Lunchtime Live

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.

With the current heatwave going on, does it make us more likely to spend money on things we normally wouldn’t? What do you treat yourself with in this heat?

Joining Andrea to discuss is owner of The Boar’s Head Hugh Hourican, Colin Baker from Decwells Expert Hardware, Hairdressing Group owner Terence Boyle, owner of Tropical Popical Andrea Horan and Gleann Doherty from Derry Guided Tours.