Highlights from Lunchtime Live

It's time for Ask the Medic! Where an expert joins to answer any of your health-related questions.This week, Andrea is joined by Consultant, Trauma and Orthopedic Surgeon, Mr Pádhraig O'Loughlin, to answer any of your questions, as well as discuss the announcement of changes to e-scooter rules.

Love Island has taken over our screens in recent weeks, with many people glued into the romance in the villa. Andrea is joined by Irish contestant Sean Fitzgerald, or Fitzy as he is best known, to hear about his experience on the show.Image: ITV

Following on from last week's conversation on scrapping VAT on suncream, Andrea is joined by more people to hear their own experiences with skin cancer…

For many, renewing your passport can be a handful at the best of times. For widows who have lost their partners, it can be an extremely difficult process and reminder of what they have lost.Members of Widowed and Bereaved Partners Ireland are calling for changes to be made to the process, in which they should not have to constantly prove that their spouse or partner has passed away every time they have to renew their child's passport.Andrea is joined by some of these members to discuss.

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all?For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what's coming in and what's coming out?For this edition of Finance Matters, Andrea is joined by Paul Merriman of Ask Paul to discuss everything you need to know about retirement planning and inheritance tax.

A listener got in touch with the show to share her negative experience of a flight from Dublin to Ibiza with Ryanair.She joins Andrea to discuss…Updated statement from Ryanair:“Crew on this flight from Dublin to Ibiza called ahead for police assistance after two passengers became disruptive inflight. Due to their misbehaviour, crew refrained from serving these passengers alcohol from the bar, however, despite several warnings from crew, they continued to drink their own alcohol purchased pre-flight. Police met the aircraft upon landing at Ibiza Airport and these two disruptive passengers were removed.Ryanair has a strict zero tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour, ensuring that all passengers and crew travel in a respectful and stress-free environment, without unnecessary disruption.”

We continue a county-by-county journey across Ireland, exploring all 32 counties that make up this remarkable island. Have you been to some of these places and hidden gems?Today, Shane Beatty is joined by Travel Content Creator Kevin Penrose to find out what the best things to see and do are in County Clare!

The World Cup draws to an end this weekend after 102 matches, with 2 still to go, as England face France in the third place play off and then the big one on Sunday night: Spain v Argentina.But, how has the World Cup been for you?Irish Independent Journalist Tanya Sweeny joins Shane Beatty to discuss, along with Phil Egan from Off the Ball.

This story will strike fear into any brides-to-be. Maggie joins Shane to tell her story about losing her engagement ring at a hen party in Cork…

Would you like to see phones banned altogether in the cinema, theatre and at concerts?Moviegoers were asked to use phone pouches this week at the premier of the Odyssey, so should this move be followed?Joining guest host Shane Beatty to discuss is TikToker Adam Smyth, Dave from the ‘Cinemile' podcast, Eoin Glackin, Journalist at the Dublin Inquirer and Tina Koumarianos, agony aunt for Evoke.ie.

Shane's guest says she and her brother were left humiliated after being forced off a Ryanair flight as they travelled home from Dublin to Poland.Dorota Marah and her brother Jaroslaw "Jarek" Kula had already boarded their flight when cabin crew were unable to load Jarek's wheelchair into the aircraft's hold. Despite having travelled with the exact same wheelchair on a Ryanair flight earlier this year, they were told it did not meet the airline's size requirements and were given no option but to leave the plane…Dorota says the ordeal became even more distressing when her brother was carried off the aircraft "like a sack of potatoes" in front of fellow passengers.She joins to discuss the experience.

Laura Donnelly from the Newstalk Newsroom joined Shane Beatty with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week!

