Lunchtime Live

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.

What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through David Bowie's Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust

Panic attacks can be brought on by bouts of anxiety and leave people utterly debilitated...  

Dominique McMullan, Image Media Editorial Director, shared her story online and joined Andrea to reflect on the impact of Panic Attacks on her and what she has done to address them

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…

Recently, we have had a few of our listeners reach out to tell us their experience when getting their staff Garda vetted.  

Garda vetting is a check of your criminal record or any threat to children or vulnerable adults in Ireland.  

Andrea was joined by James Hennessy, Zoo director of the National Reptile Zoo Antonio Montero, Coach, Mark Candon, Principal of St. Laurence O'Toole's National School Founder of the Silent Sideline Campaign and who runs an afterschool program to tell us how they found the process.  

New Airbnb regulations will prevent homeowners in towns with populations exceeding 20,000 from renting their properties on a short-term basis for more than 90 days per year.

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke confirmed that Government leaders agreed to the change on Monday night, stating that the Coalition must remain “cognisant” of tourism-dependent towns with limited hotel capacity.

With hotel prices continuing to rise and certain parts of Ireland struggling to attract visitors, is this policy the most effective way to boost tourism nationwide while also supporting the hotel sector?

Joining Andrea was Lorna Cahill Liaison for people with Air Bnb’s and owner of an Air BnB in West Clare,  Eoin Doyle a  hotelier, Lynnie O’Connell P - Hugh Morries, from Hugh Morris Alliance Auctioneers and Valuers and listeners to debate the upcoming measures.

It’s time for Making Babies.

We hope that this piece and all the podcasts of the episodes before it can help people anywhere on their fertility journey.  

Today, we’re talking about taking the step to try IVF, and how you should be prepared for that.

Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the National Maternity Hospital, joined Andrea

The Oyekanmi family came to Ireland a number of years ago from Nigeria. Titilayo Oluwakemi Oyekanmi, and her three boys sought asylum here. But the family is to due face deportation tomorrow. Titilayo joined Andrea to discuss their campaign for the Justice Department to intervene in their case. Also joining Andrea was Finbarr O’Brien, De La Salle Rugby Club, where Titilayo's son has become involved in the club.

Statement from the Department of Justice

The Department cannot comment on individual cases.

The Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.

People can apply for international protection in Ireland if they have come to escape persecution in their own country or if they cannot return to their country because they have a well-founded fear for their safety.

Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law.

People who have been refused international protection and have exhausted the appeals avenues through the IPAT are entitled to submit a request to review their permission to remain where their circumstances have changed since their initial application. If successful, they will be granted permission to remain in Ireland. If the permission to remain review is refused the persons will have the option of voluntary return, which if not accepted will in the normal course lead to the making of a deportation order.

If a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State they must do so. Their case to remain in the State has been considered in detail and the appeals processes have been concluded. Before a deportation order is made the person is offered assistance to return home voluntarily. This is the preferred option and the Department runs a  voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to a deportation order issuing.

An Irishman who travelled to America in the late 18th century has been honoured in Cork with a plaque for coining the term ‘United States of America’. Joining me now with the story is Michelle O’Mahony, a historian based in Cork...

Image: National Museum of Ireland

Has your train line been closed for a few months?  

Or maybe there’s a new one due to open near you and you’re wondering when?

Joining Andrea to answer all your rail-related questions was Barry Kenny of Irish Rail.

Over the past week and a half, we’ve been hearing from parents of children with disabilities who are living with constant fear, anxiety, and deep frustration at the lack of support for their children when their parents are no longer here. Their stories have been powerful, and the emotional toll on families is impossible to ignore.

Joining Andrea was another parent whose son has managed to secure accommodation. Mary O’Donnell she told Andrea about her experience on trying to get care for son.