Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

Joining Pat for this week's Friday Forum was Erin McGreehan TD, Fianna Fáil, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Spokesperson on Research and Innovation. Also Cian O’Callaghan TD, Social Democrats, Deputy party leader, Spokesperson for Finance; Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor of the Irish Independent and Group Head of News at Mediahuis. 

At a time of year where most of us might be spending in the run up to the big day, it turns out that in the past number of years we have become more a nation of savers rather than spenders.  Since 2016, the savings rate has increased from about twelve and a half percent to thirteen point eight last year and is expected to be closer to fifteen percent this year. So what is behind this rise?

The Revenge Club is entertaining and sharp and occasionally dark. Based on a book and filmed in Ireland a nice 6 episodes on Paramount plus. John Fardy tells us more on this week's 'Boxed'.

Genital skin conditions are often overlooked. gynecologist and urologist waiting lists are long, misdiagnosis is common, and many people are just too embarrassed to seek treatment, even if the condition wasn’t sexually transmitted. All to discuss with Dr. Aisling Loy, Genito-Urinary Medicine Consultant.

For the festive season Luke O’Neill asks if some types of sugar healthier than others? And is dark chocolate better for you than milk chocolate? 

Sensitive information might have been taken after a ransomware cyber-attack in the Office of the Ombudsman. Systems have been taken offline while they investigate what’s described as a financially motivated attack. Pat spoke to Ombudsman Ger Deering.

Over the last 25 years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further. And some extraordinary people helped shape it all. From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years.Our listeners have picked your winner for best author which we will reveal along with Susan Walsh, Dubray Books and Meghann Scully, Podcaster and Author.

Greta Thunberg visits President Connolly in the Áras, continued fallout for Fianna Fáil. The EU to debate today over the use of frozen Russian assets, and an overwhelming majority decides there is to be no ban for fox hunting. All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent.

As is the now the case in the wake of any tragedy or atrocity, falsehoods on the Bondi Beach shooter were rife. But the sea of contradictory narratives betrays a complex mix of motivations and misunderstandings worth unpacking. Some of these false claims got massive traction. To discuss further with Pat was David Robert Grimes, Disinformation Expert, Author of The Irrational Ape.

Are you one of those people who still has to get the last “few bits” for Christmas and buy those last few presents?  Well with some advice on what to purchase is Jo Linehan, Climate Journalist.

Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatology joined Pat in studio to answer our listeners skin-related questions.

An estimated 10,000 farmers are expected to descend on Brussels today for one of the largest Europe-wide farmer protests this century. IFA President Francie Gorman has been travelling to Brussels with his son since the start of the week and gives us an update from outside Brussels.

We are counting down the Top 10 Alternative Christmas Movies the ones that sneak Christmas into the frame and still make December feel special. Joining Pat was Lisa Cannon Head of Studio at DMG Media.

On this week's Garden Stories with Diarmuid Gavin, we about how County Offaly’s Lough Boora Sculpture Park was transformed from a working bog to a place of art and reflection.

We now live in an era of dating apps, mixed signals, situationships, and the constant pressure to figure out who you are while also figuring out who you’re seeing. We discuss this morning what dating looks like for young people today.Pat spoke to our panel this morning, all in their twenties.  Dylan Hand, Newstalk Reporter , Ella Anderson, Newstalk Reporter and Katie Gallagher, Spin 1038 and Spin Southwest News Anchor.

As the nation prepares for warm fires, good food, and time with loved ones, 16,614 people across Ireland, including over 5,000 children, will spend the festive season in emergency accommodation. Sarah Madden reports on those without a place to call home this Christmas.  

Sculpted by Aimee is one of the country’s leading beauty brands. Starting with just two products, the business has grown enormously now selling well over one hundred products in hundreds of locations across Ireland and the UK. Sculpted founder and CEO Aimee Connolly

Imagine a future where the walls of your home don’t just hold up the roof they store electricity. Researchers at MIT have created a new type of concrete that acts as a battery, capable of powering everyday household needs. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland tells us more.All with thanks to Repak.

Nick Reiner could face the death penalty and the white house backs Susie Wiles after her Vanity Fair interview. Professor and Political Analyst at Clinton Institution, UCD Scott Lucas brings us the latest news stateside.

There has been much debate in recent years about the state of our country’s capital city, Dublin. With many city dwellers debating whether the day-to-day experience is diminishing in terms of safety and crime. We ask is Is Dublin city in decline? To discuss with Pat was Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor and Martin Harte, CEO of Temple Bar company & Spokesperson for Dubin Business Alliance.