Lunchtime Live

Ask Me Anything: Claire Byrne

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Andrea was joined in the studio by her new colleague here at Newstalk, Claire Byrne.

Should Childrens authors be more mindful over use of upsetting language ?

Children’s book author, Julia Donaldson, is under fire for the language used in her book, The Highway Rat.   In it she writes ‘The highway rat grew horribly fat from eating up everyone’s dinner.’ This has been highlighted online by body image speaker Alex Light who says she won’t be reading that line to her son, even though she loves the author.   I want to know what you think. Should children’s authors be more mindful about the language they use? Should we be combing through our best-loved fairy tales to make sure they’re not insulting or insensitive? Or is that all a bit OTT? They are only stories after all.   Andrea was joiend by Children's book author, Benji Bennett, Entertainment journalist, Sarina Bellissimo, Katie Makk Host of The Opinions Matter Podcast, Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of Early Edition from the Irish times and Rebecca Horan, parenting podcaster and mother of 2.

Everything we need to know about Brad Pitt, reportedly living in South Dublin

Move over Matt Damon, there’s a new Hollywood mega star in town.... It’s been reported that 62-year-old Brad Pitt is in Dalkey in South County Dublin for the next two weeks to film scenes for his upcoming A24 production, The Riders.   We all remember the famous picture of Matt Damon there in 2020 with the Supervalu bag, will Brad be more of a Dunne's Store man? Joining Andrea to fill us all in was Kendra Becker – Editor Goss.ie [http://Goss.ie] and Katie Gallagher from Spin.

Is it time to scrap wedding presents ?

Blurb Many people plan their year around the number of weddings they have to go to. Whether your flying abroad to celebrate someone’s special day or you are going somewhere local, weddings can often come with lot of expenses. The likes of hotels, hair and makeup and an outfit for the big day can all add up.   With all of these costs, broadcaster, Roz Purcell has expressed that she is not a fan of wedding gifts from guests and feels that people going to a wedding is a gift in itself.   Do you agree with Roz? Should a person’s presence at your wedding be enough, or should you give a wedding gift to commemorate a couple's big day? We want to hear your thoughts.   To discuss, Andrea was joined by Freelance journalist Edaein O' Connell, Wedding planner, Lyndsey Moynagh aswell as well as listeners to give their opinion.

Woman paralysed while in care settles case in the High Court

Roisin Tansey was just three years old when she fell from the back of an armchair and injured her neck, an injury which has left her paralysed from the neck down. Last week, Roisin settled a High Court action against Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street for €4million over her care after the accident.  Roisin and her Solicitor David O’Connor from Callan Tansey solicitors  joined Andrea to reflect on her journey to justice