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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.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
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Jun 12, 2025 • 15min
Ryanair to fine passengers for bad behaviour
Have you had to deal with a disruptive or unruly passenger while aboard a flight? Well, in a bid to tackle what they call an “industry-wide” issue - low fares airline Ryanair are set to introduce a €500 fine for passengers who have been removed from the plane due to unruly behaviour. But, is this a fair measure - will it act as enough of a deterrent, and have you had a flying experience ruined by a rude and disruptive passenger?Joining Andrea to discuss is Travel Writer Joan Scales, as well as listeners.

Jun 11, 2025 • 8min
Health insurance averages to go up - what you can do
The average cost for health insurance has gone up €480 in the past two years.Insurers are saying it's down to an increase in medical claims, the higher costs of medicine and a big increase in people having procedures done in private hospitals.So, is there anything we can actually do about it?Andrea is joined by Dermot Goode, Health Insurance expert with Totalhealthcover.ie to discuss.

Jun 11, 2025 • 7min
What’s happening with Beyond the Pale?
Music festival Beyond the Pale has a new backer and is all set for this weekend.But, there were rumours during the week that it was going to be shut down.So, what’s going on with the event?Joining Andrea to give the latest update is Beyond the Pale Festival Organiser, Declan Forde.

Jun 11, 2025 • 8min
Reasons to be Happy: Ed Sheeran, HIV Breakthrough, Kids Holidays
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…

Jun 11, 2025 • 20min
Has the situation improved for carers?
This week is National Carer’s week.We have spoken to carers many times on this show – about the impact they make, and the supports they need.Last year we campaigned on it, asking: who cares for the carers?So, has anything changed in the past year?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Jun 11, 2025 • 13min
Making Babies: Inducing Labour
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss all things inducing labour.

Jun 11, 2025 • 11min
Is it hard for students to get a summer job?
How hard is it for students to get a summer job?Are there part time summer roles out there, or have they all dried up?One listener got in touch because this is an issue his daughter is having…He joins Andrea, along with the CV Doctor Seanie Clifford to discuss.

Jun 11, 2025 • 18min
Should public transport be more pet friendly?
Over 4,500 people have signed a petition that says public transport options for Irish pet owners are "severely limited".As more people treat pets like family, there’s growing interest in letting them travel by bus, train, or tram.Today we’re asking: Should public transport in Ireland be more pet friendly?Joining Andrea to discuss is Laoise Downes, Owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, Lynsey of FitDog.ie, 98fm’s Russell Alford and more.

Jun 10, 2025 • 13min
Ask the Expert: Estate Agent
For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Estate Agent for Hunters MD Rowena Quinn to answer any of your property-related questions!

Jun 10, 2025 • 9min
Why this school in Galway is giving €2,000 to new pupils
A school in Galway is offering €2,000 to new pupils who join the school in an attempt to prevent the loss of its second teacher.Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Connemara is set to lose three of its seven pupils next September, and therefore, its second teacher.The Parents Committee’s fundraiser has brought in €14,000 to potentially share with seven families that choose to educate their children at the Gaelscoil, which is located between loughs Corrib and Mask in north Connemara.Joining Andrea to discuss is Ruaidhrí Kineavy, Treasurer for the Parents Committee for the school.


