole in Drogheda
Some Dublin taxi drivers are operating a loophole to take fares in Drogheda, and local taxi drivers are not happy…Andrea is joined by taxi drivers to discuss what is going on.

May 14, 2025 • 9min
Reasons to be Happy: BBQ Weather, Taco Bell, Soap Crossover
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…

May 14, 2025 • 17min
Is the Government failing when it comes to childcare costs?
Despite efforts to reduce childcare costs, many Irish families continue to face significant financial burdens. Recent reports highlight that families paying up to €1,138 monthly for childcare receive a subsidy of €414, leaving them with a €724 out-of-pocket expense.To achieve the Government’s target of €200 monthly childcare costs, an additional €524 per child per month would be required.So, is the Government dropping the ball here?Joining Andrea to discuss is Siobhan O’Neill-White from mams.ie, as well as listeners.

May 14, 2025 • 12min
Making Babies: Weeks 9-12 of Pregnancy
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 9 to 12 of pregnancy, the end of the first trimester…

May 14, 2025 • 9min
Do you have what it takes to be on Big Brother?
Big Brother is back, and this year, they want you! Big Brother bosses are keen for Irish contestants to apply. If you’ve got a big personality and aren’t afraid to be watched 24/7, this could be your moment.Andrea is joined by Ray Shah, former Big Brother Contestant, to discuss the application process, and what it’s really like inside the house.

May 14, 2025 • 19min
Should we all return to the office?
Businessman Denis O’Brien has blasted working from home as “...a load of nonsense”.He claimed Ireland’s reputation as a place to do business is at risk, and working from home is now a threat to the economy, because it has caused a loss of competitiveness, energy, creativity and ideas.What do you think? Should we all be returning to the office?Joining Andrea to discuss is Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Larissa Feeney, CEO of Kinore.

May 13, 2025 • 20min
Why thousands of children may have had unnecessary hip surgery
An investigation has found that many children in Ireland may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries at Children's Health Ireland…The probe could stretch back 15 years, raising serious questions about oversight, ethics, and patient safety.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín and some of those affected.

May 13, 2025 • 9min
Ask the Expert: Tongue Tie
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dr. Justin Roche, Consultant Paediatrician at The National Tongue Tie Centre, to explain what tongue tie is, how it affects babies, and what can be done about it.

May 13, 2025 • 11min
The Croatian Eurovision song written by an Irish man
While you will no doubt be cheering on Norwegian singer Emmy who will be representing Ireland at the Eurovision semi finals on Thursday – there will be no harm in bopping to Croatia’s entry ‘Poison Cake’ appearing in the first leg of the semi-finals from Switzerland tonight. That is because the song was co-written by Balbriggan school teacher and singer-songwriter Ben Pyne, who joins Andrea to discuss! 98fm’s Russell Alford also joins to discuss Ireland’s chances.

May 13, 2025 • 18min
Should rural pubs get a rebate on pints?
The Vintners Federation of Ireland has called for a 40% rebate in excise on pints of beer sold in pubs.They say a rebate on draught beers would help protect rural pubs as the sector struggles with high costs.What do you think?Should rural pubs be given a tax rebate?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.