Figures provided to Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín reveal that 6,329 people have been claiming Jobseeker's payments for 10 years or more.The figures come despite Ireland's unemployment rate standing at just 5%, with around 145,000 people currently out of work, while employers across many sectors continue to report labour shortages and thousands of vacancies remain unfilled.With a strong economy and jobs available, why do so many people remain on long-term unemployment? Are persistent barriers such as health, skills, age or caring responsibilities preventing people from returning to work, or does the welfare system need reform to better encourage and support people back into employment?Joining guest host Shane Beatty to discuss is Head of Social Justice and Policy at Saint Vincent de Paul, Louise Bayless, Director of the INOU, Brid O'Brien and listeners.

With the great weather - you are more likely than ever to be in your garden, but how should you neatly organise bits like outdoor furniture and bikes?This week, the Home Squad are here to give their advice on all things outside storage!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast' (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Interior Stylist Sarah Doyle of Retwiggd.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who was diagnosed with a type of skin cancer in 2020, says a tax is being placed on skin cancer prevention.It comes as there is still a 23% VAT on suncream, despite it being a necessity to prevent the risk of skin cancer.With the high UV rays and the great weather over the last couple of weeks, many people are more exposed to sunburn and higher risks of skin cancer as the high cost of suncream can often act as a deterrent for people applying this necessary product…Andrea shares her own story about a mole screening, and is joined by former Fianna Fáil Minister, Conor Lenihan and skin cancer survivor of basal cell carcinoma, Deirdre Bonass and listeners to hear their experiences.

Many of you will have been watching England versus Argentina last night and will have seen England lose from a one nil lead to two goals in quick succession, ending their World Cup dream…Now, England Manager Thomas Tuchel is being blamed for the mistake of bringing on defensive players in a strategy that completely backfired.So, can you get over career mistakes? And how important is psychology in sport?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Stephen McIvor, Sports Psychologist at TU Dublin.

We've decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N' Roll Museum Experience, who's going to talk through the life and work of the band Chic!

The number of children and young people being admitted to hospital with traumatic brain injuries as a result of e-scooter incidents has risen by 50% in the last twelve months, according to Children's Health Ireland. What needs to be done about them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Chris Luke, retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine & healthcare commentator, Sarah Beasley, Aontú Cllr in Limerick and listeners.

Former RTÉ racing presenter Tracy Piggott is undertaking a solo 14km underwater swim across Galway Bay later this month…She joins Andrea 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.98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

“Human activity” is being blamed for a major fire in Killarney National Park, and the public are being urged to be more responsible for their actions to avoid further fires nationwide…Andrea is joined by Christopher O'Sullivan, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity and listeners.

Class size plays a key role in a child's learning and development, as larger classes can reduce the individual attention teachers are able to give each student.Figures released in response to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne show that, of Ireland's 520,482 primary school pupils, 36,805 were in classes of 30 to 34 students, while 2,237 were in classes of 35 to 39. The largest classes, with 38 pupils each, were recorded at St Peter and Paul Boys' School in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and Fahy National School in Westport, Co. Mayo.So, why are some of these classes so big, what should change, and what is the impact on students?Joining Andrea to discuss is Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Eoin Doyle, Karen Beckett, Charted psychologist and listeners.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we'll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss miscarriages and stillbirth.

England take on Argentina tonight to battle for a place in the World Cup final this Sunday...So, will Messi be victorious, or will it finally be England's turn?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk's own Ciaran Bradley, as well as listeners.

Aside from antisocial behavior, what gross and disgusting things have you seen people do on public transport? Joining Andrea to discuss is Jackie Conboy Co-Founder of MEAI, as well as listeners.

For this week's Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Joey Donnelly from Crofton Motors to answer any of your motoring questions!

Would you snitch on your neighbour if they used their hose?Homeowners can report neighbours or members of the public who break the six-week hosepipe ban. Is it your civil duty to do so, or a bit much?Joining Andrea to discuss is Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly and listeners.

