Highlights From Lunchtime Live

TDs have claimed over half a million euro in expenses in just one month.And that covers just one Dáil sitting. Is that figure as high as it seems?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

Putting together a bathroom can have many do’s and don’ts. So, what’s the best way to tackle designing one?The Home Squad are here to let you know! Guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Designs and Sarah Carroll from Sand & Deliver to discuss.

Fishing is a time-honored activity that has been practiced for thousands of years, blending skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world.Whether pursued as a hobby, a sport, or a livelihood, fishing offers a unique way to connect with nature.So, has fishing become more popular in recent years?Sinead Ryan is joined by Gerard McLoughlin from the Kells Anglers Association, owner of Rory’s Fishing Tackle in Temple Bar, Mary Harkin and Host of the Lure Fishing Podcast, Cormac Walsh to discuss.

Young people not drinking is killing music venues…That is according to one of the UK’s leading Music Agents and Promoters, John Giddings, who has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Madonna, Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones and has run the Isle of Wight Festival since its revival in 2002.Is there any truth to this?To discuss, guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by John Brereton, Grand Social PR Manager & Director of the Dublin Bowie Festival, Rebecca Cappuccini, Spokesperson for Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, First Music Contact CEO Angela Dorgan and Marcus Lester from Plug Artists.

There are growing fears that people will fall further into arrears as energy prices remain stubbornly high - with price hikes incoming.This year the costs will be compounded by the lack of energy credits…So, how will households deal with these increases?Guest host Sinead Ryan is joined by Izzy Petrie, Research & Policy Officer for Energy Poverty SVP, Darragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie and more to discuss.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Sinead Ryan to look back on the year that was 2002!

Prison overcrowding is at another crisis point with all secure jails having reached, or exceeded, capacity for the first time.More than 100 prisoners were sleeping on the floors of Mountjoy on Tuesday night when numbers reached a record 1,000.With, clearly, some major issues with the Irish prison system, how can things be solved?Joining guest host Sinead Ryan to discuss is Niall Spelman, retired Prison Governor, Kathleen Chada, Founder of SAVE Action Group, Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Clare Devereux, Trichologist and Hair Coach to answer any of your hair and scalp questions!

Last night, Meghan Markle’s Netflix cooking show finally dropped, after much anticipation… and it has been roasted by critics and pretty much anyone who has seen it.So, has all interest in Harry and Megan finally waned?Andrea is joined by Founder of Goss.ie, Alexandra Ryan and Entertainment TikTokker Holli Breslin.Image: Netflix

Donald Trump’s Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the freezing of US military aid to Ukraine has led to a European focus on defence…Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, set out a broad proposal to ramp up European defense by as much as €800 billion.Germany's likely next Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has also proposed billions in new defence spending.This all comes as debate stirs around Ireland’s neutrality and the ‘triple lock’ system, freeing up Irish troops to be deployed overseas.As Europe prepares for war, what do you want Ireland's role to be in it?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator and former member of the Defence Forces, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst and more.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, Andrea is joined by Singer and Songwriter, Ruthanne.Ruthanne has spoken on the show before about her experience with endometriosis. She joins to discuss how life has been since, and the awareness around the condition.

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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Image: Netflix

A preferred route for Cork's light rail is to be announced within weeks as the Transport Minister hopes to get the project to planning before the end of the year.The project is expected to cost about €3 billion…But, does Cork need it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ken O’Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork, Stephan Koch, UCC Commuter Plan Manager, Joe Lawton, Bus Driver for Martin Twomey’s Coaches Cork & former Bus Éireann driver for 48 years and more.Image: Cork City Council

Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic is with Andrea to answer your questions. Today we’re focusing on adult ADHD diagnosis. So get your worries or questions answered here.

Sabrina Carpenter has quickly become one of the biggest names in pop music, and she plays two nights of her European ‘Short n’ Sweet’ Tour in Dublin.Andrea speaks to all those caught up in ‘Sabrina-mania.’

Last week, Andrea spoke at length about the obstacles people face when they seek help for suicidal feelings.This week, it was important to follow on and ask the question, is there enough help for people with suicidal thoughts in Ireland? If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact Samaritans at 116 123 or Pieta at 1800 247 247 for free, confidential support 24/7.

How do we tackle an issue like school absenteeism? Fergus Finlay, Political Commentator, Irish Examiner Columnist & Former CEO of Barnardo's joins Andrea with a number of other guests to go through this rising problem.

Siobhan Berry, or @mummycooks on Instagram, joins Andrea to talk batch cooking snacks at home.

The Government recently announced it was going to make cabin homes in back gardens exempt from planning so that family members could live together on the same site. But news today from Revenue says homeowners who hope to take advantage of this could face an extra property tax bill.Andrea speaks to all those affected by this potential backtracking.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Frank Deegan, Founder of the Irish Survival and Prepper Group joins Andrea to answer any of your prepper-related questions!