The Pat Kenny Show

Daft, broken process for the ‘surrender’ of driving licenses. There are about 11,000 cases per year where a driver is disqualified. That can be for reaching 12 penalty points, or for getting a disqualification from a court. When disqualified, you are supposed to hand over the document itself within 14 days.We ask why was only one disqualified driver out of thousands penalised for the offence? All to discuss with Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator.

US shut down, Tony Blair in Gaza peace deal and what next for the Labour party. All to discuss with Alastair Campbell writer and mental health campaigner and host of The Rest is Politics Podcast.

Last night, the three candidates for the Presidency took to their first three-way debate on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show. We listen back to the highlights with analysis from Newstalk Political Correspondent and Host of the Let Me Explain Podcast Seán Defoe.

Meta boss says Irish parents should take charge of kids’ Instagram and Facebook usage more. Launching new teen accounts in Ireland, Meta’s Global Head of Safety, Antigone Davis, said that parents should step up to judge whether content their kids see is ‘free speech’ or ‘harmful’.We discuss further with Jess Kelly Newstalk's Technology Correspondent.

Only 13 men will begin their studies for the priesthood this autumn. The number is down from 21 last year and takes the total number of Seminarians for the country’s dioceses to 77. But just why is this number falling? Pat discusses this further with Fr Paddy Byrne, Parish priest of Abbeyleix, Co Laois. 

A new film, 'Re Creation' imagines the debate in the jury room following the trail of Ian Baily for the murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier. Joining Pat on the show was Jim Sheridan, Six Time Academy Nominated Director and also David Merriman, Award Winning Writer and Director.

Bali has become on the most popular holiday destinations in recent years. With a tropical climate all year around alongside lively beach clubs, relaxing yoga retreats and fresh acai bowls. We ask Is Bali the tropical paradise that social media portrays it to be? All to discuss with Ruby Borg, Social Media Editor at Lifestyle with The Telegraph.

A US peace plan for Gaza has been welcomed by European and Middle eastern leaders. President Donald Trump has warned Hamas to accept it.   Pat discusses this and more with Duncan Bullivant, Special Advisor to the Head of the Bosnia peace keeping mission and Ceo of the Henderson group, an international risk management advisory.  

We take look at new figures contained in 2024 ‘Local Authority Performance Indicator Report’ from National Oversight and Audit Commission. The findings all to discuss with  Michael McCarthy, Chair of the National Oversight and Audit Commission.

In recent years sexually transmitted diseases are trending downward across the board. However herpes is the one that remains high despite increased testing. Genitourinary Medicine Consultant. Dr Aising Loy also discusses a new strategy to reduce STIs with a drug called doxy-pep and how it works.

Today is World Heart Day and Consultant Cardiologist from the Beacon Hospital, Dr David Burke, answers your heart questions as well as bringing us up to date on all the latest wearable health tech.

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean was in Offaly to bring us all the reaction as Shane Lowry holes the decisive putt which saw Europe win the Ryder Cup.

As male social circles shrink, female partners say they have to meet more social and emotional needs. Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

What started as an empty shop window in Mullingar has now resulted in a thriving business with two locations, and hopefully another bestselling book, good together on the cards. Una Leonard is the successful owner of 2210 Patisserie, and her new book Good Together looks at recipes for the moments that matter. Una Leonard, Author and owner of 2210 Patisserie, joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning. 

As Zelensky warns of a destructive arms race, just who has what when it comes to military equipment and people? Declan Power, Defence and Security Analyst, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

A leading oncologist has warned that public patients are being denied ­powerful new cancer drugs which could keep them alive for longer or in some cases, cure them, while these same drugs are available to people who have health insurance. The oncologist in question, Dr. Michael McCarthy, a cancer specialist in Galway University Hospital, who has long campaigned to end the inequity, is now among a number of senior specialists who are supporting a letter to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill proposing a co-funded early-access programme. Dr. Michael McCarthy, Consultant Oncologist at Galway University Hospital, joined Pat Kenny on the show.

