Highlights From Lunchtime Live

New research carried out for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has shown that almost three-quarters of people in Ireland believe the country’s wealth is unfairly distributed.It comes as almost half of respondents said they were concerned they would not be able to pay their bills over the year ahead.The findings have now put added pressure on the Government to incorporate energy credits in next month’s Budget as a way to tackle these concerns.So, do you think these energy credits should be included in the 2026 budget?Joining Andrea to discuss is Irish Times Consumer Journalist, Conor Pope, Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association and listeners.

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

A UK study has suggested that the wordier your apology, the more effective it is.The British Journal of Psychology has said that if you want to truly convince people that you are sorry, then longer words make you sound more sincere.Do you agree?Joining Andrea to discuss is Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin and Mary McCarthy, Irish Independent Columnist.

There's been a noticeable rise in the number of Irish adults without any retirement plan in place. Recent research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) shows that one in four people are unprepared for retirement…So, what’s going on? Do people simply not care about their financial future? Or has the rising cost of living made it nearly impossible to put money aside?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Learner drivers who have not passed their driving test after seven years will be required to take additional driving lessons in order to go back on the road, according to new proposals by the Government.Is this fair?Joining Andrea to discuss is Minister of State for Transport & Independent TD for Galway East, Seán Canney, as well as listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Host of ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast Elaine Power join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Maintenance Phase’!

Later this month, Croke Park will be full of American Football fans as the Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers go head-to-head. This will be the first time that Croke Park has ever held an event of this caliber.With many people heading to the 80,000-seater stadium, fans will have a privilege that many GAA fans have not had before. They will be allowed to drink alcohol in their seats.The long-standing rule in Croke Park prevents fans from bringing alcohol into the stands. In this event, however, this rule will not apply.Should this change be a permanent one? Or should we keep alcohol out of the stands?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Psychic Medium Felicity McCann joins Andrea to answer any of your other-wordly questions!

There are no boring Irish people. That was the claim made by Alicia Silverstone whilst appearing on Rob Lowe’s podcast this week.Ireland’s known for its storytellers, wit, and charm, but is it all just a flattering myth? Or is there something in the culture that makes dullness rare? Is this claim ridiculous or true?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss!

We often talk about the struggles women go through when they become a mother, and rightfully so, they undergo huge physical and mental transformations when they become a mother.But, more often than not, new dads tend to struggle with their mental health and the new changes in their roles and responsibilities. Do they get enough support?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

A new incentive is encouraging tourists driving in the highlands to display T-plates. The green tourist plates will be rolled out in a bid to reduce the number of accidents on Scotland’s roads.It comes as many accidents occur due to people being inexperienced with driving on the left-hand side of the road.Is this initiative something Ireland should do too?Andrea is joined by Minister of State & Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy Rae, Brenda Bolger from the School of Motoring in Kilkenny and listeners to discuss.

From the best burgers to new weddings, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

There have been over 1,400 verified incidents on airlines where alcohol was involved, according to the Irish Aviation Authority. That is three times more than what occurred in 2023. So, what is the solution? Should alcohol be banned on flights?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

When you want to add a bit of luxury to your home, how do you balance the budget, and avoid making things look gaudy?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about adding luxury!Joining Andrea to discuss is Arlene McIntrye, Creative Director of Ventura Design and Sarah Twigg Doyle, Interior Stylist & Design Colour Consultant.

An Post has unveiled a tribute stamp to Irish boy band Westlife, but left out founder member Brian McFadden.The stamp celebrates 25 years of the band, but was it right to leave Brian out?Joining Andrea to discuss is Broadcaster & Westlife fan Clare Ronan, Ronan McGreevey, Irish Times Journalist and Historian and Newstalk’s own Laura Hannon.

Irish grandmother Donna Hughes-Brown, a resident of Missouri who is married to a US Navy veteran, is being held in isolation in a detention centre in Kentucky operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.She was detained following a July visit to Ireland, when they attended a funeral and visited family in Cork and Drogheda.Her husband Jim Brown joins Andrea to discuss what is happening.

RTÉ is considering withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation.Do you support this decision? Should Ireland not take part if Israel is involved?Joining Andrea to discuss is Chair of the Irish Campaign to Boycott Eurovision Zoe Lawlor, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club Frank Dermody, Newstalk’s Henry McKean and more.

Emmy Nolan is a young Carlow actress who everyone is talking about. The 10-year-old plays a pivotal role in the new Warner Bros movie, ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’.Andrea is joined by Emmy and her mum Shauna Ray Lacey to discuss what it was like to be in the film.

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 Hozier’s first album: ‘Hozier’!

US Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University yesterday. Video footage circulating across various social media platforms shows the 31-year-old father of two being shot in the chest when on stage.Known for his combative college campus appearances, the footage shows the moment the gunshot was fired, and you can see Kirk bleeding profusely.How are these videos allowed to be uploaded to social media sites like TikTok and X, and why are they still circulating hours after the incident occurred?Andrea is joined by Ronan Lupton, Barrister and Senior Council, Stephen O'Leary, Founder of Online News Media and Social Media Monitoring and Analysis company Olytico and listeners.