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…

Due to a nationwide teacher shortage, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) is calling for improved pay for educators returning from the United Arab Emirates, in an effort to attract and keep qualified professionals.

TUI President Anthony Quinn described the current situation as “utterly unacceptable,” highlighting the lack of secure employment for new teachers.

A recent union survey revealed that only one in four teachers appointed since 2015 secured full-time work in their first position.

Do you think teachers with experience should be given a better salary?

Joining Andrea to discuss is General Secretary of Teachers Union of Ireland, Michael Gillespie, Teacher & Irish Examiner Columnist, Jennifer Horgan, Assistant Principal and member of Aontú, Eric Nelligan and more.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.

Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital 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 the early signs of labour!

Legislation was brought in in 2021 that banned the reselling of tickets for more than their face value. The idea was to curb ticket touting and protect consumers. 

But, why is it still happening?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Consumer Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk Sinead Ryan and Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

U2 is facing online backlash due to statements of support for Gaza that they posted to social media on Sunday. Critics are saying that it’s “too little, too late” and labeling the statements as “performative.”

Joining Andrea to discuss is Arts Journalist Louise Bruton, Singer Mary Coughlan, Co-Founder of the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland Jackie Conboy, Spin Presenter Jess Spencer and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dr Alex Andreev, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Eyedoc Eye Clinic in Blanchardstown to answer all of your eye-related questions!

The Ireland India Council has decided to postpone India Day on the back of the recent attacks faced by the Indian community in Ireland since January.

Chairman of the Ireland India Council Preshant Shukla expressed how it was a very difficult and emotional decision to make, but expressed that the celebration is merely postponed, not cancelled.

Andrea is joined by members of the Indian community, including Co-Chair of the Ireland India Council Damien Lee to hear their thoughts on this.

A shortage of Bean an Tí’s could spell the end of the Gaeltacht…

It started with the Covid shutdown apparently, and just hasn’t recovered.

What can we do to preserve this tradition?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Ruairí Ó Donnáin, Principal of Colaiste Machaire Rabhartaidh Gael Linn. Criostóir Ó Faoláin, Stiúrthóir of Coláiste na Rinne and Bríd, a Bean an Tí in Waterford.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…

This week, Andrea is joined by owner of Ireland’s first Rage Room, Lukas Baltrusis and Psychologist Dr Malie Coyne to discuss controlled smashing in rage rooms!

Castlebar in Mayo has voted in a motion to ban car clamping in the town.

So, should clamping be banned across the country?

Andrea is joined by Michael Kilcoyne, Independent Councillor on Mayo County Council, as well as listeners, to discuss.