Europe takes home yet another Ryder Cup win, and England come out on top in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. A look back on the weekend's sporting action with Colm Boohig.

Would you cycle across Dublin city if you were met with green lights all the way?  Well, cyclists in Copenhagen are about to get just that! A new initiative is set to be launched that will see synchronized traffic lights on key roads, allowing cyclists to travel at about 20km/h. But is this feasible in a city that has cars driving around?    Ajit Niranjan, European Environment Correspondent with The Guardian, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss the new initiative.

Apple is now calling for reforms to EU anti-monopoly legislation and claims they may stop shipping some of their products to the EU if no changes are made. The company is criticising Brussels’ tech regulations and argues that user experience is suffering as a result. Joining us to analyse and discuss this dispute was technology editor with the Irish Independent and the Sunday Independent, Adrian Weckler. 

A garda investigation is underway after the bodies of a man and a young child were found in a house on Saturday. Sarah Burns, News Reporter with The Irish Times, joined Pat with the latest on the garda investigation.

A look back on the news stories of the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Ciara Doherty was Séan Fleming, Fianna Fáil, Laois TD. Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure and NDP Delivery. Spokesperson on Infrastructure Delivery, Duncan Smith, Labour, Dublin Fingal East TD. Party Whip and Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence and Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times.

Gareth Mullins talks through classic New York cheesecake and the beloved apple crumble.

The number of women in the labor market has dramatically increased in the past few years with double the figures in recent times.  Despite the increase in women working, a new survey shows that 50% of women have turned down a career or business opportunity due to family responsibilities.We ask what are the biggest barriers facing women in business with Amy O'Sullivan, AOS Consulting and the National President of Network Ireland.

Dublin's city dwellers walk past it every day, workers orient themselves by it's geography, but how many of us in the Capital can actually say we've been in the Liffey, or even thought about jumping in for a quick dip? Well, a new Public Water Sports Centre hopes to turn the rivers lonely tide and get more Dubliners sailing, kayaking and watercycling than ever before.  Equipped with a lifejacket, Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports: 

Looking ahead now to a busy weekend in sport, the 45th Ryder Cup begins today, Team USA will be hosting Team Europe in Farmingdale, New York. England and Canada face off in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final set for Saturday, with New Zealand and France competing for Bronze. The Premiere League back again this weekend. A Dublin derby, and the NFL comes to Dublin. Colm Boohig from Off The Ball looks ahead to all the sport.With thanks to Visit Pennsylvania.

In a late night post, Donald Trump announced 100% tariffs pharmaceutical products. However, there was very little detail provided in his 62 word post. All to discuss with John O’Loughlin, Partner Responsible for Global Trade and Customs, PWC.

Head lice is one thing that most parents have to deal with at some point in time. As schools return, so does the regular check for nits and a letter from the school to say it’s spreading like wildfire. Natasha Lucas, from The Nit Cracker and specialist in tackling head lice in children tell us how you can treat headlice.

Over the past number of days but the rate of road deaths in Ireland almost equal to the number of deaths over the same period in 2024. Three people died in separate accidents on Irish roads over the weekend as well as one cyclist in Cork City. So with the high levels of road accidents, who is to share the blame and how much is put on cyclists?  All to discuss with Ciaran Cannon, President of Cycling Ireland and a former Fine Gael TD for Galway East.

With the budget for 2026 just around the corner, childcare costs are on the high agenda for the government this year. Minister for Children Norma Foley is expected to introduce a tax relief for parents this year to reduce costs but how will this impact providers?   All to discuss with Jack Horgan Jones, political correspondent with the Irish Times and also Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.

Tom Brady at Birmingham, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McIlhenney at Wrexham. When it comes to unusual owners of football clubs, there have been some really remarkable stories over the last few years. But while supporters and staff might get excited about the possibilities offered by those at the helm of their club, there is no shortage of cautionary tales about going head first into new ownership without due diligence. One of the most bizarre stories came at Notts County, as Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill can explain.All with thanks to Visit Pennsylvania.

