Lunchtime Live

The Department of Social Protection has told staff that from February, personnel will have to spend a minimum of two days per week in the workplace.  Up to now staff in the department had to work a minimum of one day per week in the office. Is it fair to insist people can only work from home 2 to 3 days a week? Andrea hears from callers.

Parents have gathered outside Rainbow Community Playgroup in Stoneybatter to protest a significant reduction in childcare services. Andrea speaks to some of the parents involved.

Starting tomorrow fines of up to 2,500 euro will come into play for owners of the XL bully type breed. This follows a ban that came into play last October regarding, the breeding and rehoming of the dog breed. Now owners who don’t hold a certificate of exemption could face fines, seeing their dog euthanised or even find themselves in jail for three months. Some animal welfare groups have taken to the high court to appeal the ban – stating that the Minister for Rural and Community Development had failed to publish the reasons why the breed is a danger to the public. Andrea hears the thoughts of callers on the ban.

Our experts answer all your questions this week on laundry rooms. 

A search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River in Washington today after a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter in mid-air.  What happened?Andrea speaks to people on the ground in Washington DC as well as members of the aviation industry.

Following yesterdays reaction to our segment on how Storm Eowyn has impacted people across the country, we follow up with more callers to see how they have been impacted.

We’ve been taking a deep-dive into the varying religions that help make up Irish society in 2025 and today were joined by Ben O’Farrell, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Registered Dietician Ciara McNulty to answer any of your dieting questions!

Height can be a sensitive issue for men, especially when many women claim they only date men who are north of 6ft.But, are short men the last minority group that people can openly make fun of?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jockey Leigh Roche as well as listener Andy to discuss.

Comedian Dara Ó Briain has said he wanted to find his birth mother to tell her “it worked out OK” in his life after being adopted as a child. He also spoke about how it was kind of awkward at times…The Irish stand-up, 52, spoke about his experience of searching and finding his birth parents in his previous comedy tour ‘So Where Were We’?So, what is it like meeting your birth parents?Andrea is joined by Clodagh Malone from the Coalition of Mother and Baby Home Survivors, Iseult White, Psychotherapist and author as well as listeners.