Highlights From Lunchtime Live

When you hear about Waterford, it’s all Blaa, Blaa, Blaa! But we want to know why! Andrea Gilligan went out and about in the Deise to hear about the famous delicacy and why it’s so special to the county.

According to a new survey, 57% of women in Ireland feel obligated to work while sick compared to 34% of men. Fiona Looney columnist for the Irish Daily Mail and Dr. Ebun Josep - Author, Social Justice Activist, public speaker, Diversity & Career Consultant joined Andrea Gilligan on the show.

Did you know that Waterford is home to Ireland’s only Amish Mennonite community?  We’ve all heard about the Amish community but what is life actually life for those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to that faith?  Simon and Dan who live in the Amish Mennonite community in Waterford joined Andrea Gilligan live from the Tower hotel and leisure center.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was on June the 26th 1887 at Kilkenny Castle…  this record breaker could be broken over the coming days with Met Eireann issuing an urgent temperature warning and a seven-day advisory already in place. So how do we all keep cool and not wilt in the heat? Holistic Gardener and author of First Aid From The Garden, Fiann O'Nuaillan joined Andrea Gilligan on the show with his remedies to keep us cool.

Does Waterford get enough recognition? The sunny southeast and Ireland's oldest city was recently voted the best place to live in the Country – but does is it a bit ignored? Sean Defoe - Bauer Media Political Correspondent & proud Waterford man along with Dr. Aisling O’Neill, ArcLabs and Research Manager at South East Tech University joined Andrea Gilligan live from the Tower hotel in Waterford.

In this week's 'Ask The Expert' Barry Kenny answers all your rail related questions.

Complaints to the Passport Office have increased almost fivefold this year with travellers in many cases experiencing delays in processing their applications. Andrea was joined by a caller who in touch with the show to discuss the issues she has had with applying for a first time passport for her three year old daughter.

Almost 1,700 cyclists were hospitalised due to crashes last year. According to Freedom of Information figures released to Newstalk, that includes nearly 200 children under the age of nine. Andrea was joined by Ciaran Cannon, Fine Gael TD for Galway East, and listeners who had been involved in cycling accidents to discuss if our streets are safe for cyclists.

Odile Le Bolloch, Environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency joined Andrea to discuss how strictly you should adhere to best before and use by dates.

A new hospital has opened in Spain with the sole purpose of treating patients on the long public waiting lists here in Ireland. Around 1,500 Irish patients will get routine planned surgeries each year at the facility. Andrea was joined by listeners waiting for surgeries to discuss if they feel this would be a workable solution.

Andrea was joined by Darren Geraghty Mixologist and Bar manager with the Siam Thai group and Jess Murphy Head Chef and co-Proprietor at Galway Restaurant Kai, to debate if the “old school” plate, glass, knife and fork, have been replaced by food severed in something more kooky to pull in a trendy audience.

There have been renewed calls to cut fuel excise as long queues emerged at some forecourts around the country who had reduced their prices. Andrea was joined by listeners across the country to discuss how high fuel prices are unsustainable.

As airport issues continue Andrea was joined by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their travelling experiences.

On yesterday on the show Andrea spoke to Senator Lisa Chambers about how women feel they aren't listened to when engaging with healthcare in Ireland. After hearing the piece Joanne was in touch to share her own experience of struggling to receive a diagnosis.

Lisa Chambers is launching a policy document off the back of the women's health conference she had recently. A key takeaway from the research has been that women feel they aren't listened to when engaging with healthcare in Ireland. She joined Andrea and listeners to discuss what can be done to better support women's health in Ireland.

Yesterday was officially the hottest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 25.9 degrees recorded at Shannon Airport. The heavy, humid weather can make it hard to get a good sleep, Andrea was joined by Sleep Expert Tom Coleman with his advice on getting a good nights rest during heavy heat.

Listener Danny was in touch Andrea from Berlin, to highlight the negative perception some of his German peers have of Ireland. He told Andrea he worries high prices, among other things, could end of putting people off holidaying here.

Donna O’Connor is an American tourist who travelled to Ireland to spread some of her parents’ ashes on a family farm. However she explained to Andrea, her baggage, which includes the remains of her parents, has been lost in transit.

With Ulster Bank and KBC Bank soon to exit the banking scene in Ireland, there is now a rush to find suitable replacements especially for your “current account”. Already the complaints are stacking up on delays, lack of service, huge communication issues and even lack of interest. John Lowe of MoneyDoctors.ie joined Andrea with tips on how to simplify the process.

Employers are complaining that young workers are unable to deal with criticism, expect their work roster to fit around their social lives and constantly use their phones in the workplace. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss their experiences of younger workers.