The Pat Kenny Show

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. 

Ireland has just three specialised eating disorder beds for the entire country. Despite a plan in 2018 to open 20 more beds by 2023, there are still only three, all in St Vincent’s University Hospital. Patients are left having to seek treatment in general and general psychiatric hospitals with the HSE also purchasing capacity in the private sector and abroad. Last year the HSE spent over €8m on eating disorder services in Ireland, but spent almost €5m sending patients abroad. Cian Burns reports.

Farmers want to form tree-cutting groups to stop storm damage to electricity lines after Éowyn wreaked havoc. Pat discusses this idea further with Denis Drennan President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association.

Ireland continues its winning streak as they defeated Scotland in the 6 Nations over the weekend. The Kansas City Chiefs lost out the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. From Off The Ball Colm Boohig brings us the latest from the weekend sport. Also Nathan Murphy popped in with some big news from Off The Ball.

Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl yesterday, but ensured he himself could take centre stage before even arriving. Aboard Air Force One, he spoke to reporters about tariffs and his plans for Gaza, all as he declared yesterday Gulf of America Day. We get all the news stateside with Terry Sheridan.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel and airport safety and security expert Kevin Byrne brings us the the latest from the Washington air accident. We also discussed the handling of passengers of reduced mobility by airlines and airports.

France has set the bar high for itself as it prepares to gather global leaders on artificial intelligence at the AI Action Summit in Paris. For more on this we heard from Jack Power Europe Correspondent with the Irish Times.

Tonight is Eurosong on the Late Late Show, where six acts will compete to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel Switzerland.Henry McKean has been backstage, and joins Pat to share what he’s seen!

We take a look at the news stories of the week with Hildegarde Naughton TD, Fine Gael, Galway West, Minister of State for Disability, Padraig Mac Lochlainn TD, Sinn Féin, Donegal, Sinn Féin Chief Whip and Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times. 

Executive Chef of The Anantara Marker Hotel Gareth Mullins will be talking about bang bang chicken ciabatta with red cabbage slaw, spiced potato wedges.

The new Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has quite the volume of work across his desk as a first time cabinet minister. To take us through his priorities and aims is Jim O’Callaghan.

Ireland’s Rugby team head to Edinburgh this weekend for their Six Nations clash with Scotland this weekend. Colm Boohig looks ahead to that clash, the rest of the Six Nations and the weekend’s FA Cup and GAA Action.

US President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, accusing it of ‘baseless’ actions against its ally Israel. Pat discusses this move with Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University Paul Rodgers.

Surge in complications from botched lip-filler treatments strengthens call for regulations. Doctor says women don’t realise level of risk they are taking with ‘backstreet clinics’ . Pat discusses this further with Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatology.

Commuters across Dublin are facing with the rise of ‘ghost’ buses as a number of buses are not showing up. What is causing the huge number of buses not showing up? Pat discussed this further with Fiona Connelly, Labour Councillor for DCC.

We still don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s disease but around 1% of us will develop it and that’s only going to get worse with that number predicted to at least double by 2050. One important question is can we do anything to stave it off? A fascinating recent study says yes. Professor Luke O'Neill brings us the details.

Disney+ "Paradise" is set in a serene community inhabited by some of the world's most prominent individuals. But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high-stakes investigation unfolds. John Fardy tell us about the show in this week's 'Boxed'.

Primary school teachers are expected to get training over several years to teach foreign languages over the coming years. We discuss this with Primary School Principal and Host of the Podcast If I were the Minister for Education Simon Lewis.

Almost two thirds of doctors working in Ireland did not take sick leave for serious mental ill-health, with 19% fearing this may have led to missed or incorrect diagnosis, a “worrying” survey shows .Some 50% of doctors felt not taking sick leave may have meant delivering a lower standard of patient care.Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden has been looking into this and she joined Pat in studio this morning. 

One question that always seems to crop up among wishful sporting hopefuls is: what would be the easiest sport in which to become an elite athlete. Some believe darts might be the most straightforward. However, one could argue that resurrecting the archaic sport of ‘pedestrianism’ could provide the answer to this question. But how did this sport begin?  Cameron Hill from Off The Ball tells us all.

This morning David Robert Grimes looks at the Lucy Letby case again and misinformation in the Senate Confirmation hearings in this weeks disinformation slot. 

Dr Clodagh Campbell, Psychologist, Host of Unspoken podcast and The Wellness Psychologist on Instagram joined Pat on the show this morning. Dr Clodagh has just written a new book called The Steps’ which help you find your inner peace.

Yesterday the Dáil return to sit for the first time since Micheál Martin was elected as Taoiseach. Increased number of super junior ministers and the Occupied Territories Bill were just some of the big topics. Newstalk Political Correspondent Sean Defoe reviews the first day back for us.