Lunchtime Live

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects around 1 in 4 people in Ireland: roughly 1.25 million individuals, including many children. With symptoms peaking from spring through late summer, it can seriously impact daily life, especially in urban areas where pollution may worsen reactions.

So, how does hay fever affect people in Ireland and what can be done to manage it better?

Joining Andrea to answer your questions for this week’s Ask the Expertis Joyce Clegg, CEO at The Allergy Clinic…

How much fun do you inject into your life?

Apparently 89% of Irish people feel they are just “going through the motions”.

Joining Andrea to discuss how they have fun is Today FM Presenter, Alison Curtis and Stylist Laura Mullet.

Women using HRT won’t be reimbursed despite the fact that the medication was supposed to be made ‘free’.

Free HRT was supposed to come into effect on January 1st, but it has been delayed in a row between the Government and pharmacists. Today, a new date of the 1st of June was announced.

Joining Andrea to discuss this is Loretta Dignam, Founder & CEO of The Menopause Hub, Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacy Owner and Health Advocate at WonderCare.ie and Catherine O’Keeffe, Menopause Workplace Consultant.

A Senator in Limerick is calling for consumer protection for concert tickets if an artist fails to fulfill their onstage commitments.

Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne joins Andrea to discuss, along with listeners.

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

Pinball has seen a passionate revival in recent years, and at the heart of this resurgence are community-driven clubs keeping the silver ball spirit alive. Andrea is joined by Donovan Delaney, Founder of Pinbaile: a pinball club that’s become a hub for players of all ages and skill levels!

Image: @pinbaile on Instagram

The number of people travelling from Ireland to the United States fell by 27 per cent in March when compared to the same month last year, figures show. The trend is the same across many other EU countries, caused by Donald Trump’s administration and ongoing trade tensions…

To discuss, Andrea is joined by Daniel Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to US, Patti Shields, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad, Mary McKenna, Tour America and Jenny Maguire, Trinity College SU President and Trans Activist.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Celebrations went on late into the night last night in Holywood after Rory McIlroy became the first Irish man to win the US Masters, and the 6th ever golf player to achieve the career grand slam.

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean is in Holywood, and joins Andrea to share what he’s seen.

Image: Reuters

Future increases in the national minimum pay for workers could be put back due to global economic insecurities. The living wage plan, as well as pension auto-enrolment could be delayed as the Government will instead concentrate on boosting competitiveness in light of rising international trade tensions.

Does it all make sense?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Nessa Cosgrove, Spokesperson on Workers Rights with the Labour Party, President of the Cork Business Association and owner of the Herlihy Centra Group Kevin Herlihy and Robert Thornton, Research Manager at Cincentian Minimum Essential Standard of Living Research Centre and member of the Living Wage Technical Group.

Today, Jeff Bezos’ latest Blue Origin space expedition lifts off, carrying an all-female crew: which includes pop star Katy Perry.

It's a landmark trip in terms of gender representation, but is it of any benefit to humankind, and is it just an obscene display of wealth?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Space Reporter and Writer Niamh Shaw, Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of the National Space Centre and John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and Commentator.

Image: Blue Origin