
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 4, 2025 • 13min
Only half of dads take full paternity leave - why?
It has been reported that only half of fathers take paternity leave, with income concerns a 'significant barrier'.Data shows that only a quarter of fathers take parents' leave compared to two-thirds of mothers, as income-related concerns act as a barrier to higher take-up rates of these forms of leave.To discuss, Andrea is joined by Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director at Future Work, Cathal Divilly, CEO Great Place to Work and Tom Coleman, Health Scientist and Sleep Coach.

Apr 3, 2025 • 12min
The Home Squad: Knowing what to throw out and keep
If you’re in the mood for a bit of spring cleaning - it can be hard to decide what things in the house to keep, and what to let go of.Well, the Home Squad are here to help you with those decisions!Andrea is joined by Rachel Hobbs from Rachel Hobbs Interiors and Anna Bougharbel (@iaorana_house on Instagram) to discuss.

Apr 3, 2025 • 8min
Why is Cork’s English Market so successful?
Earlier this month, plans to redevelop Dublin's Victorian Fruit and Vegetable market at St Mary’s Lane were confirmed.So, why does this market need such a drastic redevelopment, when something like the English Market in Cork is so successful?This morning, as producers were laying out their products at the English Market, Andrea spoke to some of them to find out why it has become an icon of the city.

Apr 3, 2025 • 22min
Does Cork City need Safety Wardens?
Four Safety Wardens will be starting their work this summer in Cork.But, why are they needed?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Cork Business Association President, Dave O’Brien, Michael Wall, Owner of Salvagem, Owner of Nevilles Jewellers, John Neville and Cork City GRA representative, Pádraig Harrington.Image: Savills

Apr 3, 2025 • 13min
Has work dress code become too relaxed?
Host of the Home Show, Sinead Ryan, spoke with Newstalk Breakfast earlier on how dressing well in the office has become a lost art…Is it true? Have things become too casual in the office?Andrea is joined by Louis Copeland, from Louis Copeland and Sons, Terry Prone, Columnist with the Irish Examiner & Chair of the Communications Clinic and Meghann Scully, Freelance presenter and Podcaster to discuss.

Apr 3, 2025 • 9min
Why is the Irish passport so powerful?
The Irish passport is now considered one of the strongest in the world, offering visa-free access to over 191 countries.This recognition highlights Ireland's global mobility and the benefits of Irish citizenship.Editor of Cork Beo, Joe O’ Shea, joins Andrea to discuss.

Apr 3, 2025 • 18min
Cork water issues - what’s going on?
An issue that has been spoken about a few times on the show is the state of some water supplies in the country. And somewhere that is felt quite deeply is in Cork.With the show broadcasting from the Rebel County today, Andrea is joined by Michael Moynihan, Irish Examiner Columnist, Local Councillor Shane O’Callaghan and more to discuss how bad the issue is.

Apr 2, 2025 • 12min
Clare farmers unhappy with Cliffs of Moher land purchases
The compulsory purchase of land around the Cliffs of Moher has sparked controversy with local farmers, who claim they have been bullied and intimidated by Clare County Council…Andrea is joined by Pat Sweeney, Farmer, Tour Guide, Chair Doolin Branch IFA and Tom Lane, former Clare IFA County Chair to discuss.

Apr 2, 2025 • 11min
Reasons to be Happy: Solo Travel, Irish Soil, Cruel Intentions
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…

Apr 2, 2025 • 19min
Is customer service dead?
Is customer service becoming a dying art?The over reliance on chatbots and these ‘automated messages’ has a lot of people around the country pulling their hair out.Bill Walsh is one of those people, and joins Andrea to discuss his experience with Aer Lingus…Also joining to discuss is Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk Sinead Ryan, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly and more.
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