Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Would you like to see speeding or dangerous drivers sit retraining courses to be allowed back on the road?  It is one solution being considered by Junior Transport Minister James Lawless to reduce the number of drivers who repeatedly offend on the road.  Andrea was joined by Brenda Bolger from the Bolger School of Motoring in Kilkenny and by other listeners who gave her their opinion on the show today .

Broadcaster Lorraine Keane joined Andrea Gilligan to look back on some of her favourite summer memories!

Do you take your shoes off on flights, laugh loudly whilst watching an in-flight movie… or maybe you change your baby’s dirty nappy on the free chair beside you? Well, all of these things could make you an annoying passenger!For more on this, Andrea is joined by Marisa Mackle, former Air Hostess and Author of ‘Confessions of an Air Hostess’ and Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel and Solo Travel.

On the 9th of July, Miriam Henry’s brother, Gerald Henry, was found guilty of habitually sexually abusing her when she was a child. Two character references were given in support of the brother, and were read out after Miriam gave her Victim Impact Statement. Gerald Henry was given a fully suspended sentence, and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.Miriam joins Andrea Gilligan to discuss the case, and why she thinks the cross examination of character references in court needs to be established as soon as possible.Dublin Rape Crisis Centre National Helpline: 1800 77 8888 

The blue ribbon event in hurling takes place this Sunday as Clare take on Cork in a  bid to lift the Liam McCarthy Cup.But, who has the better fans?Joining Andrea from the red corner is Joe O’Shea from Cork Beo, and facing him from the yellow and blue corner is Newstalk’s Seán Reidy!

IT systems across the world were hit by an outage this morning – it caused delays to transport, difficulties to some banks, and even caused Sky News to stop broadcasting.So far, Dublin Airport has said that its systems are not affected on a widespread basis, but Ryanair has said that this “3rd party IT issue” means that there may be potential disruption…Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Andrea to discuss.

From rare whales off the coast of Ireland to Sinead O’Connor tributes in Wicklow for her anniversary - Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has a roundup of some of the stories you might have missed this week.

Dozens of children requiring spinal surgeries will be offered an opportunity to get their treatment overseas by the Department of Health.It is understood a number of outsourcing agreements are being finalised and families will have their accommodation and flights organised and paid for by the Department.Health Minister Stephen Donnelly flew to the United States in the past week to meet directly with clinicians and inspect hospitals.Andrea is joined by families who may potentially avail of this treatment, as well as those with previous experiences, to discuss.

From creating a space for your dog to chill to fixing your furniture after pets have misbehaved – the Home Squad are here to talk about pet proofing your home! Andrea Gilligan is joined by Jennifer Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Hayley Burke, AKA ‘The DIYist’.

Last week Singer Nathan Carter received some backlash after performing in Castlerea Prison - but not to the inmates. However, one man wants to make it up to them… Mattress Mick!He joins Andrea, as well as Newstalk’s Henry McKean, to discuss.

Character references have long been a contentious issue in Ireland, but President Michael D Higgins has signed the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which is set to change the way character references are treated. The bill means that people who give character references for sexual offenders can now be cross-examined in court.To discuss, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Ciara Mangan, sexual assault survivor and Advocate, Natasha O’Brien assault victim and advocate and Mary Crilly, Founder of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork and Safe Gigs.

An article in the Irish Independent writes:‘The weeks and months after a new baby is born are a vulnerable time for new parents, and while you may not wish to cause offence, well-intentioned, but ill-advised remarks, can land like a lead balloon…‘What are the things you should never say to a new parent?Andrea is joined by Siobhan O’Neill White from Mams.ie and other parents to discuss.

It's Throwback Thursday! Where we look back on things that happened this week in history. 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor is back after his wedding! He joins Andrea Gilligan to rewind the clock…Image: NASA

Taoiseach Simon Harris met with Keir Starmer yesterday at the new British Prime Minister’s countryside home where they toasted the “reset” in relations between Ireland and the UK with pints of Guinness.And, of course, that was the image that you are seeing right here: the two country heads awkwardly holding up pints of Guinness… Do we really need the Guinness photoshoots in this day and age? Andrea Gilligan is joined by listeners to discuss.

From products to pimples, for this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Professor Catriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists to answer all of your skin-related questions!

Ella Mills tragically passed away in a kayaking accident in Washington last year. This August 25th, her father Ralph is aiming to set a world record in her honour. He joins Andrea to discuss.If you want to donate to the fundraiser in aid of the Kevin Bell Trust, you can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/OFIFOTO2024

Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty has said that she thinks the bike infrastructure in our cities is “authoritarian”. Apparently, they’ve turned Dublin “into a spaghetti junction of cycle lanes that have divided the city like East and West Berlin”.Is she right? Or are they necessary?Andrea is joined by Cian Ginty, Editor of Irish Cycle and listeners to discuss.

When is it okay to make a joke about certain topics?Kyle Gass, from band Tenacious D, found out when not to make a joke this weekend after being presented with a birthday cake by bandmate Jack Black at their Sydney show. When Black asked him to make a wish, he said “Don’t miss Trump next time”.This has caused major backlash and controversy, and as a result, their tour has been cancelled.Andrea is joined by comedian Jim Elliott, as well as listeners, to discuss.Image: Travis Shinn

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…

A Waterford U15 hurling match was abandoned on Monday evening following a brawl involving players, mentors and supporters.An investigation is now under way, but it seems to be a sight that is all too common on sports fields these days.What do you think? Are youth matches too competitive?Andrea Gilligan is joined by Former GAA President, Nickey Brennan, Antonio Mantero, Castleknock Celtic Coach and Founder of Silent Sideline as well as listeners to discuss.