Friday Forum reviews the news stories of the week. Joining Pat this morning was  Regina Doherty MEP, Dublin, Fine Gael, Richard Boyd-Barrett TD, Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit and Harry McGee, Political Correspondent, The Irish Times.

Gareth brings us some slow cooker style recipes to try in January. Really healthy, not too expensive, freeze well so perfect for batch cooking, nourishing and packed with flavour.  

Garda figures show that more than 25,000 bicycles have been reported stolen across Ireland since 2019. However, campaigners estimate that up to three-quarters of victims never report their bikes as stolen. So, a question remains what needs to be done to keep bikes safe and keep your wheels moving?

All to discuss with Una Morrisson, Spokesperson for Dublin Cycling Campaign.

Ireland’s first purpose built senior living community has opened its doors to new residents. The Heritage Village is based on an Australian model, with a community hub that provides a range of supports from medical care to home maintenance.   

When finished it will have 160 homes, purpose built for over 55s with many still working. Supported living could help people downsize and help with the housing crisis. And keep the elderly out of nursing homes.  

 Henry McKean toured the Heritage Village at Killenard, County Laois and sent this report.  

‘No matter how slow your pace is, you are still a runner’ is the message of Celina Stephenson, Content Creator, founder of Runner’s High Dublin and London and General Manager of Wicklow Way Wines. Celina chatted to Pat this morning.

The FA cup, the rugby Champion’s Cup and the upcoming GAA fixtures. Shane Hannon from Off The Ball previews the weekend of sport.

Despite Ireland deciding to vote against the Mercosur trade agreement, a majority of European countries are expected to approve the agreement today. But will that mean more Brazilian beef in Ireland? All to discuss with Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent, EuroNews and Barry Kerrigan, Managing Director, Kerrigan Butchers.

As Donald Trump’s foreign policy manoeuvres shift from Venezuela to Greenland, much of his rhetoric has caused deep alarm within Europe and beyond. The Trump Administration has made it clear that they intend to acquire the Arctic territory one way or another. However, is the commentary around all this missing some historical context?

Newstalk reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating.

A young scientist project has found a glaring gender disparity within math's based school subjects. Three first year students from Kinsale Community School found that from fifth class, girls lose confidence in their ability, thus making them less likely to study the discipline.

Joining Pat to discuss their project which is part of The Young Scientist Exhibition was Cushla O'Reilly, Elise O'Sullivan and Caoimhe Ni Charrigan alongside Eoghan O'Leary, teacher at Kinsale Community School and Head of Math's at the Tuition Centre.

Father and 12-year-old son named after suspected murder-suicide in west Dublin. Father and son named locally as Wayne O’Reilly and his son Oisin. Barry White, Chief News reporter Newstalk spoke to locals on their reaction to this tragedy.