The former head of the HSE has called for the relaxing of some of the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions in order to allow more businesses to open again.

Tony O'Brien has used hairdressers and barber shops as examples of businesses that can operate safely, even during the pandemic.

He said:

“I’d be concerned that with the second period of lockdown a number of those businesses which could be operated safely might not actually survive."

“I think on a nuanced basis, placing health and safety at the top of the agenda, where there are businesses that can demonstrate that they can work effectively, perhaps there could be some relaxation there.”

We asked listeners what they thought...

The life of a child of an alcoholic

This morning on Dublin Talks we wanted to talk about a subject that's not often discussed, the affect alcoholic parents can have on children.

In Ireland, it is estimated that 200,000 children are living every day in homes impacted by alcohol use.

A further 400,000 adult children live with that impact through their lives.

What should be done to protect children from alcohol abuse? Is it possible for someone with an alcohol dependency to still be able to raise a child properly?

Although this is a tough subject, a number of brave listeners joined us to share their stories.

Listen back now: 

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/04135923/201104-parental-alcohol-abuse.mp3"][/audio]

 

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

Update on the stolen bracelet

On Monday on Dublin Talks we spoke to a heartbroken woman who had her late baby son's bracelet stolen from her home.

Devastatingly, Grace's son Jordan passed away at just 6 weeks old. She's kept a memory box, including the bracelet, since.

Obviously it has huge sentimental value to her and she's hoping to get it back.

After Monday's show Boyne Jewellers in Drogheda reached out to us. They said although they know the sentimental value can never be replaced, they'd like to offer Grace a replacement piece of jewellery.

We spoke to them both on air today.

Listen back now: 

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/04133415/201104-grace-bracelet-update-with-boynes-jewellers.mp3"][/audio]

Listen back to Grace's appeal on Monday here:

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/02130413/201102-burgled-baby-bracelet-grace-russell.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

Your weird and wonderful sandwich fillings

Yesterday, to mark world sandwich day, we learned that the humble ham and cheese toastie is Ireland's favourite!

However, we wanted to know if you felt the same.

On this morning's Dublin Talks you shared your favourite (and sometimes weird) fillings.

One man shared how he loves ham, cheese, banana and brown sauce!

Listen back now: 

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/04125619/201104-irelands-favourite-sandwich-.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

 

The dangers of TikTok

This morning on Dublin Talks we spoke to a mother who want to warn other parents of the dangers of TikTok.

Lorin LaFave's son Breck was tragically murdered after being groomed online through gaming.

Lorin went on to found The Breck Foundation to raise awareness and warn other parents about the dangers online.

The increase in children spending time online this year, as predicted, has lead to a 45% increase in online child sexual abuse! It's more important than ever that we speak to children about grooming. Contact us via our website to book us at your school. https://t.co/DIG95wGBqY pic.twitter.com/RRzPFqMITE

— Breck Foundation (@thebreckfound) November 3, 2020

Speaking about TikTok, Lorin says the algorithm can expose children to harmful content. She believes all parents should be watching their children's usage very closely.

Hear more of Lorin and Breck's story here: 

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/03125922/201103-dangers-of-tiktok-and-online-grooming.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

Luas Protest

Yesterday evening a video circulated online of a group of anti-maskers taking part in a Luas protest.

In the video, the group are shouting and chanting, making many people on the tram uncomfortable.

Check out the footage:

Anti mask protestors on the Luas just now.

Hassling passengers who ask them to put on a mask, abusing women and shouting homophobic slurs

Led by Graham Casey and Alan Sweeney, regulars at far right hate feats.

Police monitored them from their demo, allowed free reign on Luas pic.twitter.com/IszxJ6XCOB

— Mark Malone (@soundmigration) November 2, 2020

On this morning's Dublin Talks we asked you should more be done to stop these groups?

Many listeners found this behavior disgusting. However, we also heard from some people who agreed with them.

One particular woman took to screaming at Adrian live on air!

Listen back now: 

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/03124326/201103-anti-maskers-on-the-luas-.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

Stolen Bracelet

On this morning's Dublin Talks we spoke to Grace Russell. Grace is desperately trying to find a very sentimental stolen bracelet.

Grace returned home two weeks ago to find her house had been burgled.

Although the burglary itself is tragic, devastatingly a very sentimental item was taken from her home.

Grace's baby boy Jordan tragically passed away with at just 6 weeks old due to sudden infant death syndrome. Since then, she's kept a box full of memories of him which she treasures.

The nasty thugs found this box and took a small gold bracelet that belonged to Jordan. It's of huge importance to her.

Speaking to Adrian on Dublin Talks today, Grace begged those responsible to just return the bracelet.

Anyone with any information can contact her on Facebook.

Listen back now: 

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/02130413/201102-burgled-baby-bracelet-grace-russell.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

A story about you that no one believes

We all have them, that one story you take pride in telling about yourself but everyone else questions if it's true.

On this morning's Dublin Talks we asked you to share yours.

For example, Adrian once gave a cigarette to Rick Astley back stage at Top Of The Pops.

You shared some hilarious stories with us!

One woman shared how for years she thought the man in the photo on top of their TV was her father. It was only years later when she saw the man in a movie she realised that he wasn't!

Turns out he's a very famous actor!

Listen back now:

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/02131727/201102-a-story-about-you-that-no-one-believes-.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

 

When are you putting up your Christmas tree?

With the year that's in it, many people have been tempted to put their Christmas tree up early for a bit of joy.

With Halloween season just over, a trend started over the weekend of people taking down their spooky decorations and immediately replacing them with Christmas ones!

Although most years we would hate this, we can see why people are doing it this year!

On this morning's Dublin Talks we spoke to listeners who already had theirs up.

One man spoke to us as he was in middle of decoration his!

However, even some of the season's fans thought it was much too early and would spoil the fun.

Listen back to the conversation now:

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/11/02124952/201102-putting-up-your-christmas-tree-early-.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.

Travel home for Christmas

This morning on the show we received a message from a Dublin guy who lives and works in London. He is debating whether or not to travel home for Christmas.

His parents are also elderly.

He has been called selfish by some people for wanting to come home. However, his parents have told them that they are happy with him coming home once he isolates and stays safe

We asked your thoughts on the situation. Many people who are currently living abroad got in touch including people from Australia, Poland, Boston and Switzerland.

Some are not travelling home to protect themselves and their loved ones. However, we spoke to one woman who is worried she won't see her mother before it's too late.

One man who spoke to us got quite emotional at the idea of not being able to see his 6 year old daughter. She lives in France and he doesn't know if he'll be able to fly over for Christmas.

Listen back now: 

[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/10/29122740/2010289-flying-home-for-Christmas.mp3"][/audio]

TUNE IN TO DUBLIN TALKS LIVE EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING FROM 10AM, ONLY ON 98FM

Check out all of our podcasts here.