Highlights From Lunchtime Live

The UK government are discussing adding registration plates and insurance to bikes is being floated by the UK government. They’re also considering the possibility of cyclists receiving penalty points and fines if they break speed limits or run red lights. Andrea was joined by listeners and cycling advocates to discuss if this might work here in Ireland.

Vogue Williams was left thoroughly unimpressed recently when a man initially refused to move seats with her on a plane so she could sit closer to her family. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if it is fair to expect someone to give up their seat just because someone has a child.

On yesterday's show Andrea chatted to listener Tammy, from Tipperary. She spoke about how she felt society has lost a bit of its kindness and, during the conversation the issue of calling in on neighbor's unannounced came up. Andrea was joined by listeners on this afternoon's show, to discuss if dropping in unannounced is rude or should be encouraged.

Ireland's housing market is an ongoing issue, those looking to rent are finding it increasingly difficult. With a lack of properties and high rent's, finding a suitable living space is no easy task. Andrea was joined by Conor, who put up a video on Twitter showing a queue of renters that spread down a whole street, for a room to rent in Dublin.

Austin Stack spoke to Breakfast about why we need to stop glorifying the IRA. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss where do we draw the line with the IRA, and if rebel songs are ok but murals and bonfires aren’t.

New parents in some parts of the country are being told that they won’t get visits from a public health nurse because of staff shortages. The HSE have apparently told them that only young children with proven medical risks or needs will be seen. Public health nurses usually help families with things like feeding, child safety and connecting with your infant. Vicky is a mum of three, she joined Andrea to discuss her fears for parents who might lose out on vital support.

Yesterday on the show you might remember we were chatting to listener Martina who was annoyed with people interrupting their conversation to show her photos on their phones. In particular, she pointed out one person, a complete stranger ,who stopped her to show her pictures of their dog. Andrea returned to the conversation today, and spoke to a listener who felt we need to take more time to be kind to others.

With the return of festival's Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the cost of festivals. Andy Noonan, Owner of the Big Grill Festival joined Andrea and a listener to discuss how long ques for food, left some attendee's feeling short changed.

The number of ‘lonely, single’ men is on the rise, and according to an American psychologist it is because women have higher standards now when it comes to dating. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if when it comes to dating our standards are to high.

The summer months have been filled with festivals and show's, as people enjoy some well deserved post pandemic freedom. Andrea was joined by listeners and those working in the industry to discuss if they are overpriced, or if the cost of living has made it impossible to sell tickets at a lower price.

Children are spending an increasing amount of time online but for many parents it can be hard to police what they are exposed to and ensure they are being safe. Andrea was joined by listener Jeff, who was in touch with the show to share his own story highlighting the importance of online safety.

An Irishman who got a seven-inch tattoo of Marty Whelan’s face on his thigh after losing a Fantasy Football bet says he’s delighted to honour ‘an icon of Irish broadcasting.’ Phil O’Kelly got the tattoo this weekend and posted the whole experience to Twitter, he joined Andrea to discuss the massive response.

A new report from the HSE has shown has warned recruitment being surpassed by demand for organization's services, which is leading to long waiting times for ambulance's.

With the weather being so nice over the weekend, hundreds of sun seekers flocked to their local beach to enjoy the heat. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the images of car's on beaches that surfaced online, and asked if car's should be banned from beaches.

Listener Martina was in touch with the show to discuss if many of us over share pictures we have on our phone with other people. Martina told Andrea she is fed up with people whipping out their phone to show her everything from wedding dresses to dinner pictures.

There have been calls for more to be done to tackle the problem of scrambler bikes in Limerick City. Sinn Fein TD for Limerick City Maurice Quinlivan joined Andrea to discuss if more needs to be done to regulate scramblers.

Andrea was broadcasting live from Limerick and was joined by Dr Maura Adshead, Head of Community Engagement, Associate Professor of Politics, University of Limerick, Deirdre Forde, Lord Mayor of Cork City Council and Alison Gilliland, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, to debate the issue of a directly elected mayor.

The Garda Band has cost taxpayers an average of almost €25,000 per performance since 2020, a figure comparable to booking fees charged by some top stars in the music industry. Nearly €4.6 million has been spent on the ensemble over the past two-and-a-half years, during which time it has played at a total of 190 events in settings including schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and churches. Andrea was joined by former guards and listeners to discuss if the band is worth the money.

Numbers revealed to Newstalk show that over one in every five people who attended Sexual Assault Treatment Units last year, were less than 18 years old. In total, 859 patients went to the units in 2021 after being attacked, an increase of 17% on the previous year. Andrea was joined by Margo Noonan, advanced nurse practitioner with Cork Sexual Assault Treatment Unit to react to the numbers.

On yesterdays show Andrea was joined by listeners who had experienced lost luggage and were experiencing difficulties contacting the airline. Today she was joined by more listeners who were in touch with the show to describe their own experiences, and to offer advice to others about how best to retrieve the baggage through the airline.