Lunchtime Live

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, State Pathologist Linda Mulligan joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

We hear a lot about protein and why it’s good for you, but how much of it do we need to be eating? And why is it especially important as you get older?Laura Dowling, aka the Fabulous Pharmacist, is attempting to up her protein intake in a bid for a “better middle aged ass”, and joins Andrea along with Shelly Gray, Registered Dietician and Today FM Presenter to discuss.

The University of Galway is proposing to discontinue its general arts degree as part of a wider academic review, citing an international decline in demand as students increasingly favour courses with clearer routes to employment.Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies are among the programmes under consideration, with the university aiming to align its offerings more closely with evolving student demand and career pathways.Should these courses be scrapped, and do we need to reduce the length of college courses in general?Joining Andrea to discuss is Assistant Professor at DCU’s School of English, Ellen Howley, Guidance Counsellor and Irish Times Columnist, Brian Mooney, as well as listeners.

Yesterday, we heard about a school in Sligo where students are wearing their coats in the classroom due to lack of services to keep the children warm. Today, Andrea will be speaking to two parents from St Patrick's Primary School in Celbridge where the building presents a serious and immediate safety concern that extends well beyond routine maintenance issues…Áine and Melissa are parents of students there, and join to discuss.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.

New figures show that more than 300,000 homes are now in arrears on their electricity bills. What needs to be done to help people?Joining Andrea to discuss is Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times, as well as listeners.

Sometimes, it’s handy to have some tools at home and the basic knowhow to fix small things.This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss tools and answer your questions!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Founder and CEO of The DIY Academy Martin Glynn.

Would you like to see pets on the bus, Luas or train?The National Transport Authority has opened a public consultation, asking people to get involved and have their say on pets on public transport?So should everywhere be dog friendly? Or should your four-legged friends be left at home?Joining Andrea to discuss is Eanna Ni Lamha, Environmentalist and Wildlife Expert, Samantha Rawson dog trainer and behaviourist and pet lover Andrea Smith.

Many survivors of sexual assault did not remember consenting to the use of their counselling notes in court, a survey has found.The survey, carried out by survivor led charity Beyond Surviving, has received over 240 responses within 24 hours and found that many survivors did not recall giving informed consent for their notes to be accessed and used in courts.These findings come as amended legislation on the matter is due to come before the Oireachtas Committee.Founder Ciara Mangan and Solicitor Sarah Grace join Andrea to discuss.

Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, the only Gaelscoil in County Sligo, is in dire need of a new school building.The school currently has only one classroom in the main building, being left to rely on prefab units for the majority of their pupils.Although the school has been part of the ADAPT programme to be redeveloped since 2022, they are still waiting…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Liz Nic Searraigh, Principal of Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, and Olivia McFadden, parent of a Gaelscoil student and member of the Parent’s Association.