The Pat Kenny Show

Justice Minister Simon Harris will today seek cabinet approval to increase sentences for assaults on gardaí and other emergency service workers. To get some reaction to this Pat was joined this morning by David Hall CEO of Lifeline ambulance service and also Tony Gallagher Former Garda Inspector and Risk security and Event Manager with Ashtree Risk Group.

Damien McCarthy Founder and CEO of HR Buddy is our expert this week to discuss parental leave.

Cash or plastic what are the rules for paying your bill? also, we ask if businesses should be allowed to refuse cash in favour of card-only transactions. To discuss with Pat this morning was Vincent Jennings CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, Adrian Cummins, and Seán Nolan of ClarkHill Solicitors in Dublin. Our reporter Elaine Smith asked people in Cork what their view was.

One in five adults is not recycling unused tech items over personal data concerns. Speaking about these findings from Weee Ireland their CEO Leo Donovan.

How the people migrating here adapt to our culture while keeping their own. Our reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking to various people and sent us this report.

Will new Alcohol labelling laws reduce the amount Ireland consumes? To discuss further we heard from Paul Byrne Owner and Director of Body Byrne Fitness and also Michael Guerin Addiction Councilor based in Limerick city.

The boss of Dublin’s Convention Centre has written to the city council's Chief Executive asking for ‘traffic management’ measures. Is there any solution to traffic congestion along the quays? To discuss further Pat spoke to Brian Caulfield, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin. 

Why the EU plans for rewetting agricultural land in Ireland, are meeting stiff opposition from Fianna Fáil. To look into this further Pat spoke to Malcolm Noonan Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform, Green Party T.D. for Carlow Kilkenny, and also Billy Kelleher Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South.

We get the latest on the tragedies that occurred in Mayo and Donegal over the weekend. Speaking to Pat this morning was Oisin McGovern – Reporter with The Mayo News and also Damien Dowds Editor of the Inishowen independent, Buncranna.

We take a look back on the stories of the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Pat on the panel this morning was Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dun Laoghaire, Jim O’ Callaghan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay South and Louise O’ Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal.

Now as the summer approaches and the weather improves more people are heading to the water." # The RNLI has 46 lifeboat stations across the country and is appealing to people to be aware of their water safety. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie, went along to meet some of the crew of Clogherhead RNLI in Co Louth.

We get the latest from the elections in Spain with Graham Keeley Independent Correspondent based in Spain.

BBQ time is here and what better than an Irish lamb burger with cucumber tzatziki.

Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch is understood to have left Ireland for Spain after secretly jetting out of Dublin Airport on Monday. This comes following his acquittal in the regency hotel murder case last month. With more on this Pat, spoke to the Crime Editor of The Irish Sun, Stephen Breen.

Japan’s Prime Minister will push for a pledge against the use of nuclear weapons at this weekend’s G7. We hear from Naomi O'Leary Irish Times Europe Correspondent.

Ryanair calls on European Commission to keep skies open despite ongoing air traffic controller strikes in France. For more on this Pat spoke to Kevin Byrne Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Airport and Safety Auditor.

We hear about the ongoing initiative to reverse the state’s GP brain-drain with Dr Diarmuid Quinlan Medical Director of the ICGP Practicing GP IN Glanmire, County Cork.

We preview a busy weekend of sport with Katie Taylor coming home and It’s Munster vs Stormers in the URC final. Kathleen McNamee previews a great weekend of sport. .

HR expert Louisa Meehan will tell us about survivor grief, experienced those who remain in their jobs after widespread layoffs.

The Boxing World Champion who inspired Katie Taylor Deirdre Gogarty joined Pat in the studio today.

30,000 Ukrainians may be granted residency in Ireland. How will it work and what will the implications be? We’ll find out with Hugh O'Connell Deputy Political Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent and also Luba Healy from Ukraine who has been living in Ireland for a number of years.

We look at Ronnie O’ Sullivan’s take on how sports stars manage the end of their careers and the lessons he has learned from the sport. Ronnie spoke candidly about snooker being 'like his church' and he fears the day when he'll have to stop playing with Off The Ball Shane Hannon.

Sorting the guest list can be the biggest stress of planning a wedding. We get guest list etiquette expert advice from Sara Kennedy Wedding expert with The Irish Wedding Blog.

Northern Ireland goes to the polls today, who will come out on top? We hear from Alison Morris Columnist with the Belfast Telegraph.

You’ve goat to be kidding- Howth Head’s newest arrivals need names. For more on this Pat spoke to