The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 5, 2025 • 6min
Motorways the safest and the most dangerous roads
Conor Faughnan, a transport consultant and host of the Life Driving podcast, delves into the paradox of motorway safety. He reveals that, despite their statistical safety, dangers lurk, especially in bad weather and on the hard shoulder, which he deems the most perilous area. Conor discusses the superior design of Irish motorways compared to European counterparts and highlights how high speeds can exacerbate crashes. He also critiques past policies that hindered road projects and emphasizes the need for sound engineering in ensuring safety.
Nov 5, 2025 • 4min
Green Scene: The health benefits of outdoor schools
Dr. Ruth Freeman, Director of Research at Science for Society Ireland, shares fascinating insights on the intersection of ecology and health. She reveals how female stink bugs coat their eggs with fungus for protection against parasites. Transitioning to outdoor education, Dr. Freeman highlights a Finnish study showing that outdoor nurseries enhance children's immune systems and physical fitness. The benefits of nature exposure include reduced allergies and improved lung capacity, making a strong case for integrating more outdoor play in childhood education.
Nov 5, 2025 • 17min
Our housing crisis is likely to persist for at least another 15 years
Lorcan Sirr, a senior lecturer in housing at TU Dublin, and Karl Deeter from Irish Mortgage Brokers share their insights on Ireland's long-standing housing crisis. They discuss how the Department of Finance estimates the crisis could last another 15 years, driven by insufficient supply and affordability issues. Lorcan challenges the effectiveness of current policies, while Karl advocates for rapid housing supply increases and innovative construction methods. Both emphasize the need for a shift in investment strategies and planning reforms to address the systemic issues.
Nov 5, 2025 • 17min
Colm O'Regan on his new book 'Gallivanting With Words’
Colm O'Regan, an author, comedian, and broadcaster, explores the quirks of Hiberno-English in his new book. He dives into the fascinating origins of phrases like 'he's a gas,' and how terms like 'lads' are becoming gender-neutral. Colm highlights the playful creativity behind Irish euphemisms for drinking and discusses local slang that often puzzles outsiders. He urges the preservation of unique regional expressions while celebrating Irish words making their way into the Oxford English Dictionary.
Nov 5, 2025 • 9min
Coast Guard pilots say conditions have worsened since the Rescue 116 tragedy
Conor D. McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD from Waterford and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, shares urgent concerns about Coast Guard pilots' working conditions. He highlights issues regarding fatigue from 24-hour shifts and new operator rules limiting rest time. McGuinness discusses regulatory complexities and alleges miscounting of working hours. He stresses that proper rest standards are crucial for safety, not just crew availability, pointing to significant implications for scheduling and crew numbers.
Nov 5, 2025 • 9min
Fire safety concerns raised at more than 50 asylum centres
Ellen Coyne, a Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, dives into alarming fire safety issues across over 50 asylum centres. She reveals shocking delays in evacuation drills and highlights frequent safety oversights in converted hotels. Overcrowding and makeshift kitchens add to the hazards, as do overloaded electrical sockets. Coyne discusses potential policy responses, while shedding light on the government's inspection processes and contract cancellations. Her insights bring urgent attention to the safety of vulnerable residents.
Nov 4, 2025 • 10min
What will November bring in terms of tech updates, shows and games?
November is typically marked by some nice new OS updates that add polish and a few minor features to the big release of the year, along with new shows and games on Apple’s services.Occasionally, we’ll get some hardware release in November as well. This year is shaping up to follow the expected pattern. Newstalk Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly tell us what might be coming this month from Apple.All with thanks for Renault.
Nov 4, 2025 • 9min
The special therapy for women with perinatal mental health difficulties
Up to one in five women will experience a mental health problem in pregnancy or in the first year after birth. V-I-G or video intervention guidance is a special therapy for women with perinatal mental health difficulties. We hear about it with Dr Sabrina Coyle, Principal Specialist Psychologist in Perinatal mental health at the Coombe hospital, on the topic of perinatal mental health.
Nov 4, 2025 • 21min
‘Beneath The Stairs’ the case of Tina Satchell by Ralph Riegel
Richard Satchwell was found guilty of murdering his wife in May of this year after deliberately lying to Gardaí, investigators and journalists since the day she went missing. Ralph Riegel, who covered this case since the beginning and who is from Youghal in county Cork, the same town as Tina, has told the full story along with co-author Paul Byrne in their new book ‘Beneath The Stairs’. Ralph joined Pat in studio this morning.
Nov 4, 2025 • 17min
Who is Marwan Barghouti and why are so many calling for his release?
One of the names floated as a potential leader of a future Palestinian state is Marwan Barghouti . A 67 year old currently in Israeli jail following convictions including for murder and membership of a terrorist organisation. But who is Barghouti and why are so many calling for his release? Pat asked Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science.
