
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

Apr 14, 2025 • 15min
Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen
Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Apr 14, 2025 • 11min
McIlroy wins the Masters! - Henry McKean Reports
Celebrations went on late into the night last night in Holywood after Rory McIlroy became the first Irish man to win the US Masters, and the 6th ever golf player to achieve the career grand slam.Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean is in Holywood, and joins Andrea to share what he’s seen.Image: Reuters

Apr 14, 2025 • 16min
Does a delay in the living wage increases make sense?
Future increases in the national minimum pay for workers could be put back due to global economic insecurities. The living wage plan, as well as pension auto-enrolment could be delayed as the Government will instead concentrate on boosting competitiveness in light of rising international trade tensions.Does it all make sense?Joining Andrea to discuss is Nessa Cosgrove, Spokesperson on Workers Rights with the Labour Party, President of the Cork Business Association and owner of the Herlihy Centra Group Kevin Herlihy and Robert Thornton, Research Manager at Cincentian Minimum Essential Standard of Living Research Centre and member of the Living Wage Technical Group.

Apr 14, 2025 • 12min
Is this all-female Blue Origin space trip a waste of money?
Today, Jeff Bezos’ latest Blue Origin space expedition lifts off, carrying an all-female crew: which includes pop star Katy Perry.It's a landmark trip in terms of gender representation, but is it of any benefit to humankind, and is it just an obscene display of wealth?Joining Andrea to discuss is Space Reporter and Writer Niamh Shaw, Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of the National Space Centre and John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and Commentator.Image: Blue Origin

Apr 14, 2025 • 11min
The Pod Squad: When Banksy Comes to Town
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Host of the ‘No Encore’ Music Podcast Dave Hanratty join Andrea to review ‘The Banksy Story Presents: When Banksy Comes to Town’!Image: BBC

Apr 14, 2025 • 20min
Should we be embracing public social spaces?
There has been plenty of talk over the last number of weeks about people socialising on Drury Street.But, should we be embracing this sort of socialising rather than condemning it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, owner of Drury Buildings Ronan Rogerson, Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael John Crowe, Newstalk’s own Katie Gallagher and more.

Apr 11, 2025 • 13min
Ask Me Anything: Superbike Champion
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Kevin Keyes, Irish & British Superbike Champion, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to being a motorbike racer!

Apr 11, 2025 • 9min
Do you have a social media account for your dog?
Today marks World Pet Day, and surprisingly, one in ten Irish dogs have a social media account…Do you have one?Joining Andrea to discuss is 98fm Producer Russel Alford, father to Hamilton the Frenchie (@hammyfrenchie on Instagram) and Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service.

Apr 11, 2025 • 15min
Should cinema entry and age ratings get more strict?
According to the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO), they have received complaints of children as young as three being admitted to movies in Limerick and Dublin that featured 'beheadings and throat-cutting'. Where does the responsibility lie? Is it up to the cinema to enforce the classification, or the parent / guardian who's in charge?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr. Ciaran Kissane, Director of Film Classification in the Irish Film Classification Office, Mark Anderson, Director of the Omniplex Cinema Group, Ollwyn Moran Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids as well as listeners.

Apr 11, 2025 • 11min
Is Ryanair’s baggage policy deceptive?
Ryanair’s baggage policy has long been a point of contention for travelers across Europe. With strict limits on free carry-on items and added fees for larger bags, the airline says it’s keeping costs low and flights on time.But, critics argue it’s confusing and costly for passengers.So, what are Ryanair’s baggage rules? Do they work, why are they in place, and what do they mean for travelers?Joining Andrea to discuss is frequent flyer Conor Wilkinson, Ciara Mooney, frequent flyer and Travel Agent and Travel Blogger Tara Povey.