Highlights From Lunchtime Live

A novel from Jane Austen has been given a trigger warning for depicting ‘gender stereotypes’ and ‘toxic relationships and friendships.' Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey’, released in 1817 has been deemed to be potentially upsetting by academics at the University of Greenwich. What do you think about adding ‘trigger warnings’ to books, movies, TV shows? Andrea was joined by listeners of Lunchtime Live to discuss...

When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, it’s enough to try focus on getting the right treatment and keeping yourself strong without fighting for support at every turn. Our listener Lisa joined us to share her story.

A new campaign is calling on everyone in Ireland to learn the words to Amhrán na bhFiann. Rachel J Cooper, who is heading up the ‘Learn Our Anthem’ initiative says Amhrán na bhFiann should be learned in the classroom, so people don't continue to mumble it at matches... So few of us seem to know the words of the national anthem – is it time for a change? Do we need a new, updated national anthem?

Our listener recently fell victim to a scam. He clicked a link and handed over his bank details. His bank accounts were hit. EBS were great and helped him get his money back, however, he says Revolut were absolutely no help and he wants to warn people about it. What to do in such case? We ask Sinead Ryan, our consumer affairs expert.

There are over 500 households in Ireland living in so-called ghost estates. So some will be occupied but with a few shells of houses left. The Department of Housing is finalizing a survey from last year which found that there are 459 occupied houses and 63 occupied apartments remaining in locations that would be considered ‘unfinished’. These are crazy numbers when you consider our housing crisis, and the crisis we’re currently facing trying to house refugees.

Protests have taken place across the country over the last few months about the influx of refugees into the country. Some with genuine concerns around housing and facilities, but a lot using it as an excuse to spread anti-refugee hatred and racism. Has there been a rise in the far right here? Is it just that we’re seeing their views more? Or are they growing as a movement? Shane Beatty was joined by Steph Hanlon from Le Chéíle and other listeners to discuss…

Hen and Stag parties are back with a boom – but have they become too extravagant? Is a weekend away too much? Shane Beatty was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners Simon, Niall and Inga to discuss...

A Tipperary TD has called for a deer cull after hitting one with his car on his way home. Jackie Cahill says the deer numbers in the country are out of control and are causing issues for farmers and drivers. Is this an issue we need to address in Ireland? Or should these animals be protected? Shane Beatty was joined on Lunchtime Live by John Tierney, Association of Hunt Saboteurs, Damien Hannigan- PRO with the Irish Deer Commission, Gerry Boland, Animal Rights Activist and other listeners to discuss…

Labour TD and party education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin wants the Government to stop the practice of schools reserving places for the children of past pupils. He claims it’s elitist. Do you agree with him? Or is it important for you to send your child to your former school? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss…

A cyclist who was knocked off her bike by a truck has been told by a judge that she contributed to her own injuries by not wearing a helmet. The truck hit off her shoulder which made her lose her balance and all control of the bike. She had a head injury which meant she got a concussion and had injuries on her face, shoulder and arm. The cyclist sued the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland because the lorry was untraced. The judge awarded her €20,000 but reduced it by €4,000 because she had not been wearing a helmet, which would have minimised her injuries. Do enough cyclists wear helmets? Andrea was joined by listeners Cyril, Kathy, Conor and Cormac to discuss…

Paris Hilton has announced the birth of her first child with her husband Carter Reum. The baby was born via surrogate. The US socialite and businesswoman announced the arrival on Instagram. However, many media outlets this morning have been mentioning her age in their headlines, with one of them reading: “Paris Hilton Welcomes Her First Child at 41” Andrea was joined by listeners Sarah and Mairead to discuss negativity received when having children later in life…

There are thousands of houses and apartments outside Dublin not being built, despite a lack of affordable housing in Ireland. Is it time we took a more radical approach to construction in Ireland? Should there be a new approach from the Government to decentralisation in Ireland? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by listeners to discuss…

This week on Newstalk, we’re shining a spotlight on domestic abuse, in partnership with Allianz and Women’s Aid. As part of this campaign, Andrea was joined now by Jason Poole. Jason’s sister Jennifer was killed by her partner a few years ago. To donate to Women’s Aid and find out more about the Stand Strong movement, go to standstrong.ie

Employers face being charged to keep car parking spaces for their staff in Dublin city under new proposals from the National Transport Authority (NTA). The proposal is one of a series of measures the NTA is likely to take to drastically reduce the number of cars that enter the city centre as the State seeks to meet its climate targets. Andrea was joined by Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town and listeners to discuss...

Yesterday was a huge day for Irish cinema. Films made here and those brimming with Irish talent and scenery received a total of 14 nominations. Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Banshees of Insiherin’ picked up 9 of those nominations. What impact will this incredible popularity have on Irish Tourism? Andrea was joined by Aine McLaughlin, of Aran Island Ferries, Rosemary from Achill Tourism and Mick Lynch, the owner of Lynotts Pub in Achill to discuss…

Derry GAA Club, Glen have confirmed that they will appeal the result of Sunday’s All Ireland Club Football final after Kilmacud Crokes had an extra player on the pitch for the end of the game. But is it fair that Glen had to make that decision themselves? Should the GAA have had to make the decision? Andrea was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss… Image: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ministers have rejected a proposal to introduce ‘menopause leave’ in the UK. The move has been criticised from some MPs who say that a lack of menopause legislation leaves women at risk of being driven out of the workforce. Would you like to see menopause leave here in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners Katherine, Sylvia, Renee and Mary to discuss…

Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Seán Burke, a member of the Social Democrats National Executive. Seán spoke about some of the homophobia he has received online since getting involved in politics and expressing his views on social media...

Billboards and banners across the country have gone up advertising Oat Milk, with the slogan - “It’s like milk, but made for humans.” They have caused quite an uproar with some people. Alternative milks can cause quite a firestorm with some, saying it could damage the dairy industry here. Should we all be trying to move towards milk alternatives? Andrea was joined by Liam Lynham from ‘Oat in the City’, Louise Reynolds, Dietician and Communications Manager at the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and listeners to discuss…

There are shocking reports that some refugees could end up homeless because of a lack of places for them. This could be down to some hotels not renewing their Government contracts, and that the refugees staying there would have to leave in the summer. But are the Government really doing everything they can when it comes to housing efforts? Are some stones being left unturned? Andrea was joined by Noel Spillane, owner of Annasceul House B&B, and listeners Marion and Janice to discuss…