The Pat Kenny Show

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss peace in Ukraine, without Ukraine present. So what next? Pat discusses this and more with Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University Paul Rogers and also former member of the Defence Forces Cathal Berry.

Killian Ginnity brings us a selection of AI news with last night’s launch of Grok 3, the New York Times embracing AI and South Korea taking action against DeepSeek.

A tourist tax for staying in Dublin is being considered by Dublin City Council in order to increase revenue. This accommodation levy which would be put on hotels and short term lettings is being opposed by those in the tourism industry. Talking to Pat this morning was Michael Magner, President of the Irish Hotels Federation  and Owner of Cork Vienna Woods Hotel.

Domestic EV chargers for rent to public under pilot project. This is among several actions announced aimed at accelerating move to greener transport. With more details on this Pat spoke to Ger Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent  

Developments this week on the Gaza ceasefire and negotiations. Hostage releases, negotiations in Cairo and Jordan and how will Egypt respond to Trump’s Middle East Riveria plan. All to discuss with Hussein Ibish Senior Resident Scholar at The Arab Gulf Institute in Washington Dc. 

Recent violence and public order incidents in the city centre has led to unease amongst some business owners, workers and residents who call Dublin home. Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock has been speaking to people about the crime in our capital and Jessica joined Pat in studio with some of their reaction.

What are the tips and tricks of painting your house? Whether its tiles or wood Gaff Goddess Laura de Barra provides all the tips and tricks for painting your house. 

The Tánaiste is set to propose non-lethal military support for Ukraine as Cabinet meets today. The issue of tax break for developers and negotiations for Section 39 workers will also be on the agenda for the Government. All to discuss with Newstalk's Political Correspondent Sean Defoe.

Patients may not be moved into the new children’s hospital until 2026 as moving is delayed over the winter period. It comes as there are reports that costs for the hospital are increasing once more. We get reaction from David Cullinane from Sinn Féin and Columnist, Host of The Irish Medical Lives Podcast and Retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine Dr Chris Luke.

Arthur Cummings, Consultant Eye Surgeon at the Wellington Clinic and Consultant Ophthalmologist at the beacon hospital is our expert today. As well as answering listeners' questions, Arthur speaks about the success of Ocumetra, an Irish data analytics company that helps to manage the symptoms of myopia, or short-sightedness.All with thanks to Hidden Hearing.

Henry Mc Kean was at the Royal Festival Hal in London for BAFTAs last night where there were a few surprises on the red carpet and in the winner's room. Henry joined Pat live from London.

London is the city with most air access out of Ireland, full of iconic sights, starry shows and offbeat attractions. Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor with the Irish Independent, is just back. Travel is with thanks to Ryanair.

European leaders gather in Paris for emergency summit on Ukraine. We discuss what this meeting will bring with John O’Brennan, Jean Monnet Professor Of European Integration at Maynooth University.

Paul O’Callaghan, Water Scientist, Filmmaker and Founder of Bluetech research joined Pat on the show today to chat about his new documentary which is showing at the forthcoming Dublin Film Festival.'Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey' explores the urgent global water crisis while showcasing solutions that bring hope, from sponge cities to drinkable rivers.

Fear among shop owners in Dublin city centre grow following the fatal stabbing of a man over the weekend. Pat discusses this concern with Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town and also Catherine Ardagh TD, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South Central.

Google Ireland will be removing reviews of schools online to combat the abuse teachers and schools face online. Pat takes a look at this move by Google with Rachel O’Connor Deputy Director of National Association Principals and Deputy Principals and also Nicola Byrne CEO Riskeye.

We look back on the stories of the week on our Friday Forum. Joining Pat in studio this morning was James Geoghan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South, Roderic O’Gorman TD, Leader, Green Party, Dublin West and also Alice Leahy, Director of Alice Leahy Trust.

Testimonies continue in the trial of the man accused of stabbing author Salman Rushdie on a West New York stage on 12 August 2022. Also six top prosecutors have resigned from the US Justice Department over the controversial order to drop the bribery case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.We get the latest on all this with Harriet Alexander, US Senior Features for The Times and The Sunday Times.

Chef Gareth Mullins brings us a perfect dish for Valentines weekend.

The prevalence of clothes banks is under the spotlight as local authories are been urged to clean up how they are operated. It comes as there are growing reports of people stealing from the donation bins. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been looking into this, and Josh joined Pat in studio.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will today meet with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference where a potential peace deal with Russia is expected to dominate. Donncha Ó Beacháin from DCU joins us.

Ireland has the lowest spend on defence as a proportion of its economic wealth out of 38 European states, according to a new study. Why does Ireland spends least on defence among 38 European nations? To discuss with Pat was Security and Defence Writer Declan Power.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe discusses the threats a Trump administration to the Irish economy and how the government will manage the instability to the Irish job market. 

Cabinet Ministers were left furious after the scrapped Arts Council IT project breached public spending and governance regulation. The issue comes just as Patrick O’Donovan heads up the office with one minister citing it as a “a massive waste of money”. Political Correspondent with the Irish Times Jack Horgan-Jones has more on the story.

