Lunchtime Live Highlights

Over 40 civil society organisations are gathering outside Leinster House today under the banner ‘Together for Public Alliance’.Organisers say that we are 100 days into the new Government and, despite promises for reform, we are yet to see significant action to tackle the childcare crisis.What do you think? Is the Government failing on childcare?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Rachel Coyle, National Women’s Council Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, Paula Donohoe, owner of Clever Cloggs Creche in Co Cavan & Chairperson of the Association of Childhood Professionals, Avril Green, Graduate Lead Educator and Chair of SIPTU Early Years National Committee and more.

This bank holiday weekend seems to have taken a lot of people by surprise!Hot off the heels of Easter’s 4-day weekend, another one is already here - with hopefully some sun to boot!Joining Andrea to give their top recommendations for a last-minute trip is Travel Journalist April Drew (who’s on Instagram as Getaways with Kids) and Sinéad Kennedy, Independent Travel Agent and Host of Wellness Activity Breaks.

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…

The topic of SUVs has been covered on the show before, and the impact they can have on the environment. A big defence for them is often the safety aspect, and how people feel safer inside them than saloon cars.Well, new research out today says children are over 80% more likely to die if they are hit by an SUV than by a smaller car, and that pedestrians and cyclists are 44% more likely to die if hit by an SUV…So, is it time to rethink our love for them?Andrea is joined by owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin, Joey Donnelly, as well as listeners, to discuss.

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 best advice for the early stages of pregnancy.

Video games are the world's most valuable entertainment industry, estimated to be worth more than $220 billion, twice as much as films and recorded music, combined!So, it’s no surprise that films based on games are replacing superhero blockbusters…Joining Andrea to discuss this new big screen trend is Padraig Ryan from Geek Ireland and Movie Critic Brian Lloyd.Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Bars will be closed at David Gray’s upcoming concert at the 3Arena this weekend.The 3Arena shared a post on social media saying: ‘Once David Gray goes on stage, all bars will close and will remain closed for the duration of the show…’It follows complaints of a raucous crowd constantly coming and going from the bar in the 3Arena during his performance there earlier this month.What do you think? Are they right to close the bars at the 3Arena for David Gray’s performance?Andrea is joined by Dave Hanratty, Host of the ‘No Encore’ Music Podcast, and listeners, to discuss.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by top Irish skin expert Eavanna Breen, who shares her insights on caring for pale or sensitive skin, tackling rosacea, and what really works when it comes to treatments like laser.

We’re on a mission to find Ireland’s Best Lollipop Person - the everyday heroes keeping our children safe on the school run! What does the job involve, and what makes someone truly stand out?Sinéad Crowther, Founder of Tonstix, Search for Ireland's Best Lollipop’s Person joins Andrea to discuss.

New research shows that being shouted at by parents can reshape a child’s brain, raising the risk of mental health issues and social difficulties.So, is it ok to shout at your children?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids and listeners.