Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers and says it is willing to exchange them in a prisoner swap. On the front lines, Russia is making advances in eastern Ukraine. We get the latest on the war and life on the ground with Emmanuelle Chaze, who joinrf us live in studio.

After 3 months in a courtroom battle,  Gisele Pelicot’s Criminal Defence lawyer Stéphane Babonneau talks about how she is doing now that the trial is over. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of drugging  and raping his wife Gisèle as well as recruiting dozens of men to rape her over a decade. 

A new register of builders has been set up by Construction Industry Regulation Ireland to crackdown on cowboy builders and give home buyers more confidence in the industry. We discuss this incentive with Peter Finn (Pete The Builder) of MDS Construction. 

Friday Forum looks back on the news stories of the week! Joining Pat today was Emer Higgins TD, Fine Gael, Dublin Mid West, Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Gary Gannon TD, Social Democrats, Dublin Central. Also joining Pat in studio was Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at MediaHuis and Executive Editor of The Irish Independent.

There is concern for Northern Ireland tourism as the UK has introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all visitors from countries outside of Europe. Sorcha Eastwood MP joins us to discuss the impact.

The number of students caught cheating in 2024 State exams was more than double that of 2023 but  what’s behind the spike in cheating and what happens to those caught in the act? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden found out. 

Gareth Mullins brings us a fantastic flavour packed recipe that is comforting and easy on the pocket, dahl with Naan breads. 

Sinéad Burke, advocate and CEO will discuss growing up in Ireland with a disability, her business and the plans for 2025, tackling systemic issues that need to be addressed in relation to disability in Ireland and her new home.

From today, there will be a broadcasting ban for tv and radio on the advertising of alcohol. Dr Sheila Gilheany, Ceo of Alcohol Action Ireland joins as her organsiation welcomes the measure. Dr Sheila what exactly this measure means, and the positive impact it hopes to have.   

Colm Boohig of Off the Ball discusses the weekend sport as the Champions Cup is back. Leinster will travel to France for a pivotal match against their rivals la Rochelle. Connacht hosts Lyon, but without Mack Hansen, as he has been banned for three games, over comments he made following Connacht's defeat to Leinster in the URC in December. 

Over 10,000 structures are likely to be destroyed and at least ten people have been killed as five wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles. We get the latest on this and more USA news with J.D. Capelouto, Lead Writer of Semafor’s Flagship Newsletter.

As the cold weather continues and people are advised to stay indoors, the hospitality industry says they have taken a hit with restaurants facing mass cancellations. To discuss further Pat was joined on the show by Adrian Cummins, CEO, Restaurants Association of Ireland.

With a spike of flu cases across the country, is it time to increase paid sick leave. But in a time where remote working has become the norm, should people just opt to work from home. We discuss with Brenda Power, Columnist for Sunday Times and Irish Daily Mail and also Dr Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy and Employment Affairs at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement that Meta is scrapping factchecking in the U.S. across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has drawn widespread criticism from lawmakers, experts, and human rights advocates. David Robert Grimes discusses the significant concerns about the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and harmful content globally.

Over the past few months, Ukraine have been making positive military gains in the Kursk region. Over the weekend, Ukrainian forces intensified their offensive in the region, gaining tactical advances in multiple sectors.  Ukrainian forces appear to have maintained the pressure.  While Ukraine earns military advances, the Russian economy is worsening because of high inflation and interest rates.  Patrick Bury joined Pat to discuss.

John Fardy reviews explosive Netflix show that documents controversial 90’s presenter Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action in this weeks 'Boxed'. 

Luke O’Neill, Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College discuss a break through in type 1 diabetes and also fascinating facts about the body's cell atlas.

Everything you need to know about investing. If you want to take the leap and invest your money. CEOof Fairstone Ireland Paul Merriman gives the best tips to start your investment journey.

Temperatures as low as -7.5C were recorded last night, with the coldest temperature recorded in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. A status orange warning was in effect for the entire country overnight, except Donegal. We get updates from our reporters across the country.

Apparently most resolutions die off on Jan 19th! So, what are the long-lasting, impactful environmental resolutions we can make (and stick to) this year? Editor of the Climate Supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland  Jo Linehan tells us.