Between The Lines With Andrea Gilligan

A landmark UN intergovernmental analysis has outlined an“unprecedented” rate of decline in global biodiversity. The report illustrates alarming implications for human health, prosperity and long-term survival. Andrea is joined in studio by a panel of experts to discuss the report, its implications for us here in Ireland, and what we can do to safeguard biodiversity both on land and in our waters. On the panel: -Jane Stout, Professor of Botany at Trinity College Dublin -Pádraic Fogarty, Campaign Officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust -And Yvonne Buckley, Professor of Zoology at Trinity College Dublin & Chair of the National Biodiversity Forum

The government is considering making vaccines for children mandatory. Health Minister Simon Harris wrote to the Attorney General last week seeking legal advice on the issue. A combination of a growing anti-vaccination movement and a sharp rise in the number of cases of measles has led to the considered changes. But what are mandatory vaccines the way to go? Joining Andrea Gilligan to discuss the issue is: Ciara Kelly, GP & presenter of Newstalk's Lunchtime Live David Kenny, Assistant Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin Dr. Kevin Kelleher, Director of the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre

Andrea is joined in studio by a panel of experts to take a look at the future of local media in Ireland and public service broadcasting. On the panel: Garrett Harte, Managing Director of communications consultancy company Harte Media Denis Naughten, Independent TD & former Minister for Communications Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil TD & communications spokesperson for the party

Looking for a mortgage this year? First-time buyer or trading up? Not sure what your options are? Well, look no further! In this week's Between the Lines, Andrea Gilligan was joined by a panel of experts to analyse the current mortgage market, and give some expert advice on how to go about applying and securing a home loan. On the panel: Frank Conway, Financial Advisor and Founder of MoneyWhizz Karl Deeter, Irish Mortgage Brokers Jill Kerby, Personal Finance Journalist with the Sunday Business Post

Andrea Gilligan was joined by a panel of experts to discuss the rental market in Ireland in 2019. She asked what can be done to try and reduce rents, and how to make more properties available for tenants. On the panel: Margaret McCormick, Information Officer with the Irish Property Owners’ Association John-Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold Tom Dunne, Head of the School of Surveying and Construction Management at TU Dublin

This week Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg travelled to Dublin to meet with TDs to discuss issues such as the spread of misinformation, child protection and future government policies. But when it comes to the regulation of social media giants, such as Facebook, are they publishers or just a public square? Joining Andrea Gilligan in studio to discuss was: Brian O'Neill, Director of Research at TU Dublin Hildegarde Naughton, Fine Gael Senator and Chair of Oireachtas Communications Committee Adrian Weckler, Technology editor at the Irish & Sunday Independent

Last week it was announced that Kiddies Kingdom, a childrens' soft play area in Carlow, is to close its doors due to rising insurance costs. The owner has blamed 'exaggerated and fraudulent claims' as the reason behind her rising premiums. So is so called 'compo culture' leading to the closure of many small businesses in Ireland? Andrea Gilligan was joined by a panel of experts to discuss. On the panel: Stuart Gilhooly, solicitor and former President of the Law Society Peter Boland, Director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform Declan Jackson, Director of Government Affairs at Insurance Ireland

Ahead of the Local and European Elections in May, Andrea Gilligan was joined by a panel of experts to look at the role of local Government in Ireland. She asked if councillors should be given more powers and responsibilities, and higher wages. On the panel: Dr. Eoin O'Malley, Director of the Masters in Public Policy in the School of Law and Government at DCU Grace Tallon, Labour Councillor for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and co founder of '& Co.' Bobby O’Connell, Kerry Councillor and General Secretary of LAMA

Andrea Gilligan was joined in studio by Professor Colin O'Gara, Head of addiction services at St. John of God Hospital, and Mark Smyth, Clinical Psychologist & President Elect of the Psychological Society of Ireland. They were focusing on the activities young adults and discussing whether gaming is an actual addiction or just a time consuming hobby. Also joining Andrea was Cliona Curley, Programme Director of CyberSafeIreland. She has some helpful tips for parents who are worried about their children's gaming.

To mark International Women's Day, Andrea Gilligan was joined in studio by a panel of experts to discuss femicide and how to deal with instances of domestic abuse. In studio was Gillian Dennehy Services Manager with Women’s Aid, barrister Katie Dawson and Lisa Marmion Services Development Manager at Safe Ireland. And remember if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this programme you can contact the Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900.