Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Calls are mounting for better maternity care in Ireland and for restrictions in maternity care imposed during covid-19 to be lifted. Campaigners says partners continue to be restricted from attending antenatal appointments. The calls come as hospitals are considering easing mask restrictions however some restrictions remain for maternity care. Andrea was joined by Rachel Fanagan-Bermingham one of the founders of the Birthright Alliance Ireland, Brenda McGrath and David Rice to discuss…

In the Irish Independent today, journalist and beef and dairy farmer Hannah Quinn-Mulligan writes: ‘Pretending there isn’t a substantial market for marijuana is pointless – we should legalise it and let Irish farmers cash in’ To discuss this further Andrea was joined by Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Mike, Donal and Denis…

A new Channel 4 “body positive” show which aims to “normalise all body types, champion people’s differences and break down stereotypes” has received nearly 1,000 complaints to Ofcom. In parts of the show, adults pose nude in front of teenagers in order to teach them about the human body. Do you think this is a good way for children to learn about the human body? Or is it too much? Andrea was joined by Writer Amanda Brunker, Kate from the Irish Naturist Association and many more listeners to discuss… Image: Channel 4

Ireland is progressively becoming more diverse with different cultures, races and backgrounds. However people are continuing to face the question ‘Where are you from?’ or ‘Where are you really from?’ Andrea was joined by listeners Suzanne, Stephanie, Michele and Denise to discuss…

The Wee county had a big visitor yesterday as US President Joe Biden landed in Carlingford and Dundalk. Andrea was joined by Bobby Wain, from McAteers The Food House in Dundalk and Donal McGeough, Owner of the Windsor Bar in Dundalk to discuss meeting President Biden…

Due to RTÉ’s coverage of the US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland, The Angelus was not aired ahead of yesterdays Six One news. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by a range of listeners to discuss whether The Angelus should continue to be aired by RTÉ or scrapped altogether…

Grants for electric cars will be cut by €1,500 to €3,500 for private buyers from July 1st. With the growing interest of electric vehicles, we ask is the infrastructure any good and will the cutting of the grant make buying these vehicles less appealing? Andrea was joined by Garrett, Brian Caulfield - Associate Professor & Head of Department, Trinity College Dublin, Research in Transport, Public Transport, Transport Emissions & Climate Change, Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with Irish Independent and Sunday Independent and more listeners to discuss

Could you go without your phone for the weekend? Pat Phelan, CEO and co-founder of SISU Clinic has decided to do a digital detox every week from Friday after work to Monday morning. Pat Phelan joined Andrea alongside Newstalk’s Technology correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss…

US President Joe Biden arrived in Belfast last night. He will visit Louth today visiting Carlingford and Dundalk before heading to Dublin tomorrow to address Leinster House and on to Mayo on Friday. But, not everyone is happy that he is here. A number of people will be protesting the visit of the 46th US President. Andrea was joined by Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mark Price, Co-Chair of the Irish Anti-War Movement and founding member of the Irish Neutrality League, and other listeners to discuss…

Ranae Von Meding, CEO of Equality for Children joined Andrea today to discuss what more needs to happen to help families looking for the support in their surrogacy journey.

Beloved Irish movie The Snapper was on RTE on Saturday night, did you catch it? Well, if you did you would have heard a trigger warning before the 1993 movie began. It divided viewers over the weekend. Andrea discussed with some of them today to hear their opinions.

As you know we've been covering allegations of bullying in the HSE & how they're dealt with since January of this year. According to Sunday Independent the HSE’s National Investigation Unit has launched high level probes into 83 cases of workplace bullying, sexual harassment and harassment in the health service in three years. We were joined today by David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson to discuss.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has ruled out subsidised housing for healthcare workers. But should we introduce a Dublin allowance for workers struggling with costs of living in the city?

With the new Barbie trailer released we ask, does Barbie still have a place in society today?

Recent survey from the activity group PGL Adventure that two out of three working parents rely on screen time to keep their children entertained. Yet excessive screen use by children, tweens and teenagers is has many side effects, including health risks. Why do parents still rely on it so much?

Former Boyzone star Shane Lynch will tonight star in a new BBC documentary where he explores his relationship and journey back towards his religion.  It’s release of course marks Good Friday and the start of Easter weekend, a time when many turn their attention to their faith.  But are we seeing more and more people returning to religion? 

Students at University College Cork (UCC) have voted to ban the promotion of student race days and to no longer condone or endorse events involving horse racing or betting on animals. The motion was passed as a result of a petition by the UCC Vegan Society which argued that the horse racing industry “knowingly and willingly partakes in the mistreatment and abuse of animals” Are the students right?

A charity has warned posting calorie counts on menus is having a negative impact on those who are recovering from an eating disorder.  The research suggested calorie counts left those surveyed feeling pressure to follow dangerous disordered thinking around food. 

Today we’ve asked our listeners what have their experiences, or lack thereof, have been in regards to the Good Friday Agreement.

Former Ireland and Ulster Rugby player Tommy Bowe joined Andrea today on the show to share his memories from before the Good Friday agreement and talked about the importance of teaching students about the history of the Troubles.