Highlights From Lunchtime Live

On the show yesterday, Shane Gleeson was discussing how the five Spar shops he owns around Limerick City are being hit again and again by shoplifters…So, how big of a problem is crime in the retail sector?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Shane’s brother Michael Gleeson, Eric Matthews, owner of Kicky’s Restaurant on South Great George’s Street in Dublin and Frayank Nunez, owner of 'It’s A Trap’ micro-bakery and coffee shop on Aungier Street in Dublin…

Senator Anne Rabbitte was first elected to the Dáil in 2016 when she was elected in Galway East, and has served in public office ever since.Anne recently lost her seat in the Dáil, but has since been appointed to the Seanad by Taoiseach Michéal Martin.Anne joins Andrea to discuss.

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Andrea is joined by Nick Park to learn about the Evangelical Christians.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year 2000!

2.1 billion euro has been collected in tolls on Irish roads since 2008…The Newstalk exclusive found that the port tunnel alone collected €32 million in 2024, up from €28.8m the previous year.So, are we paying too much in toll charges?Andrea is joined by listeners, including Shane O’Donoghue, Editor with Completecar.ie.

Breast reduction is fast becoming one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures in Ireland.But, just how safe is it, and what is involved?For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Éilís Fitzgerald - Consultant Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at Beacon Hospital to answer any of your questions!

The popularity of shows such as ‘The White Lotus’, which is in its third season set in Thailand, may be contributing to an increase in travel to Asia.Or, is it simply that travel in Europe has become too expensive?Andrea is joined by Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel & Solo Travel to discuss.

International students are being offered rent-free accommodation in exchange for sex and bed-shares with strangers.One in seven people have been offered rentals where they share a room – and sleep in the same bed – with people they do not know. One in 20 have been offered sex-for-rent arrangements.That’s according to a new report from the Irish Council for International students…To discuss, Andrea is joined by Senator and CEO of the Irish Council for International Students, Laura Harmon as well as one student, Darling.

Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh has called for cancer survivors to be treated fairly when accessing financial products such as mortgages, health insurance, and travel insurance.But, do all of us, regardless of the type of illness, have the right to be forgotten?Andrea is joined by listeners 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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that we shouldn’t jail shoplifters and other non-violent offenders – and should use community sanctions to ease prison overcrowding…So, should we consider community service over prison?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss, including John Lonergan, former Mountjoy Governor.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Today FM’s Shelly Grey and Host of the ‘No Encore Music’ Podcast Dave Hanratty joined Andrea to review ‘Peak Danger’!Image: BBC

If you have an EV charger at home and you’re looking for a little side hustle – this could be good news for you. Homeowners will be able to rent out their EV chargers through an app, for people who don’t have one.It also means that if you’re thinking of getting an EV, but don’t have a charger – you might now be able to use your neighbours.So, is this good news?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

A tourist tax is being explored by the Government as a method to raise tax for local councils.Venice and Lisbon are just a few of the European cities which already impose such a levy.Would you be in support?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Niall O’Callaghan, Independent Councillor in Killarney and Hotelier, Micheal Lennon, Director of the Skylon Hotel in Dublin, Melanie May, Solo Travel Blogger and more.

Would you support the idea of health warning labels on alcohol bottles, like those on cigarettes?From May next year, Ireland will be the first country in the world to make cancer warnings on alcohol bottles mandatory.Joining Andrea to discuss is Cathal McHugh, Chair of the National Off-Licence Association, Cathal O’Donoghue from Rascals Brewery, Dean McGuinness, Managing Director of Premier International Beers, Shane Boyce, from wine distributor Liberty Wines and Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Gut Health Dietician and operator of the Gut Health Clinic in Blackrock Clinic, Lorraine Cooney, to learn all about maintaining a healthy gut!

Is there a baptism barrier for admission into schools in Ireland?Dublin listener Natalia got in touch with the show as she says her two boys are at the bottom of a secondary school’s waiting list - because they are not baptised…She joins Andrea to discuss.

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

You probably heard the shocking news over the weekend that 34 year old Quham Babatunde was fatally stabbed in Dublin City Centre…It begs the question: is Dublin a violent city?Andrea is joined by Ellen Fitzpatrick, News Reporter with The Sun, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean was at the Baftas last night - where Kneecap won 1 award out of its 6 nominations and Warwick Davis recieved a Fellowship award! But, there was surprise when Mikey Madison beat Demi Moore for Leading Actress...He joins Andrea to discuss!