Highlights From Lunchtime Live

The Irish Immigration Service has denied the visa applications for a group of GAA Palestinian players and mentors ahead of a summer tour.A team of 33 children and 14 mentors were due to travel to Ireland, arriving here next week.So, what happened?Joining Andrea to discuss is Stephen Redmond, Founder of Palestinian GAA and Cathal Ó Gaillín, Liaison Officer with the Moataz Sarsour Club in Al Am'ari refugee camp in Ramallah.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’!

A bonfire in Co Tyrone has sparked controversy ahead of the twelfth of July celebrations. It comes after a boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets was erected on top of the bonfire in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon.The display is believed to resemble the scandal of ‘mass illegal immigration’.Many people are horrified by this display saying, “it resembles sickening racist and far-right attitudes” while others say it is a form of "artistic protest".Should freedom of expression play a part here, or should topics like immigration be kept to a minimum?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sinn Féin's Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew, as well as Phoenix Editor, Paddy Prendiville, Executive Editor of Daily Mail, John Lee and listeners.Image: @GildernewColm on Twitter

Adult education teachers will protest at the Dáil today over cuts to their teaching hours and growing job insecurity. Many have been told they won’t be guaranteed hours in September and are classified as unemployed during the holidays.The Adult Education Teachers’ Organisation (AETO) says these cuts undermine both teachers’ livelihoods and the future of adult education. They are calling for secure contracts, guaranteed hours, and recognition of their year-round contribution to the education system.Andrea is joined by some of the teachers impacted by these cuts to discuss.

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.98FM’s Big Breakfast Co-Host Rebecca Shekleton joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Long school holidays widen the gap between those enjoying trips, camps and excursions, and those left with nothing to do, according to Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent.So, is three months off school too long?Mary McCarthy and listeners join Andrea to discuss.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to talk all things fetal movement.

Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull’s Formula 1 team, has been sacked. What led up to this, and what does the future look like for the team and its star driver Max Verstappen?Joining Andrea to discuss is Elaine Power, Host of ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast and Ali Ryan, Founder of Goss.ie.Image: PA / Wire

The Irish Cancer Society has voiced deep concern over alarming delays in access to life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.Patients urgently referred for breast and prostate cancer assessments are facing some of the longest wait times, despite the critical nature of their conditions.Under current healthcare guidelines, chemotherapy should commence within 15 working days of being prescribed. However, many patients were forced to wait up to eight weeks, delays that could lead to serious complications or even reduce their chances of survival.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Ziva Cussen, Patient Ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland, Patricia McKeever, Head services at ARC Cancer Support and listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Trevor Grant, Chairperson of the Association of Irish Mortgage Advisorsto answer any of your questions when it comes to getting a mortgage!

With the cost of living constantly rising, financial independence is more important than ever. But, when you're sharing groceries, bills, and a mortgage with a partner, what does that actually look like? Should you pool all your money, or keep some separate in case the relationship doesn’t work out?Joining Andrea to discuss is Claire Auchmuty, Divorce and Relationship Coach, Rebecca Reid, Author & Columnist and Content Editor with Evoke, Sinead Dalton.

Almost €19 million was raised last year from discretionary parking fees at hospitals.So, should parking charges at hospitals be abolished?Joining Andrea to discuss is Suzanne Dowd, Advocacy Officer at The Irish Cancer Society as well as listeners.

Milan’s La Scala theater has warned that they will ban anyone who shows up wearing shorts, tank tops and flip flops. Has fashion gone out the window nowadays, and are people dressing too casually for day-to-day life?Do we need to bring back suits and heels to the office or should people wear what they feel comfortable in?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk Breakfast Presenter Shane Coleman, Stylist from Style Savvy Laura Jordan and Nathalie Lennon, Content Creator & Personal Trainer.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Mental Fitness Expert for Elite Performance, Martha Donnelly, to talk about the benefits you can get from mental strength training!

Garda recruitment numbers this year are down.They had a target of about 1,000, but numbers are looking closer to 650…So, what would make you want to become a Guard?Joining Andrea to discuss is Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association, as well as listeners.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Last Friday, the topic of issues facing people in wheelchairs when they travel was discussed.One listener, Carmel, got in touch with her frustrations when it comes to those limitations. She, along with Tom Randles from Randles Hotel Killarney, joins Andrea to discuss…

Housing Minister James Brown has proposed changes to building guidelines that would allow for smaller, more affordable apartments.Sinn Féin has strongly criticised the move, calling it “utter madness” and accusing Fine Gael of failing to tackle the housing crisis effectively.We want to know, what do you think? Could reducing apartment size be the answer for housing?Joining Andrea to discuss is Eddie Phelan, Chartered Engineer and Managing Director of VCL Consultants in Drogheda, Architect, Artist and Lecturer in Griffith College Roisin Murphy and Ray Cooke, CEO of Ray Cooke Auctioneers.

A heatwave is coming for Ireland this week, but it’s still nice to get away – spend some time by the beach or exploring a foreign city.But apparently 72% of us haven’t booked our holiday yet for this year.A huge number of us are leaving it very late.So, are you looking for some inspiration?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel and Solo Travel and Travel Writer Megan Virgo.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Ciaran Bradley from Newstalk’s Digital team and Ellen Butler from the Newstalk Newsroom join Andrea to review ‘Stick to Football’!Image: Acast