The scramble for All Ireland tickets is on this week with many fans trying to get their hands on tickets to see Limerick take on Galway this Sunday.Limerick hurling fan Michael was the victim of a scam when trying to get some tickets, and joins Andrea to discuss what happened…

Does the cost of eating out put you off going out? Is €8 for a sandwich outrageous, or the going trend now?Joining Andrea to discuss is Hazel Keogh, Food Content Creator, Ais McCarthy from Bits and Bites and Katy McGuinness, Restaurant Critic.

Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what's happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don't want to miss this week!Image: Apple TV

Two cars were towed and several motorists were issued with fines by An Garda Síochána after widespread illegal parking at Shroove Beach on Monday.A number of vehicles were parked on double yellow lines, despite the restrictions, which were introduced by Donegal County Council to prevent roadside parking and keep the route clear.The illegal parking caused significant disruption, forcing the cancellation of local bus services, as buses were unable to pass through the road…The incident has once again highlighted serious safety concerns, with fears that emergency services could also be prevented from accessing the area if roads are blocked by illegally parked vehicles, potentially putting lives at risk.So, what is the solution? Should Irish beaches have more options for parking?Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO Water Safety Ireland, Joanne Walsh, Ben Bennett from Ben's Surf Clinic in Lahinch, as well as listeners.

It's time for Ask the Medic! Where an expert joins to answer any of your health-related questions.This week, Andrea is joined by Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic, to answer your medical questions!

Irish Tenor Paul Byrom packed up with his wife and dog and moved to Spain in hopes for a better, cheaper life. Paul joins Andrea to talk about this next chapter of his life…

Over the past few months, Andrea has spoken with many parents who were anxiously waiting to find out if their children would secure a school place for September.While some families have since received good news, others are still facing uncertainty or having to make difficult arrangements just to get their children to school each day…So, are you sorted out for school in September?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Going on holiday with friends can be great craic, but by the time you actually organize things, it may not feel as worth it.According to a new survey by Samsung, agreeing on a budget and dates that suit everyone are the most challenging things about booking a group holiday.What is your experience?Joining Andrea to discuss is 98fm Producer Cathal O'Sullivan, Freelance Journalist Edaein O'Connell, podcast host Aoife Bermingham and Ciara Treacy from Newstalk's Digital Team.

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all?For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what's coming in and what's coming out?For this edition of Finance Matters, Andrea is joined by Paul Merriman of Ask Paul to discuss everything you need to know about properly planning your retirement.

There have been calls that the Garda vetting system needs a total overhaul.The calls come from Fine Gael TD, Deputy Edwards Timmins who said that “More than 633,000 vetting applications were processed in 2025, and many of these may be repeat applications for people who have already been vetted”.So, do you think we need it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Paula Donohoe, owner of Clever Cloggs Creche & Chairperson of the Association of Childhood Professionals, James Hennessy, Zoo Director at The National Reptile Zoo, Secretary of the Dublin branch of the Irish Soccer Referees' Society & President of the national body, Sean Slattery and more.

We continue a county-by-county journey across Ireland, exploring all 32 counties that make up this remarkable island. Have you been to some of these places and hidden gems?Today, Andrea is joined by Travel Content Creator Tony Smyth to find out what the best things to see and do are in County Clare!

It's (unfortunately) the season for flying ants. As we're enjoying the lovely warm weather, so are these nuisance pests!Joining Andrea to discuss how to get rid of flying ants is Trevor Hayden from Complete Pest Control.

Throughout the week, Andrea has been speaking to people living in social housing across the country. Many said that they are living in unsuitable conditions, and feel their concerns have gone unheard by their landlords…Andrea is joined by the CEO of Threshold, John Mark McCafferty, about what rights these tenants have, and who they can talk to if their needs have not been met.

Women experiencing infertility due to endometriosis will now be eligible for Ireland's publicly funded Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) scheme. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has announced this as part of the Women's Health Action Plan 2026–2027.Patients must be referred by their GP to a Regional Fertility Hub before their 41st birthday. Eligible women must be aged 18 or over, while a male partner, where applicable, must be under 60.Do you welcome this new scheme, and will it help parents to start a family?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.