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Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 16, 2025 • 23min
Do we need better dental care for children?
HSE Dental Surgeons will head to Kilkenny today to voice their concerns over Government proposals to divert children's dental care to private clinics.It comes after a recent survey found that 90% of private dentists would not sign up for a new Government scheme for children’s dental care.Many feel that they cannot afford to access private dental care and as a result, many children are being left untreated…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Chair of the GP Committee of the Irish Dental Association, and a Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow, Caroline Robbins, as well as listeners.

Oct 16, 2025 • 9min
Emma Fogarty on her new book and life with ‘butterfly skin’
Emma Fogarty is the oldest living Irish person born with Epidermolysis Bullosa: an extremely rare and painful disease.When she was born, she wasn't expected to live beyond a week, yet 41 years later she has just released a book called ‘Being Emma: Living my best life with Butterfly Skin’ in which she details the resilience she and those around her have shown throughout her extraordinary life…She joins Andrea to discuss.

Oct 16, 2025 • 9min
The Making of Christy Moore’s ‘Ride On’
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 Christy Moore’s album 'Ride On'!

Oct 16, 2025 • 16min
Should Daylight Savings be scrapped?
The EU is pushing to scrap seasonal clock changes, risking the creation of a “time border” between Northern Ireland and Ireland.If it does become EU law, it would mean two different time zones on the island of Ireland for six months of the year.What do you think? Would this affect you? Is this a good idea?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss…

Oct 15, 2025 • 7min
Man completes Chicago Marathon after double lung and kidney transplant!
David Crosby has been through a lot. He has had a double lung and kidney transplant, fought skin cancer, and was placed in a coma from complications after getting Covid-19…And yet, a few days ago, David completed the Chicago Marathon!He joins Andrea to discuss this amazing feat…Image: Road Runners Club of America

Oct 15, 2025 • 9min
Should we have officially-run bonfires?
Should bonfires be left in the past, or do they just need better regulation? While there are obvious health and safety concerns associated with them, there’s a lack of public Halloween events in Dublin.So, could regulated bonfires fill the gap?Joining Andrea to discuss is Independent Councillor for Dublin Central, Cieran Perry, Connor Ó Buachalla from the Leap Scarecrow Festival in Cork and listeners.

Oct 15, 2025 • 6min
Reasons to be Happy: Beating Baldness, Irish Bar Success, Big Disco
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…

Oct 15, 2025 • 19min
How has social media impacted the Presidential election?
We are just 9 days out from the Presidential election. For many young people around the country, it’ll be the first Presidential election they have voted in.There has been an increase in influencers posting about who they are voting for and the importance of voting.This brings up the question: what role social media will play in the election?Andrea is joined by Stephen O'Leary, Founder of Online News Media and Social Media Monitoring and Analysis company Olytico, and listeners, to discuss.

Oct 15, 2025 • 13min
Making Babies: Listener Questions
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 answer any of your questions!

Oct 15, 2025 • 17min
Do you use all of your holiday leave?
A survey shows that a third of Irish workers failed to make full use of their holiday entitlements last year.It also shows that 1 out of 4 people leave over 5 days or more of annual leave…These figures may come as a surprise to you; do you use all of your holiday leave?Andrea is joined by Broadcaster and Celebrant Ruth Scott, as well as listeners, to discuss.


