Lunchtime Live

Ambulance services nationwide are increasingly strained by calls that are not genuine medical emergencies. Some individuals misuse ambulances as a free taxi service, calling for transport after a night out and leaving the hospital without treatment.This abuse diverts critical resources, delays responses to real emergencies, and places additional pressure on paramedics, affecting their ability to provide timely and effective care.What needs to be done to tackle this, and how does this impact paramedics trying to do their job?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Angie Baily, Councillor in Tralee, David Hall, CEO of Lifeline Ambulance, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association and more.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

The world is still coming to terms with the shock of the shooting in Bondi Beach yesterday.A father and son killed 15 people after opening fire on a Hanukkah celebration at the beach…The older man died at the scene, while his son is in a critical condition in hospital.Joining Andrea to discuss their experiences of being nearby the shooting is Craig and TV Presenter Michelle Doherty. Later, listeners, including those in the Jewish community, join to give their reactions.Image: Reuters

Christmas is only ten days away! Lunchtime Live is going to be highlighting some great Irish businesses that you can support this festive season.One of the most important aspects of Christmas has to be dinner - so why not line the table with products from Irish brands?Joining Andrea to discuss is Caterer Sally-Ann, Aisling Kelly Hunter from the Silgo Oyster Experience, Vicki Baird, ‘Bosslady’ of Stillgarden Distillery and John Hempenstall, Founder of Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and Newstalk’s Rory Galvin join Andrea to review ‘Lines of Enquiry’.Image: GoLoud

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, writer, performer and escort activist Kate McGrew  joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

It’s a sad day for Daniel O’Donnell fans as he’s announced the end of his long running fan club.Daniel joins Andrea to discuss why…

The long-awaited World Darts Championship kicked off last night in the infamous Alexandra Palace, with Luke Littler beginning the defense of his title with a win.Darts has long been a bone of contention in the debate around what constitutes a sport, with some claiming it’s just a pub game, but what do you think? Is it a sport?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sports Journalist Conan Doherty, Comedian Jim Elliott, Richie Walsh from  501 Darts supply store in Trim and listeners.

Do you let your dog lick your face? For some, it’s a simple way to bond with your pet, for others, it’s completely disgusting, and out of the question!Joining Andrea to discuss is dog lover and Journalist Andrea Smith, Laoise Downes, Owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service and Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!