Padraig Ó Tuama’s new anthology takes us through 44 poems on human connection. From the highs to the lows this collection covers all aspects of human connection. Padraig read a selection of poems this morning with Pat.

The 1983 Davis Cup tie between Ireland and the US John McEnroe played on the American team. Matt Doyle, who was the star of the Ireland team, passed away last week. Cameron Hill from Off The Ball tells us more.

A group of workers from Pennys won €250,000 in a syndicate lotto group. This was their first major victory after 10 years. Pat spoke to one of the winners Meghan Hynes.

This week David discusses a BBC investigation finds that AI's fabricate detail of current events, and are unreliable for reporting. And yet, they're being used everywhere. Also Apple Cider Vinegar and the Belle Gibson story: The Netflix docu-drama tells the story of Belle Gibson, a wellness influencer who faked cancer and was lauded by Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Apple before being exposed.

Editor of the Climate Supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland Jo Linehan tell us how to make your valentines day more sustainable.

Donald trump yesterday spoke with both Russian resident Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and said after that both leaders wanted to see peace. We discuss this further with Ukraine Correspondent RFI and France24 Emmanuelle Chaze.

Teaser acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting over 9% of the global population, including people of all ages and skin types. Today we are shedding light on the causes, treatments, and ways to prevent acne with Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatology Professor Niki Ralph. 

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern joined Pat this morning to discuss how it impacted the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Ireland.

What are the rules with regard to older drivers on road and how they can stay safe? All to discuss with Conor Faughnan motoring consultant.

Ellen Wilmot was an English horticulturist and influential member of the Royal Horticultural Society, and a recipient of the first Victoria Medal of Honour, awarded to British horticulturists living in the UK by the society. 

Lisa Cannon brings us movie picks for this Valentine weekend.

Shortage of Secondary School places. We take a look at the Nationwide difficulty of getting first choice secondary school places for students and parents and hear what can be done to fix this issue.Joining Pat this morning to discuss this ongoing issue was Carl O Brien, Education Editor of The Irish Times, Independent Councillor William O’Leary. Also joining Pat was Louise Fitzpatrick, Educate D8 which is a group group of parents advocating for equal access to secondary education for all children living in Dublin 8 and Kieran Christie, general secretary ASTI.

During the run up to the 2024 presidential election, critics of Donald Trump alleged that his second presidency would be inspired by Project 2025, a collection of policies developed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington DC. Trump has publicly sought to distance himself from it all, but how much of Trump’s activity since entering office is actually reflected in its proposals? Reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating.

Today on Green Scene, we hear about very large iceberg heading towards the penguin colonies of South Georgia and fungus-Infected 'Zombie' Spiders unique to Ireland. All up for discussion with the Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland Dr Ruth Freeman. All with thanks to Repak.

Government Ministers will visit almost 40 locations in St Patrick's Day plans. Is this a good idea? Pat discusses this with Richard Boyd Barett, People Before Profit TD for Dun Laoghaire and also Colm Burke FG TD for Cork North Central.

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly takes a look at the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone and answers listeners technology queries.

Tax breaks for investment in homebuilding are being considered by Government as a solution to the housing crisis, but will it be met with resistance? Pat discusses this with Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West and also Carol Tallon, Director of Property District and recent planning graduate.

A landmark inquiry into the 1998 Omagh Bombing continues in its third week. Families of the victims are recounting the impact of that day and the tragic loss of their loved ones. As the inquiry continues in Tyrone, there are a growing number of calls for the Irish government to carry out a similar inquiry. Pat spoke to Freelance journalist Amanda Ferguson.

New figures show close to 100 million euro in revenue has been generated from the Tom Clarke, or East link, toll bridge since Dublin city council took control of the River Liffey crossing in 2016. Motorists have been charged to use the route since it opened more than 40 years ago. Our reporter Emma Tyrrell has been asking whether the bridge will ever be free to cross.

Host of The Home Show and journalist with The Independent and Sunday Independent Sinead Ryan joined Pat this morning to chat about why your Valentine is going to cost you double the price as last year.

After Hamas yesterday said that it would postpone Saturday’s release of hostages until further notice. Donald Trump said that if all hostages were not released by noon on Saturday, Israel should suspend the ceasefire deal and, quote, “all hell is going to break out”. We get reaction to this with Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science  Fawaz Gerges.

Over one in four children have encountered harmful content online, but in a world where so much of life is online - we ask how can we keep children safe. Online Safety Commissioner, Niamh Hodnett, joins to discuss.

Solicitor with Noble Law Solicitors, Dundrum  John Costello is our expert today. John gives advice on making a will and dealing with probate.All with thanks to Hidden Hearing.

Ghost buses, those appearing on timetables but not showing up, have been the subject of much discussion in the past week. Go-Ahead Ireland puts this down to mechanic shortages but Dublin Bus says it is operating with increasing reliability. Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin Bus joined Pat this morning on the show to discuss.

Our resident psychotherapist Stephanie Regan on celebrating your friendships and the importance of consolidating the relationships we have.

As the people of Gaza try to rebuild their life following the ceasefire, the mental health epidemic is growing among survivors. With so many Palestinians dealing with issues of grief and displacement, Zahra Legris from Médecins Sans Frontières talks about her work working in mental health in Gaza.