Highlights From Lunchtime Live

UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said that she believes “prison isn’t working” for women.She points out how, after serving a short custodial sentence, a woman is “significantly more likely” to reoffend than one given a non-custodial sentence.So, if that is the case in the UK, is prison working for women in Ireland?Andrea is joined by Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust as well as former prisoner Gillian to discuss.

From ‘1,000 songs in your pocket’ to “I’ll be back” – 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor has plenty to chat about on this week’s throwback Thursday.Image: Apple

The Dáil has voted in favour of a report into assisted dying. The report, which called for assisted dying be made legal in limited circumstances, does not progress the issue in law.It is, however, an indication that a majority within the current Dáil favour introducing ‘dying with dignity’ laws in Ireland.Where do you stand?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Ian O’Doherty, Opinion Columnist with the Irish Independent as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Feeding Therapist Teresa Foley to find out how to deal with fussy eaters!

It’s sometimes hard to see somebody living a dream job, but that’s exactly what Stefan Bruderer is doing. He’s a Lindt Master Chocolatier, and joins Andrea to discuss his day-to-day.

Dozens of pupils who have been unable to find places in mainstream schools since last September are being taught at home, it has been revealed.Department of Education data shows that some pupils without school places are being taught at home under a home tuition scheme aimed at providing a compensatory education service.Under the scheme, families receive a grant to employ a qualified tutor to provide up to nine hours of home tuition per week.Almost half of all secondary schools across the State are set to be oversubscribed in the coming school year.Andrea is joined by Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie and more 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…Image: Discover Ireland

This week, Kathleen Correia waived her right to anonymity after a high profile court case that saw her former husband jailed for eight years for rape and coercively control.Kathleen joins Andrea to share her story.If you were affected by this segment, or feel like you are in a similar situation, don't hesitate to reach out:Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour National Helpline: 1800 77 8888

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke and Entertainment Journalist Rory Cashin joined Andrea to review ‘Bad Dates’!Image: Smartless Media

Listener Karl got in touch with the show with an issue he has. After a mysterious €18 charge to his account, he has seemingly been signed up to some subscription service with a monthly direct debit. What should be done in this situation? And is it a scam?Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert and host of The Home Show on Newstalk joins Andrea and Karl to discuss.

A survey has found that 88% of parents say that social media has made playdate hosting even more competitive.Parents now feel they have to ditch the fizzy drinks and choc-ices in favour of smoothies and veggie crisps.78% agree that the idea of having a few friends over for nuggets and a movie is no longer considered good enough, as the expectation is for better-quality and more nutritious food - as well as more diverse options.Is this something you have experienced?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Journalist Niamh O’Reilly, Emma Manley, Creative Director of women's wear brand Manley, Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry as well as listeners.

According to a HSE National Ambulance Service report, bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increased by 25% between 2012 and 2023.Around 70% of people will do CPR to someone they know, whilst 60% of CPR instances will happen in the home.Owner of First Aid for Everyone, Siobhan Butler, joins Andrea to discuss the do’s and don’ts when carrying out CPR.

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea is joined by Brigid O’Hora, author of ‘The Home Sommelier’ to discuss how you can pick out the perfect bottle of wine in a supermarket!

Unemployed people who refuse to engage with social welfare ­employment services will see their Jobseeker’s Benefit cut by €90 under a plan quietly signed off by the Government after the Budget.At the moment,  people who refused to engage with department officials or ­return-to-work schemes would see their payments cut €44 a week.If a person re-engages with welfare services, their full jobseeker payment is restored.This would see that fine doubled. Is that fair?Andrea is joined by People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith and listeners to discuss.

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

Do you have any ‘vampire friends’? The friends that absolutely suck the life out of you, maybe with negativity, or they just leave you feeling drained after a catch up?How do you spot them, and more importantly, how do you deal with them?Mark Fennell, Life Coach, Speaker and Author joins Andrea to discuss.

Listener Tina Koumarianos got in touch with the show to share her issue. She has about 50 rats currently in her garden, and the problem doesn’t seem to be getting better.Trevor Hayden from Complete Pest Control as well as Tina and more join Andrea to discuss what should be done in this situation.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has accused RTÉ of “electoral interference” over a satirical joke aired on the Late Late Show.During the opening monologue, Late Late host Patrick Kielty spoke of “the Sinn Féin traitors, the show we all want to see” when joking about a new Irish version of the hit reality TV show, Traitors.Did he push it too far? Where is the line when it comes to political satire?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Paddy Prendiville, Editor of The Phoenix and John Lee, Executive Editor of the Daily Mail.

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!This week, Andrea is joined by Food Creator Sinéad Delahunty, to look at how you can get the most out of oats!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

A new survey reveals almost 1,000 teaching vacancies nationwide in primary and special schools as principals struggle to fill posts.The survey carried out by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), Irish Primary Principals’ Network and the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association, says principals have become increasingly reliant on personnel who are not registered with the Teaching Council to cover short-term absences.So, why are primary and special schools across the country struggling to find staff?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Siobhan O’Neill White from Mams.ie, Rachel Harper, Principal of St. Patrick’s National School and Padraig Wilson McCarthy, teacher on a career break.