John Fardy Presenter of Screentime takes a look at 'The House Of Guinness'. The news Netflix drama series which explores the legacy of the Guinness family and their iconic brewery.

Moldova heads to the polls this weekend in an election that could decide whether it moves closer to EU membership or Russia and Russia is peddling disinformation. David Robert Grimes looks at this and the disinformation around sex education in the new primary school curriculum.

We often hear about the sale of drugs on the dark web, but what if it's actually just as easy to order drugs, as it is to order a pizza to your door? A rise in demand for instant access to drugs has led to the development of apps, and the use of apps already in existence, to buy and sell illegal substances. Our reporter Emily Keegan investigates the growing use of apps and drone deliveries for such a service.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin heads to Canada today to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney following his attendance at the UN General Assembly. Joining us to discuss the visit was our own Political Correspondent Sean Defoe who is in Canada. 

There is no evidence that taking paracetamol causes autism. The painkiller acetaminophen or paracetamol is one of the most widely taken drugs during pregnancy, used by roughly half of all pregnant people worldwide.  Professor Luke O’ Neill debunks the dangerous and unsafe myths said by Donald Trump.

Miriam Hussey helps us unlock our ‘inner pharmacy’ as we discuss her new book, ‘Light Up’.

Sustainability journalist  Jo Linehan, take a look at sustainability of tv and film industry.

As budget day looms closer, the Taoiseach has announced that second homes will not fall under the first-time buyers' scheme.   However, housing is still expected to big a big part of the budget as a tax break for developers is set to be on the cards. But will this help the government reach their housing targets as wages in the construction industry continue to rise?  All to discuss with Karl Deeter from Irish Mortgage Brokers.

We discuss how Nearly 8 in 10 employers are now using AI in recruiting. Ivan discussed this further with Managing Director of Futurewise and and is an expert on future trends and a much sought-after speaker and adviser on the future of work.

Professor Niki Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatologists joined Ivan in studio to discuss skincare awareness month.

Today marks the first full day in campaigning for the Presidential election with all three candidates taking to the campaign trail across the country. Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor, Irish Independent brings us the latest on the campaign.

The Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital and remains one of Dublin’s greatest assets, a place of pasture, woodland, monuments and institutions.  Diarmuid Gavin, award winning garden designer  tell us about its' history.   

If you’re a political junkie, and you want to take your hobby on holiday, what are the great political sites you can actually visit? Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor, Irish Independent brings us all the details.All with thanks to Ryanair.

Singer songwriter Gavin James joined Ivan in studio to chat about his new album 'Goldrush.

Yesterday, Donald Trump delivered his address to the United Nations assembly leaving world leaders aghast at some of his remarks.  Trump criticized European countries' migration and climate policies, during a scathing speech to the United Nations that also took aim at the body itself. We speak to Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent and Host of the Let Me Explain Podcast on his address and the reaction after.

Two detectives, a murderer and seven deadly sins. The 1995 film ‘Seven’ is a dark thriller featuring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Gwyneth Paltrow that will keep you on your toes.  Lisa Cannon, TV Host and Head of Studio at DMG Media joins me in studio now to tell us more about the darkness, the deals and the actors. 

Traitors Ireland finished up last night after infighting, lying and tears but who came out on top and why was this the most successful programme on RTE since Strumpet City? Henry McKean stayed up last night at a watch party and met the winners.

Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip continues as hospitals in the territory buckle under the pressure of the number of casualties. For the latest on the situation there we heard from Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent, The Economist.

Scientists have established a link between exposure to air pollution and increased risk of developing Lewy body dementia. Also volcanic eruptions could become more frequent and more severe as climate change accelerates melting glaciers. All up for discussion with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland on this week's Green Scene.All with thanks to Repak.

Nominations for the Presidential Election close at 12 noon today. Three candidates are confirmed for the ballot paper with Maria Steen two short for a nomination. Ivan was joined in the studio by our panel to discuss these closing stages. In studio was John Lee, Executive Editor, Irish Daily Mail, Sinéad O’Carroll, Editor, The Journal  and Dr Tom Hickey, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law, School of Law and Government, DCU.