Lunchtime Live

Should you get a ‘fit note’ instead of a ‘sick note’?GPs in the UK have been ordered to send people to the gym instead of automatically giving them a sick note for time off work. The new pilot scheme will help to encourage people to get back to work and reduce the number of illnesses across the country.Is this something Ireland should consider and if so, how would we go about it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Niall Breen from Portmarnock GP Clinic, Chairperson of the IPAA Darina Dunne and listeners.

First impressions are important, so, when you have guests over, how can you leave the best one once they step into the door?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about making an entrance!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) & Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

Are weddings in Ireland becoming bigger affairs?We’re hearing more about these huge parties, lasting days and costing enormous sums of money.Only a few weeks ago, a wedding in Adare manor had TikTok gripped when an American couple put on an enormous extravaganza.So, are they getting bigger, and should we return to a more humble gathering?Joining Andrea to discuss is Olivia Buckley from Olivia Buckley International and Zoe King from We Deux.

If you’ve attended a concert or match recently, then the likelihood is you’ve spent a couple of hours travelling to and from, especially if you live outside of the city centres...So, do we need better public transport to concerts and matches?Joining Andrea to discuss is Thomas Gould- Sinn Féin TD for Cork North-Central, as well as listeners.

The Irish Immigration Service has denied the visa applications for a group of GAA Palestinian players and mentors ahead of a summer tour.A team of 33 children and 14 mentors were due to travel to Ireland, arriving here next week.So, what happened?Joining Andrea to discuss is Stephen Redmond, Founder of Palestinian GAA and Cathal Ó Gaillín, Liaison Officer with the Moataz Sarsour Club in Al Am'ari refugee camp in Ramallah.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’!

A bonfire in Co Tyrone has sparked controversy ahead of the twelfth of July celebrations. It comes after a boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets was erected on top of the bonfire in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon.The display is believed to resemble the scandal of ‘mass illegal immigration’.Many people are horrified by this display saying, “it resembles sickening racist and far-right attitudes” while others say it is a form of "artistic protest".Should freedom of expression play a part here, or should topics like immigration be kept to a minimum?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sinn Féin's Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew, as well as Phoenix Editor, Paddy Prendiville, Executive Editor of Daily Mail, John Lee and listeners.Image: @GildernewColm on Twitter

Adult education teachers will protest at the Dáil today over cuts to their teaching hours and growing job insecurity. Many have been told they won’t be guaranteed hours in September and are classified as unemployed during the holidays.The Adult Education Teachers’ Organisation (AETO) says these cuts undermine both teachers’ livelihoods and the future of adult education. They are calling for secure contracts, guaranteed hours, and recognition of their year-round contribution to the education system.Andrea is joined by some of the teachers impacted by these cuts to discuss.

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 Big Breakfast Co-Host Rebecca Shekleton joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Long school holidays widen the gap between those enjoying trips, camps and excursions, and those left with nothing to do, according to Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent.So, is three months off school too long?Mary McCarthy and listeners join Andrea to discuss.