Lunchtime Live

With fuel prices rising due to the ongoing war, many people across Ireland are worried about managing their bills in the months ahead.The Government is considering support, including a double fuel allowance payment for vulnerable groups such as pensioners, and a possible extension of the fuel allowance season beyond April, though details are not yet confirmed…Would you accept Government subsidies to help with rising fuel costs, and how much support do you think is needed?Joining Andrea to discuss is Irish Times Consumer Journalist, Conor Pope, owner of Care-a-Lot Childcare Avril Sheehan, as well as listeners.

A social enterprise in Queensland, Australia has brought a virtual reality train journey experience to nursing homes. But how does it work?Joining Seán to discuss is Kim Turner, Co-Founder and Experience Designer of Olive Express…

NASA has given the go ahead for the Artemis II mission to the Moon to launch in April, but what exactly is the mission designed to achieve?Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Gallagher, Director of DIAS Dunsink Observatory in Dublin and former employee of NASA…Image: NASA

A bold new addition to this year’s Chelsea Flower Show is turning heads and raising eyebrows. Organisers have unveiled a sex-themed “pleasure garden” sponsored by a sexual wellness brand, aiming to challenge taboos and spark conversation through plants linked to love, lust, and romance. It’s part of a wider shake-up at the iconic event, which will also see the return of garden gnomes and even contributions from high-profile figures.Joining Seán to discuss is James Whiting, Plant Stylist and Designer of the Pleasure Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

It’s become a hallmark of the Trump presidency that visiting world leaders have to sit next to him while he answers questions in the Oval Office. Recently, Trump made a joke about Pearl Harbour in front of the Japanese Prime Minister…Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been gathering the most memorable mistakes both from politicians, and joins Seán to discuss.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Brian Breathnach, former member of the Garda Water Unit joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Today is Daffodil Day. You’ll see people out on the streets collecting money to raise vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society.Andrea decided it would be a good opportunity to be a bit proactive with her health and go and have her skin checked!

Many new fathers are only given two weeks of paternity leave once their baby is born. With the arrival of a new baby being a precious and challenging time, many fathers feel that two weeks off is not enough to help bond with their baby, as well as help their partner to navigate parenthood.Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and new dad Seán Defoe, content creator, mental health advocate and new dad Aidan Loughlin and Shane O’Connor from Lads to Dads.

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

Cork City Council have sparked debate over their new posters to try to encourage people to pick up after their dog.The controversial poster has the slogan ‘Get your shit together’ which has led to some people saying that it’ll only encourage children to curse.What do you think? Are shock tactics the way to go? Or is it a bad example to set our children?Joining Andrea to discuss is Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie, as well as listeners.