

Lunchtime Live
Newstalk
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.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 1, 2025 • 19min
Is private health insurance still worth the cost?
Sláintecare reforms are being introduced into the health system, which are playing a role in pushing up the cost of health insurance.VHI announced rises earlier in the year, as did Laya Healthcare and Irish Life Health…So, is private health insurance still worth the cost?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Brian Turner, Health Economist in UCC, Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell (@wondercare_irl) on Instagram and listeners.

Aug 29, 2025 • 25min
Summer Memories with Dara O’Briain
It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Comedian Dara O’Briain joins guest host Mairead Ronan to reminisce!

Aug 29, 2025 • 20min
The top acts to see at Electric Picnic this weekend!
Many people are heading to Stradbally in their droves this weekend ahead of Electric Picnic. The annual music festival will see acts from Chappell Roan to Hozier and Kneecap take to the main stage.If you are heading to Laois this weekend, who should you go and see? Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Arts Journalist and Broadcaster, Pat Carty.

Aug 29, 2025 • 15min
Is the money rounding system fair?
Ireland introduced a rounding system in 2015 to reduce the use of 1 and 2 cent coins. Cash transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 cents, helping to lower minting costs and simplify cash handling.While the system offers practical benefits for businesses and the public, it also raises concerns about pricing and fairness.Do you think the rounding system for cash payments in Ireland is fair, or does it disadvantage consumers?Guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Paul Merriman from Ask Paul, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Aug 29, 2025 • 11min
Regional Roundup with Emily Keegan
From dad rock to locker scams, Emily Keegan from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Mairead Ronan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Aug 29, 2025 • 16min
School secretaries and caretakers begin indefinite strike action
School secretaries and caretakers across the country began indefinite strike action yesterday in a campaign to secure access to the public service pension scheme, as well as the same occupational sick pay and bereavement leave schemes as teachers and Special Needs Assistants.Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss this is Assistant Principal and member of Aontú, Eric Nelligan, Hannah Davy from Forsa and more.

Aug 28, 2025 • 14min
The Home Squad: Hiding Cables
With more and more electronics being used in your home - how can you manage all of the cables without having them look like an eyesore, or worse, a tripping hazard?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about hiding your cables!Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Sarah Carroll (@sand.and.deliver on Instagram).

Aug 28, 2025 • 9min
Why are people choosing working out over a night out?
Would you consider exercising with friends instead of meeting them in the pub?More and more people are choosing to socialise over a work out - and making new friends doing it!Where has this come from? And why is it so addictive?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Fitness Coach Louise Hayden and listeners.

Aug 28, 2025 • 18min
Should plus-sized people have to pay for a second airplane seat?
Southwest Airlines in the US has just changed its long-standing policy for plus-size travelers, one that for over 30 years allowed them to get a second seat for free or be reimbursed if needed. But now, that’s no longer guaranteed.So, what does this mean for passengers of size? Is it fair to ask them to pay for an extra seat in order to fly comfortably, or even to fly at all? What about accessibility, dignity, and affordability?Should plus sized passengers be made to pay for an extra seat?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Eoghan Corry, Editor of travelextra.ie, as well as listeners.

Aug 28, 2025 • 13min
Is it mad to cook on your holiday?
For many, holidays are the perfect escape from reality and the daily grind. Some people see them as a chance to switch off completely, indulging in relaxation while being looked after from morning to night. Others, however, bring their everyday habits with them, with many happily cooking up a storm in their holiday accommodation instead of leaving the kitchen behind. Would you cook when abroad, or is eating out the way to go?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Journalist Andrea Smith, Comedian Jim Elliot and Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy.