Lunchtime Live

Mairead asks: has all the fun gone out of after-school activities for kids?

Parents are sometimes guilty of getting involved in football teams or drama clubs and putting too much pressure on kids to excel outside of the classroom - but does this behaviour push people to do well from a young age?

Listeners joined Mairead to discuss the pros and cons of encouraging competition and camaraderie among children.

E-Scooters will be banned for under 16-year-olds, the government has announced.

The ban is welcomed by many, but questions have arisen regarding how the Gardaí will enforce it.

While listeners joining Mairead mainly agreed that some sort of regulation was necessary, some expressed concern about the age ban and its shortcomings.

Every year, the Dublin City Marathon transforms the capital. Some say we should embrace the event more than we currently do, while others complain that the Marathon is nothing more than an inconvenience that disrupts traffic.

Mairead was joined by Councillor Mannix Flynn, Senator Marie Sherlock and other listeners to discuss the highs and lows of the annual event.

Listener to the show Fiona got in touch, after her brother Jamie tragically died last August by suicide. Jamie following his passing was brought to a Dublin City morgue where it took 6 days before the family were informed of his death

Fiona, joined Andrea to reflect on Jamie's warm character and highlight the pain her family had to endure during the delay. She also expressed hope that priests can be trained better in dealing with sensitive passings within families.

*Image of Jamie courtesy of his family.

 Kim Kardashian recently said she had hired a male nanny so her sons could have a male presence in their lives following her divorce from Kanye West. 

While uncommon just a few years ago, male nannies are springing up, especially in London

Andrea was joined on the show by Sam McArdle who spent three years looking after children and wrote a play about his experience "The Manny".  And Ms Browns boys actor Fiona O’Carroll who herself has hired 3 Mannies to date to take care of her kids.

Plans to hike Dublin city centre on-street parking charges to €4 an hour have drawn criticism. 

The council reportedly plans to hike charges across all zones in Dublin from next year - with the most expensive 'yellow zone' increasing from €3.50 to €4 an hour.  

Andrea was joined by listeners of the show to hear their opinions on the proposed changes and how it will affect residents and commuters in the city.

Hair loss is an issue that affects a lot of men and it seems that more and more Irish men are seeking out a solution for it. Daithi O'Shea joins Andrea to tell her about his decision to get a hair transplant.

Today ‘End of Life Ireland’ will gather at the Dail in hopes of bringing their message to politicians about legislation for Voluntary Assisted Dying. Andrea chats to caller David whose mother recently passed away: 'We had to endure ten days after a major stroke watching her deteriorate and it was difficult when there was no comeback.'

Author Sheila O'Flanagan talks to Andrea about the unusual attitudes she has encountered after deciding not to have children. 'If you are making that decision not to have children it's because you are living a life that is already full of joy and meaning'

Thousands of homeowners could have to abandon their houses in coming decades because of rising sea levels. 

The Government are now saying we need a ‘managed retreat’ – a move away from the coast. 

Andrea was joined by Councillor Martin McDermott from Donegal County Council and other listeners to discuss...