Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Amazon’s smart speaker has been upgraded to help users understand the latest Gen Z slang. Customers can now ask Alexa for help with the latest buzz phrases used by the younger generation.  Andrea was joined by Ciara Treacy from Newstalk's Digital Team and Dr Ellen Howley, Assistant Professor at DCU’s School of English, to dissect the newly-added words.

This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks, Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well.Dave Ayton is the Owner and Director of Awesome Walls and he joined Andrea on the Show.

Listeners got in touch with Andrea today to share their recent issues when flying with Ryanair

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

A private graveyard in Kildare is charging up to €12,000 for a plot. The price of the plot is dictated by it’s proximity to Father of Irish Republicanism Wolfe Tone’s grave. Aontu Leader, Peadar Tóibín and Owner of Wolfe Tone Private Cemetery Seamus McCarthy joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss.

We are at the height of summer and nearing August – which is the most popular month to tie the knot in Ireland.  But, it brings up the tricky question – how much should you give as a wedding present?  Andrea was joined by listeners to share their views on the topic.

On Friday, we were speaking  about the news that children with spinal issues will be sent abroad for surgery. They'll be sent to London and New York to get operations with long waiting lists here. When talking, Lynn got in touch with our show to tell us about her daughter. Lynn joined Andrea this afternoon on Lunchtime Live to tell us about her daughter

This is Lunchtime Live’s newest segment, Gilligan’s Island!Every Monday we're going to explore this gorgeous island of ours and all that it has to offer.Maybe you have a weekend unaccounted for this summer that needs inspiration, or you have no desire to get on a flight – whatever the reason, this will get you in the mood to travel.This week, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Peter Kavanaugh, Motor Homes Ireland to chat about Motor Home holidays around Ireland.

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.