Highlights From Lunchtime Live

We often hear stories about homophobic attacks in this country. And at the time we call for changes and wonder how such things could happen. But, how safe do the gay community feel in Ireland? Is it a safe place to be gay? A tweet from Ciaran O’Driscoll got traction online as he was saying he went on a first date recently with a lovely guy. But it was scuppered a bit at the end because of fears Ciarán had about sharing a kiss. Ciaran and other LGBTQ+ listeners joined Andrea on the show to discuss their experiences…

Shops and cafes could be forced by law to accept cash payments under a draft bill to be tabled by the Department of Finance next year. A ruling like this would also require a minimum number of ATMs per town or region which would allow customers ‘reasonable access to cash’. Andrea was joined by listeners and business owners on the show to discuss...

Between burglaries and assaults, the rising rates of rural crime have seen calls for the Justice Minister Helen McEntee to increase the number of Gardai on Patrol in remote areas. Have you noticed an increase in crime? Do you feel safe in your area? Andrea was joined by Green Party Councillor Liam Quaide in Cork, Taryn in Donegal and other listeners to discuss...

The boss of Uber has warned that the number of taxis in Ireland might continue to fall between now and Christmas. Will this stop you from making Christmas plans? Will it stop you going out for dinners or to shows that go on too late, because you just won’t be able to get home? Andrea was joined by listeners and taxi drivers to discuss…

The Government is going to consider bringing back bonuses for bankers. Restrictions have been in place since the financial crash. With the cost of living crisis the way it is, and people struggling more than ever to get on the property ladder. Is now the right time to be increasing the pay checks of pretty well paid people? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

This morning Newstalk Breakfast chatted to Raul – older brother of 9 year old Alejandro Mizsan who was viciously attacked by a pitbull in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford on Sunday. Under current laws restricted breeds need to be muzzled in public, they need to be on a short, strong lead when in public, they must wear a collar at all times with their owners information and they should only be led by people over the age of 16. Andrea was joined by listeners on the show to discuss...

The protests in East Wall over the rehousing of asylum seekers resumed last night as protesters blocked the Port Tunnell. Andrea was joined by local East Wall residents Anya, Keith and others to discuss...

Fáilte Ireland have released their festive Dublin marketing campaign and some people are offended by the language used in it. The ad reads: ‘Winter in Dublin, it’s magic’ but doesn’t mention Christmas at all. Some people are claiming this is removing Christmas and religion from a festival based entirely around it. Andrea was joined by listeners on the show to discuss… Image: Fáilte Ireland

A young boy is in a serious condition in hospital following a vicious dog attack in Co Wexford earlier yesterday afternoon. The boy was attacked by a pitbull – which is one of the breeds of dog which are restricted here in Ireland. But, do those restrictions go far enough? Would you like to see certain dog breeds actually banned in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

A New York City Council member is pushing a bill that would would allow people to be paid for reporting illegal parking. Is this something that should be introduced in Ireland, in order to deter illegal parking? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

It’s Toy Show Friday!It’s one of the most nostalgic parts of Christmas, with moments of pure joy! And in many people’s eyes, the official launch of the Christmas season. It’s also a great taste of home for those living around the world, possibly not making it home for the Christmas season. Andrea was joined by those from Ireland living abroad that will be tuning in tonight…

Religious symbols across hundreds of State-run primary and secondary schools must in future be reflective of the “entire community” according to a new blueprint for the sector. That means that where religious symbols are displayed, they should reflect all of the religions practiced in the area. Andrea was joined by Graham, a teacher in Cork, Fr Paddy Byrne in Co Laois and other listeners to discuss...

Tipperary GAA club Drom & Inch are proposing drug testing be extended from inter-county level to club level to curb the use of performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. Currently all GAA players are subject to anti-doping rules as adopted by Sport Ireland. However, few if any footballers and hurlers outside the senior inter-county scene have been tested. Andrea was joined by Tim Barry, Chairman of Rathdowney-Erril GAA in Laois, Sharon, who works with those in addiction treatment and other listeners to discuss...

We continue our ‘Buying Irish’ series today, with thanks to Champion Green, Ireland’s Support Local Campaign. Champion Green and Lunchtime Live are encouraging local people to support local business and jobs this Christmas. This week, Irish decorations and ornaments. Andrea was joined by Chris, from Dainty Detail, Mags from Bumble Bee Flower Farm, Lisa from the Ornament shop and Mary Whelan, from Eirlooms to discuss their businesses…

There have been fresh calls for more to be done to help ease Cork’s ‘Bumper to Bumper traffic issues.' Has the traffic in Cork City affected you? Does it put you off going in to the city? Andrea was joined by Kerry O’Neill, Fitzpatrick Grocery, Peter Horgan, Labour Party Local Area Representative and more listeners to discuss... Image: dunkettle.ie

A Sunday Times survey has found sharp generational differences when it comes to attitudes to the Troubles. A third of young people here in the Republic of Ireland say they think it is socially acceptable to say “up the Ra”. Half admit they don’t fully understand the history of the Troubles. While, almost a third of young Irish people think there was no alternative to violent resistance to British rule. Andrea was joined by listeners Pat, Ben, Marc and Alex to discuss…

As technology advances and fast fashion takes over, some of the professions we knew and loved are starting to fade. Lots of traditional jobs that we would have known and loved are becoming a dying art. Andrea was joined by Jim Flanagan, Phoenix Park lamplighters, Nora Finnegan, Lacemaker from Kenmare Lace, Phil Doran, a roof thatcher in Laois and Isaac Jackman, Shoe Repair Technician to discuss their trades…

According to new research, the cost of an average funeral in Ireland is over six thousand euro. Is that something we prepare for enough? Or are we likely to be taken by surprise at the worst possible moment? Andrea was joined by Lisa Clancy, Charlie McClafferty, McClafferty Funeral Directors in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Sara and other listeners to discuss…

In the last number of years we have been seeing a rise in the number of people with mental health issues. Destigmatising mental health has been welcomed by medical professionals and charities. But, are we sometimes guilty of over-pathologising emotional health? By adopting mental health language so liberally and casually in our everyday lives are we trivialising mental health? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…

Ellen Fitzpatrick, from Her.ie has just returned from her first solo travel experience. Have you ever travelled solo? How would you feel about going on a holiday on your own? Andrea was joined by Ellen Fitzpatrick and other listeners to discuss...