Lunchtime Live

Nearly 300,000 hospital appointments were cancelled across the country last year – an average of more than 772 every day. That number is growing, even as the state makes efforts to cut waiting lists.

Have you been affected? Has one of your appointments been cancelled?

And what are your thoughts on the health system at the moment?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Matthew Sadlier, Chair of the IMO Consultant Committee, Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín, Dr Brendan O’Shea, Spokesperson for the Kildare faculty of the ICGP and Kildare GP as well as listeners.

It’s Home Squad time, and today we’re talking paint with Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Designs & & Jennifer Sheahan, @workerscottage on Instagram and Former Winner of ‘Home of the Year’

The Government is set to crack down on customers using supermarket loyalty cards to get discounts on alcohol.  While existing laws ban customers using loyalty card points to purchase alcohol some supermarkets do allow customers to buy items – including alcohol – at a reduced price if they use their loyalty card. Callers join Andrea to discuss the issue.

Sinn Féin is calling for a dedicated treatment centre for endometriosis, a condition that impacts 1 in 10 women. Andrea speaks to Senator Maria McCormack, a leading voice on women’s health. 

Are you a people pleaser at the expense of your own happiness and wellbeing? Andrea speaks to Brendan Kelly, Psychiatrist and others about the phenomenon.

Some airlines offer free seating for under-12s once an adult has paid for a seat. Andrea asked should this be law across all airlines?

Should we introduce fines for people who conduct loud conversations on public transport?

In France, a man was recently fined €200 for using his speakerphone on a train station concourse…

Joining Andrea to discuss is Gina London, Communications Expert and Sunday Independent Columnist as well as listeners.

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…

Most teachers think schools should not prepare pupils for church sacraments.

That is according to a survey by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) which found that just 4% of primary school teachers believe it should be the school’s responsibility to prepare children for Communions, Confirmations and first confessions.

What do you think?

Should religious sacraments preparation be taken out of schools?

Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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 what can act as a barrier to conception.